Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Ritama (hereinafter “the Service”) respects user privacy and is committed to protecting personal information. This policy describes how we collect, use, and protect information in connection with the Service. The Service is operated in compliance with Japan's Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI).

2. Information We Collect

• Location data: Collected only when using the “Search Nearby” feature via the browser's Geolocation API. Location data is processed locally in your browser and is never transmitted to or stored on our servers.
• Contact information: Name, email address, and message content submitted through our contact form.
• Review submissions: Nickname, rating, comments, and photos.
• Automatically collected data: Cookies, IP address, device information, browser type, browsing history, access timestamps, and referrer URLs.

3. How We Collect Information

• Direct input through contact and review forms
• Automatic collection via cookies, web beacons, and JavaScript tags
• Browser Geolocation API (only with explicit user permission)

4. Purpose of Use

• Providing, maintaining, and improving the Service
• Detecting and preventing fraudulent or unauthorized use
• Statistical analysis and understanding usage trends
• Advertising delivery and measuring ad effectiveness
• Responding to inquiries
• Developing new features and content

5. Sharing with Third Parties

The Service will not share personal information with third parties except in the following cases:

• With the user's consent
• As required by law (court orders, law enforcement requests, etc.)
• When necessary to protect life, person, or property

6. Types and Purposes of Cookies

• Essential cookies: Required for basic Service functionality (language settings, etc.)
• Analytics cookies: Used by Google Analytics for traffic analysis
• Advertising cookies: Used by Google AdSense for personalized advertising
• Affiliate cookies: Used by affiliate programs including Amazon, Rakuten, Hot Pepper, and others

You can refuse cookies through your browser settings, but some features may become unavailable.

7. Google Analytics

The Service uses Google Analytics (GA4), provided by Google LLC. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect traffic data. This data is collected anonymously and does not identify individuals. For details on how Google processes data, see Google's Privacy Policy.

To opt out of Google Analytics data collection, use the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

8. Google AdSense

The Service uses Google AdSense, a third-party advertising service. Google AdSense uses cookies (including DoubleClick cookies) to serve ads based on your visits to this and other websites.

To disable personalized advertising, visit the Google Ads Settings page. For more information about opting out of third-party advertising, visit aboutads.info.

9. Affiliate Programs

The Service participates in affiliate programs including Amazon, Rakuten, Hot Pepper, Tabelog, and Gurunavi. These programs use cookies to track transactions made via our links, for which the operator may receive referral compensation. For details on cookie handling by each program, please refer to their respective privacy policies.

10. Location Data

Location data is obtained through the browser's Geolocation API when using the “Search Nearby” feature. Explicit user permission is required. Location data is used only within the browser and is never transmitted to or stored on our servers.

11. Data Retention

• Contact information: Retained for 1 year after resolution, then deleted.
• Review submissions: Retained for the duration of Service operation.
• Access logs: Retained for up to 26 months (Google Analytics default).
• Location data: Not retained (used and discarded immediately in the browser).

12. Access, Correction, and Deletion Requests

Users may request disclosure, correction, addition, deletion, or suspension of use of their personal information held by the Service. Requests can be submitted through the Contact page. After identity verification, we will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

13. Security Measures

The Service implements technical and organizational measures to prevent leakage, loss, and damage of personal information, including SSL/TLS encryption, access controls, and regular security reviews. However, complete security of internet communications cannot be guaranteed.

14. Use by Minors

Users under the age of 18 should obtain parental or guardian consent before using the Service. The Service does not intentionally collect personal information from minors.

15. For EU/EEA Residents (GDPR)

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) may apply to residents of the EU/EEA.

• Legal basis for processing: Consent (cookies, location data), legitimate interests (service improvement, fraud prevention), and compliance with legal obligations.
• Data subject rights: You have the right of access, rectification, erasure (“right to be forgotten”), restriction of processing, data portability, and the right to object. To exercise these rights, please contact us through the Contact page.

16. For California Residents (CCPA)

California residents have the following rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• The right to know what categories of personal information are collected and the purposes of use
• The right to request deletion of personal information
• The right to opt out of the sale of personal information (the Service does not sell personal information)

17. Changes to This Policy

The Service may update this policy as necessary. Significant changes will be announced on the Service. The revised policy takes effect upon publication.

18. Contact

For questions about this policy, please reach out through the Contact page.