Terms of Service - Wagashi Journal

1. Acceptance of Terms and Agreement Scope

By accessing, browsing, or using the Wagashi Journal website, mobile applications, or any related services (collectively, the "Services"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms") and our Privacy Policy. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User," "you," or "your") and Wagashi Journal ("Company," "we," "us," or "our").

If you do not agree to these Terms in their entirety, you must not access or use our Services. Your continued use of the Services following any modifications to these Terms constitutes acceptance of such modifications. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time.

These Terms apply to all users of the Services, including without limitation users who are browsers, vendors, customers, merchants, and contributors of content. The Services are offered subject to your acceptance without modification of all terms, conditions, policies, and notices contained herein.

2. Description of Services and Business Model

Wagashi Journal operates as a specialized cultural and commercial platform dedicated to traditional Japanese confections. Our Services include:

Educational and Cultural Services

Comprehensive digital archive of traditional Japanese wagashi varieties and their cultural significance
Educational content covering historical context, regional variations, and seasonal traditions
Detailed information about ingredients, preparation methods, and presentation techniques
Cultural insights into the role of wagashi in Japanese tea ceremony and daily life

Commercial Services

Product information and ordering services for authentic wagashi products
Telephone-based ordering system with personalized consultation
Seasonal product recommendations and availability updates
Custom order arrangements for special occasions and events

Digital Platform Services

Website access and browsing capabilities
Search and filtering functionality for content discovery
Contact and inquiry management systems
Newsletter and communication services (where applicable)

3. User Eligibility and Account Responsibilities

To use our Services, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be at least 18 years of age or have reached the age of majority in your jurisdiction
Have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements
Not be prohibited from using the Services under applicable laws
Provide accurate, current, and complete information when requested
Maintain the security and confidentiality of any account credentials

You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account and for maintaining the confidentiality of any passwords or access credentials. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security.

4. Ordering Process and Terms

All product orders are processed through our telephone ordering system at +81 3-7469-2058. By placing an order, you agree to the following terms:

Order Placement

Orders must be placed during business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (JST)
You must provide accurate delivery information, contact details, and any special requirements
Order confirmation will be provided verbally during the call and may be followed by written confirmation
We reserve the right to refuse or cancel orders at our discretion

Product Availability

Product availability varies seasonally and may change without notice
Traditional preparation methods may result in limited quantities
We will inform you of any availability issues at the time of ordering
Substitutions may be offered for unavailable items with your consent

Order Modifications and Cancellations

Order modifications must be requested within 2 hours of order placement
Cancellations may be accepted up to 24 hours before scheduled delivery
Some custom or special orders may not be eligible for modification or cancellation
Cancellation fees may apply depending on the timing and nature of the order

5. Pricing, Payment, and Financial Terms

All pricing and payment terms are subject to the following conditions:

Pricing Structure

All prices are quoted in Japanese Yen (¥) and include applicable taxes unless otherwise stated
Prices are subject to change without notice due to seasonal availability and market conditions
Delivery charges, if applicable, will be clearly communicated during order placement
Special occasion surcharges may apply during peak seasons

Payment Methods and Terms

Payment methods and terms will be discussed and agreed upon during telephone orders
Payment may be required in advance for certain orders or first-time customers
Corporate accounts may be eligible for alternative payment arrangements
All payments must be made in the agreed currency and method

Refunds and Disputes

Refund eligibility depends on the nature of the product and circumstances
Quality issues must be reported within 24 hours of delivery
Refunds for perishable goods are limited to cases of demonstrable quality defects
Processing time for approved refunds is typically 5-10 business days

6. Delivery Terms and Conditions

Delivery services are subject to the following terms:

Delivery Areas and Scheduling

Delivery areas are primarily within the Tokyo metropolitan area and surrounding regions
Extended delivery areas may be available with additional charges and lead time
Delivery dates and times are estimates and may be affected by weather, traffic, or other factors
Special delivery arrangements can be discussed for events and occasions

Delivery Requirements

Someone must be available to receive the delivery at the specified address
Proper storage conditions must be available for perishable products
Access requirements (building codes, parking, etc.) must be communicated in advance
Delivery personnel have the right to refuse delivery if conditions are unsafe

Failed Deliveries

Failed delivery attempts due to recipient unavailability may incur additional charges
Perishable products may not be eligible for redelivery after failed attempts
Alternative arrangements must be made within 24 hours of failed delivery

7. Product Quality and Food Safety

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of product quality and food safety:

