Privacy Policy

KizunaGo — A MinnaPortal Initiative

KizunaGo values user privacy, security, and the responsible handling of personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, protect, and, when necessary, share information related to the use of the platform.

KizunaGo is an initiative created by MinnaPortal, an online portal focused on news, business, and communities for foreigners living in Japan. The platform is free, universally accessible, and designed to support Japanese language learning and cultural integration.

1. Information We May Collect

We may collect information directly provided by the User, including:

• name;
• email address;
• preferred language;
• country or region;
• learning preferences;
• messages or requests sent to KizunaGo.

We may also collect basic technical information such as:

• IP address;
• device type;
• browser information;
• pages accessed;
• date, time, and general usage statistics.

2. Purpose of Data Usage

Personal information may be used to:

• operate and maintain the platform;
• provide access to educational content;
• personalize the User experience;
• send operational, educational, and institutional communications;
• inform Users about courses, updates, events, and educational materials;
• improve platform functionality, performance, and security;
• comply with applicable legal or regulatory obligations.

KizunaGo will not use personal information in abusive, discriminatory, offensive, exploitative, malicious, or inappropriate ways.

3. Consent and Legal Basis

By registering or using the platform, the User acknowledges and agrees to the processing of personal information for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.

Data processing may occur based on User consent, legitimate educational and operational interests, provision of services, and compliance with applicable legal obligations.

4. Communications and Partners

By providing registration information, the User agrees to receive communications from KizunaGo, MinnaPortal, and, when applicable, project-related partners.

These communications may include:

• platform notices;
• educational content;
• newsletters;
• course, event, and material updates;
• institutional or promotional communications from supporting partners.

The User may request to unsubscribe from promotional communications at any time.

5. Data Sharing

KizunaGo may share limited information with technical, institutional, or operational partners only when necessary for:

• platform hosting and infrastructure;
• authorized communications;
• technical support;
• performance analysis;
• protection against fraud, abuse, or misuse.

KizunaGo does not unlawfully sell personal data.

6. Use of Artificial Intelligence

Some educational content, multimedia materials, translations, voices, images, and support resources available on KizunaGo may be produced with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence technologies.

These technologies are used for educational, informational, creative, and accessibility purposes only. Artificial Intelligence is not used to make legal, financial, medical, or sensitive decisions regarding Users.

7. Data Storage and Security

KizunaGo adopts reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, alteration, destruction, data leaks, or misuse.

Although we strive to maintain appropriate security standards, no digital system can guarantee absolute protection.

8. User Rights

Where applicable, Users may request:

• confirmation regarding the processing of personal data;
• access to information maintained by KizunaGo;
• correction of incomplete or outdated data;
• removal of accounts or deletion of information when applicable;
• cancellation of promotional communications;
• information regarding data sharing practices;
• withdrawal of consent when consent is the applicable legal basis.

9. Data Retention

Personal information may be retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, maintain platform operations, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, or ensure service security.

10. User-Saved Materials

Files, videos, documents, educational materials, and downloadable resources provided by KizunaGo may be stored on the User’s personal devices for future study and individual educational use.

Unauthorized redistribution, commercial reproduction, or unlawful use of provided materials is prohibited.

11. Children and Minors

If minors use the platform, supervision by parents, legal guardians, or authorized educational institutions is recommended. KizunaGo may remove information if inappropriate data collection involving minors is identified.

12. Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect legal, technical, operational, or service-related changes.

Continued use of the platform after updates will be interpreted as acknowledgment and acceptance of the revised Policy.

13. Contact Information

For questions, requests, communication cancellation, or the exercise of rights related to personal data, please contact us through the official channel: