Terms of Service

Watashi Online Academy

Effective Date: Sep 1 2025

Article 1 - General Provisions

1.1 These Terms of Service (the "Terms") govern the use of the online Japanese language learning service (the "Service") operated by Watashi Online Academy Limited (the "Company"). By registering for or using our Service, users ("Users") agree to be bound by these Terms.

1.2 The Service provides one-on-one Japanese language lessons conducted via online video conferencing platform with Japanese native-speaking instructors.

1.3 These Terms apply to all aspects of the Service, including but not limited to the website, applications, email communications, and all related services provided by the Company.

Article 2 - Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms, the following definitions apply:

• "Lesson" means a 25-minute one-on-one Japanese language instruction session conducted online
• "Instructor" means a Japanese native speaker contracted by the Company to provide lessons
• "Ticket" means a prepaid credit allowing Users to book and attend one lesson
• "User Account" means the registered account through which Users access the Service
• "Learning History" means records of lessons attended, progress notes, and related educational data

Article 3 - Service Registration and Account Creation

3.1 Users must register for a User Account through the Company's designated registration process. Registration requires accurate and complete information.

3.2 Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials and are fully responsible for all activities conducted through their account.

3.3 Each individual may register for only one User Account. Multiple account registration is strictly prohibited.

3.4 The Company reserves the right to refuse registration or terminate accounts for any violation of these Terms or for any other reason at its sole discretion.

Article 4 - Service Description and Lesson Structure

4.1 The Service provides exclusively one-on-one Japanese language lessons, each lasting 25 minutes.

4.2 All instructors are Japanese native speakers engaged as independent contractors by the Company.

4.3 Lessons are conducted according to instructor availability. The Company does not guarantee specific time slots or specific instructor availability.

4.4 Users may evaluate instructors through a comment-based system provided by the Company.

Article 5 - Payment and Pricing

5.1 The Service operates on a ticket-based payment system. Users must purchase tickets in advance to book lessons.

5.2 Payment is accepted by credit card only, on a prepaid basis.

5.3 All payments are final and non-refundable, except as specifically provided in Article 5.4.

5.4 Refunds will be provided only in cases where system failures attributable to the Company occur during a lesson, preventing the lesson from being completed.

5.5 Ticket prices are subject to change at the Company's discretion with reasonable notice to Users.

Article 6 - Free Trial Lesson

6.1 New Users are entitled to one free trial lesson.

6.2 The free trial lesson is limited to one per individual and cannot be transferred or shared.

6.3 Users who create multiple accounts to obtain additional free trial lessons will have all accounts terminated immediately.

Article 7 - Lesson Booking and Cancellation

7.1 Users may book lessons subject to instructor availability and possession of valid tickets.

7.2 Lesson cancellations must be made at least 6 hours before the scheduled lesson time to avoid ticket forfeiture.

7.3 Cancellations made less than 6 hours before the scheduled lesson time will result in the consumption of one ticket.

7.4 If an instructor cancels a lesson for any reason, the Company will provide a makeup lesson or ticket credit at no additional cost to the User.

7.5 Users who fail to attend a scheduled lesson without proper cancellation will forfeit the ticket for that lesson.

Article 8 - Technical Requirements and System Maintenance

8.1 Users must have access to a computer or smartphone with webcam and microphone capabilities, along with a stable internet connection.

8.2 The Service is compatible with current developer-supported versions of major web browsers.

8.3 The Company may perform system maintenance at any time. Scheduled maintenance will be announced at least 3 days in advance, except in emergency situations.

8.4 The Company is not responsible for technical issues arising from User equipment or internet connectivity problems.

Article 9 - Prohibited Activities

9.1 Users are strictly prohibited from engaging in the following activities:

• Transferring, sharing, or allowing others to use their User Account
• Contacting instructors through private channels outside the Service platform
• Recording lessons without explicit written permission from the Company
• Engaging in harassment, inappropriate behavior, or any conduct that creates a hostile environment
• Registering multiple accounts
• Using the Service for commercial purposes other than authorized corporate training
• Violating any applicable laws or regulations
• Interfering with the proper operation of the Service
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to Company systems or other Users' accounts

9.2 Corporate training use is permitted under separate agreement with the Company.

Article 10 - Violation and Termination

10.1 Upon first violation of these Terms, the Company will issue a warning to the User.

10.2 Upon second violation, the Company may, at its sole discretion, immediately terminate the User's account without refund of any unused tickets or payments.

10.3 The Company reserves the right to immediately terminate accounts for severe violations without prior warning.

10.4 Users may terminate their accounts at any time, but no refunds will be provided for unused tickets.

Article 11 - Data Collection and Privacy

11.1 The Company collects and maintains learning history data solely for the purpose of facilitating effective lesson delivery.

11.2 Learning history data is shared only with assigned instructors to enhance lesson quality and continuity.

11.3 The Company may send marketing emails to Users, who may opt out at any time through the unsubscribe mechanism provided in such communications.

11.4 User data will be retained for three (3) years following account termination, after which it will be permanently deleted.

11.5 Users may request disclosure of their personal information through the Company's general inquiry form.

11.6 Daily data backups are performed to ensure data security and recovery capabilities.

Article 12 - Customer Support

12.1 Customer support is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Hong Kong time, excluding Hong Kong public holidays.

12.2 Support is provided in English, Japanese, and Traditional Chinese.

12.3 The Company aims to respond to all inquiries within one (1) business day.

12.4 Emergency support outside business hours is not available.

Article 13 - Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

13.1 Learning Outcomes: The Company makes no guarantees regarding learning outcomes or language proficiency improvements. The Company will use best efforts to provide quality instruction but cannot guarantee specific results.

13.2 Instructor Quality: The Company guarantees that instructors meet hiring standards at the time of engagement but does not provide ongoing quality guarantees.

13.3 System Availability: The Company does not guarantee uninterrupted access to the Service and is not liable for downtime or technical difficulties.

13.4 Limitation of Damages: The Company's total liability to any User shall not exceed the amount paid by the User for their most recently purchased ticket package.

13.5 The Service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied.

Article 14 - Intellectual Property

14.1 All intellectual property rights in the Service, including but not limited to software, content, trademarks, and materials, belong to the Company or its licensors.

14.2 Users are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the Service for personal language learning purposes only.

14.3 Users may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any Company materials without written permission.

Article 15 - Force Majeure

15.1 The Company shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government actions, internet outages, or other force majeure events.

Article 16 - Modification of Terms

16.1 The Company reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time by posting updated Terms on the Service platform.

16.2 Users will be notified of material changes through email or platform notification.

16.3 Continued use of the Service after Terms modification constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

Article 17 - Governing Law and Jurisdiction

17.1 These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong.

17.2 Any disputes arising from or relating to these Terms or the Service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Hong Kong.

17.3 The Service is intended for business-to-consumer (B2C) relationships only.

Article 18 - Severability

18.1 If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Article 19 - Entire Agreement

19.1 These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the Company and Users regarding the Service and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

Article 20 - Contact Information

20.1 For questions regarding these Terms or the Service, Users may contact the Company through the general inquiry form available on the Service platform.

End of Terms of Service