Quality Standards

All products are prepared using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients
Seasonal variations in appearance and taste are natural characteristics of traditional wagashi
Products are prepared in facilities that follow strict hygiene and safety protocols
Quality control measures are implemented throughout the preparation and delivery process

Allergen Information and Dietary Restrictions

Allergen information will be provided upon request during order placement
Common allergens in wagashi may include wheat, soy, eggs, and tree nuts
Cross-contamination may occur in preparation facilities
Special dietary requirements should be discussed during ordering

Storage and Consumption Guidelines

Proper storage instructions will be provided with each delivery
Consumption timeframes vary by product type and should be followed carefully
Refrigeration requirements, if applicable, must be observed immediately upon delivery
Products should not be consumed if they show signs of spoilage or damage

8. Intellectual Property Rights

All intellectual property rights in the Services and related materials are owned by or licensed to Wagashi Journal:

Protected Content

Website content, including text, images, graphics, logos, and design elements
Educational materials, articles, and cultural information
Product descriptions, recipes, and preparation methods
Trademarks, service marks, and brand identifiers
Software, applications, and technical systems

Permitted Use

Personal, non-commercial use of website content for educational purposes
Sharing of links to our content with proper attribution
Brief quotations for review or commentary purposes under fair use principles

Prohibited Use

Commercial use of our content without explicit written permission
Reproduction, distribution, or modification of copyrighted materials
Use of our trademarks or branding in connection with other products or services
Reverse engineering or copying of our technical systems

9. User Conduct and Prohibited Activities

Users must comply with the following conduct standards:

Acceptable Use

Use the Services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms
Respect the cultural significance and traditional nature of wagashi
Provide accurate information in all communications and transactions
Treat our staff and other users with courtesy and respect

Prohibited Activities

Using the Services for any unlawful purpose or in violation of applicable laws
Interfering with or disrupting the Services or servers
Attempting to gain unauthorized access to our systems or user accounts
Transmitting viruses, malware, or other harmful code
Engaging in fraudulent activities or misrepresenting your identity
Harassing, threatening, or abusing our staff or other users
Using automated systems to access or interact with our Services

10. Limitation of Liability and Disclaimers

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Wagashi Journal's liability is limited as follows:

Service Disclaimers

Services are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind
We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation of our website
Product availability and delivery schedules are subject to change
Traditional preparation methods may result in natural variations

Liability Limitations

Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount paid for the specific product or service
We are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
Liability for food-related issues is limited to replacement or refund of the affected products
We are not responsible for damages caused by misuse or improper storage of products

Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond our control
This includes natural disasters, government actions, labor disputes, and supply chain disruptions
We will make reasonable efforts to minimize the impact of such events

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Wagashi Journal, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, or debt, and expenses (including attorney's fees) arising from:

Your use of and access to the Services
Your violation of any term of these Terms
Your violation of any third-party right, including intellectual property rights
Any claim that your use of the Services caused damage to a third party
Your negligent or wrongful conduct

12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms and any disputes arising from or relating to the Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Dispute Resolution Process

Initial disputes should be addressed through direct communication with our customer service team
Formal complaints may be submitted in writing to our business address
We will attempt to resolve disputes through good faith negotiation
Unresolved disputes may be subject to mediation or arbitration as agreed by both parties

Jurisdiction

Any legal proceedings shall be conducted in the appropriate courts of Tokyo, Japan
Both parties consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts
The prevailing party in any legal proceeding may be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees

13. Modifications to Terms and Services

We reserve the right to modify these Terms and our Services at any time:

Terms Modifications

Changes to these Terms will be posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date
Material changes may be communicated through additional notice methods
Continued use of the Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms
If you disagree with changes, you must discontinue use of the Services

Service Modifications

We may modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Services at any time
Seasonal changes to product offerings are part of our normal business operations
Technical improvements and updates may be implemented without notice
We will provide reasonable notice for significant service changes when possible

14. Contact Information and Customer Service

For questions, concerns, or issues related to these Terms or our Services, please contact us:

Phone: +81 3-7469-2058
Email: info@mavendora.com
Postal Address: 〒153‑0042 東京都目黒区青葉台1丁目9‑12, Tokyo, Japan
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (JST)
Customer Service: Available during business hours for order assistance and inquiries
Legal Department: Available for formal legal matters and compliance issues

We are committed to providing excellent customer service and will respond to all inquiries promptly and professionally. For urgent matters, telephone contact is recommended during business hours.