Last updated: August 8, 2025 (JST)

Privacy Policy Overview

Tokyo FYI (“we”, “our”, or “this site”) establishes this Privacy Policy regarding the handling of personal information in connection with the services provided on this website (“the Service”). This Policy is designed to be clear, specific, and consistent with Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI).

Article 1 — Definition of Personal Information

“Personal information” follows the definition under Japan’s APPI: information about a living individual that can identify a specific person (e.g., name, date of birth, address, phone number, email address, and other descriptors). It also includes facial images, fingerprints, voiceprints, and health insurance numbers and other personal identifiers that can identify an individual on their own.

Article 2 — How We Collect Personal Information

We may collect personal information when you use forms or interact with the Service, including (as applicable): name, date of birth, address, phone number, email address, and transaction information. Depending on the feature you use, we may also receive limited information from our business partners (e.g., payment processors, advertising providers) necessary to provide or improve the Service.

Article 3 — Purpose of Use

We collect and use personal information for the following purposes:

  • To provide, maintain, and operate the Service
  • To respond to inquiries (including identity verification where necessary)
  • To send notices about updates, features, promotions, or important service information
  • To contact users regarding maintenance or critical notifications
  • To prevent misuse or violations of our Terms of Use
  • To allow users to view/update/delete their registered information and check usage status
  • To process billing for paid services (if any)
  • For other purposes reasonably related to the above

Article 4 — Changes to the Purpose of Use

  1. We may change the purpose of use only when reasonably related to the original purpose.
  2. If changed, we will notify users or announce it on this site by an appropriate method.

Article 5 — Provision to Third Parties

  1. Except where permitted by law, we do not provide personal information to third parties without prior user consent. Exceptions include:
    • To protect life, body, or property when obtaining consent is difficult
    • To improve public health or promote the sound growth of children when obtaining consent is difficult
    • To cooperate with government bodies where obtaining consent might hinder operations
    • When advance notices required under APPI are made and the Personal Information Protection Commission has been notified
  2. Cases not deemed “third-party provision”:
    • Outsourcing within the scope necessary to achieve the stated purposes
    • Business succession due to merger or similar events
    • Shared use with specified parties where items, scope, purpose, and management responsibility have been clearly disclosed in advance

Article 6 — Requests for Disclosure

  1. Upon request by the individual, we will disclose personal information we hold without delay, except where disclosure:
    • May harm the rights or interests of the individual or a third party
    • May seriously interfere with proper business operations
    • Would violate laws or regulations

    In such cases, we will notify the individual. A handling fee of 1,000 JPY per request may apply.

  2. We generally do not disclose non-personal data such as anonymized history or aggregated attributes.

Article 7 — Correction and Deletion

  1. Users may request correction, addition, or deletion if their personal information is inaccurate.
  2. If we determine a response is necessary, we will promptly make the correction, etc.
  3. We will notify the user whether we performed the correction, etc., or not.

Article 8 — Suspension of Use

  1. If personal information is used beyond the stated purpose or obtained by improper means, the user may request suspension or deletion. We will promptly investigate.
  2. If the request is valid, we will carry out suspension/deletion without delay and notify the user.
  3. If suspension would be costly or difficult, we will take alternative measures necessary to protect user rights and interests.

Article 9 — Cookies and Similar Technologies

We may use cookies and similar technologies to improve usability, analyze traffic, and deliver relevant content or ads. Cookies identify your browser/device but do not directly identify you personally. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Some features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

Article 10 — Analytics, Advertising & Affiliate Programs

  • Analytics: We may use analytics tools to understand how the site is used (e.g., page views, referring URLs). These tools may set cookies or collect usage data in accordance with their own policies.
  • Ads/Ad networks: We may display third-party ads (e.g., Google AdSense). Ad partners may use cookies to deliver or measure ads. See each partner’s policy for details and opt-out options.
  • Affiliate programs: We participate in affiliate programs (e.g., Amazon.co.jp, Rakuten, Yahoo! Shopping Japan). When you click an affiliate link, a cookie may be set by the merchant to track referrals. Tokyo FYI does not sell products directly; purchases are made on the seller’s site and subject to that seller’s policies.

Article 11 — Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described above, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. When information is no longer needed, we delete or anonymize it without undue delay.

Article 12 — Security Measures

We implement reasonable managerial, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, destruction, falsification, or leakage. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

Article 13 — International Data Transfers

Depending on service providers or infrastructure locations, personal information may be processed in countries/regions that have different data protection laws. In such cases, we take appropriate measures required by APPI and applicable regulations.

Article 14 — Children’s Privacy

This site is intended for general audiences. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate consent where required by law. If you believe a child has provided personal information, please contact us and we will take appropriate steps.

Article 15 — Your Choices and Rights

  • Access, correction, deletion, and suspension requests (see Articles 6–8)
  • Cookie controls via your browser or device settings
  • Opt-out links provided by ad partners or analytics providers (where available)

Article 16 — Changes to This Policy

  1. Except where otherwise specified by law or in this Policy, we may amend this Policy without prior notice.
  2. Unless otherwise specified, revisions take effect when posted on this page.

Article 17 — Contact Information

Tokyo FYI Editorial Staff
Support Desk: Contact Form

Site Operator

Administrator: Anna