Terms of Service

Last updated: 2026-05-04

1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, accessing, or using the Arigato application ("the App"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms") and our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must immediately cease all use of the App and delete your account.

2. Definitions

• "Arigato" (also "we", "us", "our") refers to the operator of the Arigato application.
• "User" refers to any individual who creates an account on the App.
• "Traveler" refers to a User who submits a help request.
• "Helper" refers to a User who accepts and responds to help requests.
• "Help Session" refers to an active engagement between a Traveler and a Helper, whether via Chat Help or Meet Up Help.
• "Platform Fee" refers to the service fee deducted by Arigato from completed Help Sessions.
• "Content" refers to text, images, photos, reviews, ratings, and any other material submitted by Users through the App.
• "Points" refers to the virtual unit of value used within the App for service transactions and reward calculation. Points are not legal tender, currency, or a financial instrument, and hold no value outside of the App.

3. Overview of the Service

Arigato is a platform that connects travelers in Japan with local helpers who can provide informal assistance via chat ("Chat Help") or in-person meetups ("Meet Up Help"). The App facilitates matching between Users but does not itself provide guide, translation, transportation, or any other professional services. Arigato acts solely as an intermediary platform and is not a party to any agreement or arrangement between Users.

4. Eligibility and User Accounts

• You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account and use the App. If a minor (under 18) uses the App or purchases Points without the consent of their legal guardian (parent, etc.), such use or purchase may be subject to cancellation under applicable law. Minors must obtain verifiable consent from their legal guardian before using the App or making any purchases.
• You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and keep your account information up to date.
• You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of your account credentials. Any activity under your account is your responsibility.
• One individual may maintain only one account. Creating multiple accounts may result in immediate termination of all accounts.
• You must not share, transfer, or sell your account to any other person.
• Arigato reserves the right to refuse registration, suspend, or terminate any account at its sole discretion.

5. User Roles and Responsibilities

Users may register as a Traveler, a Helper, or both. By using the App in either role, you agree to:

• Treat all other Users with respect and courtesy.
• Communicate honestly and provide accurate descriptions of your needs or capabilities.
• Complete accepted Help Sessions in good faith.
• Comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations.

Helpers are independent individuals and are not employees, agents, contractors, or representatives of Arigato. No employment, partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship is created between Arigato and any Helper.

6. Helper Disclaimer and Legal Compliance

• Helpers using the App are not licensed tour guides or certified interpreters under Japan's Interpreter-Guide Act (通訳案内士法). Helpers provide informal, personal assistance only.
• Helpers must not represent themselves as professional guides, interpreters, or any other licensed professionals unless they hold valid credentials.
• Helpers are solely responsible for ensuring their activities comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to immigration law, tax obligations, and local ordinances.
• Arigato does not verify the qualifications, background, identity, or suitability of any Helper beyond the information provided during registration.

7. Payments and Fees

7.1 Payment Processing

• All financial transactions on the App are processed through Stripe, Inc. ("Stripe"), a third-party payment processor. By using the payment features, you also agree to Stripe's Terms of Service.
• Arigato does not directly collect, store, or process credit card numbers, bank account details, or other sensitive payment information. All such data is handled by Stripe in accordance with PCI DSS standards.

7.2 Points

• Points are a virtual unit used exclusively within the App for service transactions and reward calculation. Points are not real currency (such as Japanese Yen), legal tender, or a financial instrument, and have no cash value outside the App.
• The App distinguishes between two types of Points, each subject to different rules:
  • Purchased Points: Points acquired by Travelers through in-app purchases for the purpose of paying for Help Sessions.
  • Reward Points: Points earned by Helpers as compensation for completed Help Sessions.
• Purchased Points are valid for a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of purchase. Points that are not used within this period will automatically expire and become void without any compensation or refund.
• Reward Points are subject to a withdrawal request deadline of one hundred and eighty (180) days from the date the Points were credited to the Helper's account. If a withdrawal request is not submitted within this period, the Reward Points will expire and become void. This provision is necessary to comply with fund transfer regulations.
• Arigato will send reminder notifications (via push notification and/or email) to Users before their Points expire. Notifications will be sent at approximately thirty (30) days and seven (7) days before expiration. However, failure to receive or read such notifications, for any reason, does not extend the expiration period or entitle Users to compensation.
• When Points are consumed, the oldest Points (those closest to expiration) will be used first (first-in, first-out / FIFO basis).
• Expired Points — both Purchased Points and Reward Points — shall be treated as forfeited and become the revenue of Arigato. Users acknowledge and agree that they have no claim to expired Points.
• Except where refund is required by applicable law (including the Payment Services Act of Japan), Points are non-refundable and cannot be returned, exchanged for cash, or transferred to other Users or third parties.
• Arigato reserves the right to modify the Points system, conversion rates, and related policies at any time with at least fourteen (14) days prior notice.

