Terms of Service

1. Definitions

• Platform: Bento Japanese, a web-based application and service that offers Japanese language learning content and tools.
• AI-Generated Materials: Content created in whole or in part using artificial intelligence technologies, including but not limited to translations, examples, and explanations.
• User-Generated Content: Any content submitted, uploaded, or otherwise provided by users including but not limited to text, audio, images, and other materials.
• We/Us/Our: Bento Japanese, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and contractors.
• You/User: Any individual or entity that accesses or uses the Platform.

2. Use of the Platform

2.1 Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years of age to access or use the Platform. If you are under 18, you may only use the Platform with the involvement and consent of a parent or legal guardian. By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that you meet these eligibility requirements.

2.2 Account Registration

You may be required to create an account to access certain features of the Platform. You agree to provide accurate, complete, and current information during the registration process and to update such information to keep it accurate. You are solely responsible for safeguarding your account credentials and all activities occurring under your account. Sharing or transferring your account to another individual or entity is strictly prohibited.

2.3 Username and Identity

You may not use a username that misrepresents your identity, infringes on the intellectual property rights of others, or is otherwise offensive. We reserve the right to reclaim or restrict usernames for any reason.

2.4 Acceptable Use

You agree not to use the Platform in any manner that:

• Violates any applicable local, national, or international law or regulation.
• Infringes on the rights of others, including intellectual property rights and privacy rights.
• Uses automated tools or scripts (including scrapers, bots, or crawlers) without express written permission.
• Transmits malicious software, viruses, or code intended to interfere with the Platform.
• Attempts to gain unauthorized access to other user accounts or Platform systems.

3. Intellectual Property

3.1 Ownership

All content and materials on the Platform, including but not limited to software, designs, text, images, video, audio, and code, are the proprietary property of Bento Japanese or its licensors and are protected by intellectual property laws.

4. AI-Generated Materials

4.1 Nature of AI Content

Some learning materials on the Platform are generated using artificial intelligence and may contain inaccuracies or omissions. You acknowledge that:

• AI-generated content is provided "as is" for educational and reference purposes only.
• Bento Japanese makes no representations or warranties as to the completeness, legality, or accuracy of AI-generated content.
• You agree not to commercially exploit AI-generated materials without proper legal clearance.
• We reserve the right to remove or revise AI-generated content at our discretion.

5. Subscription and Billing

• Bento Japanese offers paid subscriptions billed monthly, annually, or as a one-time lifetime license.
• All payments must be made via accepted credit cards or other approved payment methods. Users are responsible for maintaining accurate billing information.
• All fees are non-refundable except as required by applicable law. We do not offer prorated refunds for cancellations.
• Subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled by the user prior to the renewal date. You may cancel through your account settings.
• Lifetime access refers to the operational lifespan of the Platform. If the Platform is retired or discontinued, lifetime licenses will terminate without further liability.

6. Global Access and Jurisdiction

• Bento Japanese is operated and managed in Japan but offers services globally. Accessing the Platform may not be legal in certain countries or jurisdictions.
• You are responsible for compliance with all local laws and regulations applicable to your use of the Platform.
• The governing law of these Terms is the law of Japan, with additional consideration given to U.S. law where applicable.
• Any disputes arising under or in connection with these Terms will be resolved exclusively in:
  • Tokyo District Court, Japan (for users in Asia and international users)
  • State or Federal courts located in Delaware, United States (for users in the Americas)

7. Copyright Infringement and DMCA

We respect the intellectual property rights of others. If you believe that content on the Platform infringes your copyright, you may file a notice under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by contacting us at legal@bentojapanese.com. Your notice must include:

• Your full name and contact information
• A description of the copyrighted work
• A link or reference to the infringing material
• A statement that you have a good faith belief that the use is unauthorized
• A statement under penalty of perjury that your notice is accurate
• Your signature

8. API Use

• API access is provided solely at Bento Japanese's discretion and may be revoked at any time.
• Users must comply with all usage guidelines, rate limits, and restrictions.
• Use of the API for commercial purposes without authorization is prohibited.
• We reserve the right to audit API usage and restrict access for any violation.

9. Advertising, Sponsors, Affiliate Links, and Data Sharing

Bento Japanese may display sponsored content, advertisements, or promotions from third-party partners or sponsors. These may appear within lessons, on platform pages, or in communications.

We may include affiliate links that generate revenue when users make qualifying purchases through those links. These links will be clearly disclosed where applicable.

To support personalization, optimization, or measurement, we may share limited, non-personally identifiable user data with trusted sponsors, affiliates, and analytics providers. This includes data such as device type, language settings, region, or anonymized engagement metrics.

All data sharing is governed by our Privacy Policy and complies with applicable data protection laws. We do not sell your personal data.

Users may opt out of certain advertising or tracking features through settings or applicable platform tools.

10. Account Cancellation and Deletion

• Users may cancel their subscriptions or delete their account at any time via account settings.
• Account deletion is permanent and may result in loss of all associated data.
• Bento Japanese may retain limited information as required for legal or operational purposes.

11. Customer Support

• Customer support is available through our email channel and in-app messaging tools.
• Bento Japanese does not offer phone-based support services.
• We aim to respond to support inquiries within a reasonable timeframe but do not guarantee response times.

12. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Bento Japanese and its affiliates, officers, agents, and employees from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including attorneys’ fees) arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms
• Your use or misuse of the Platform
• Your infringement of any intellectual property or other rights of a third party

13. Contests and Promotions

Occasionally, Bento Japanese may offer contests, giveaways, or other promotions. Such activities may be governed by additional terms and rules, which will be made available at the time of participation. In the event of any conflict, those additional terms shall govern.

14. Modifications to the Terms

Bento Japanese reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of significant changes via email or through the Platform. Continued use of the Platform following the effective date of any modifications constitutes acceptance of those changes.

15. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan and the United States, where applicable. Any legal action or proceeding arising under or related to these Terms shall be brought exclusively in:

• The Tokyo District Court, Japan (for non-U.S. users)
• The courts of the State of Delaware, USA (for U.S.-based users)

16. General Provisions

• Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Bento Japanese regarding the Platform.
• Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
• Waiver: Our failure to enforce any right or provision under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.
• Assignment: You may not assign or transfer your rights under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights at any time.
• Force Majeure: Bento Japanese shall not be liable for any failure or delay resulting from causes beyond our reasonable control, including acts of God, government restrictions, or internet outages.
• Headings: Section titles are for convenience only and do not affect the legal meaning of any provision.

17. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Terms of Service, please contact us here.