7.3 Help Session Payments

• Travelers set a payment amount (in Points) when creating a help request. This amount represents the total compensation for the Help Session.
• Payment is held in escrow by Stripe during the Help Session. Funds are released to the Helper only after the Traveler confirms resolution of the Help Session.
• A Platform Fee of 10% is deducted from completed Help Sessions. The remaining 90% is transferred to the Helper's Stripe Connect account.

7.4 Helper Payouts

• Helpers may withdraw earned Reward Points (converted to cash) to their bank account through Stripe Connect, subject to completion of identity verification (Know Your Customer / KYC) procedures as required by Stripe and applicable law.
• The withdrawal request deadline for Reward Points is one hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of crediting. Helpers are strongly encouraged to submit withdrawal requests before the expiration date.
• Payouts are processed only upon the Helper's withdrawal request and after all required verification steps are completed.
• Arigato reserves the right to withhold payouts pending investigation of suspected fraud, Terms violations, or unresolved disputes.
• Minimum payout thresholds and processing schedules are determined by Stripe and may vary by region.

7.5 Refunds and Cancellations

• If a Help Session is cancelled before the Helper begins providing assistance, the full amount is refunded to the Traveler.
• If a dispute arises regarding a completed Help Session, either party may report the issue through the App. Arigato will review the report and may, at its sole discretion, issue a full or partial refund.
• Refund processing times are subject to Stripe's processing schedule and your financial institution's policies.
• Arigato reserves the right to withhold, delay, or reverse payments in cases of suspected fraud, violation of these Terms, or as required by law.

7.6 Taxes

Users are solely responsible for determining and fulfilling their tax obligations arising from the use of the App, including income tax, consumption tax, and any other applicable taxes. Arigato does not provide tax advice and is not responsible for any tax liability of its Users.

8. Prohibited Conduct

Users must not:

• Provide false, misleading, or fraudulent information in any part of the App.
• Harass, threaten, stalk, intimidate, or abuse other Users in any form.
• Use the App for any illegal, harmful, or unauthorized activity.
• Attempt to bypass, circumvent, or undermine the platform to arrange services directly with other Users, including exchanging contact information for the purpose of avoiding platform fees.
• Create fake, duplicate, or misleading requests, profiles, or reviews.
• Share, disclose, or misuse another User's personal information without their explicit consent.
• Use the App while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or any substance that affects judgment (particularly for Meet Up Help).
• Engage in any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
• Use the App to solicit, promote, or engage in commercial activities unrelated to the services offered on the platform.
• Attempt to reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise access the source code of the App.
• Use automated systems, bots, scrapers, or other non-human means to access or interact with the App.
• Transmit viruses, malware, or any other harmful code through the App.
• Engage in money laundering, terrorist financing, or any financial crimes through the platform.

9. In-Person Meetup Safety

For Meet Up Help sessions involving in-person interaction:

• Users meet and interact entirely at their own risk. Arigato strongly recommends meeting in public, well-lit locations.
• Users should inform a trusted person of their plans, including the location and expected duration of the meetup.
• Users may end any in-person session at any time and for any reason without penalty.
• Arigato does not conduct criminal background checks, identity verification beyond basic account registration, or in-person verification of any User.
• Arigato is not responsible for the safety, conduct, or actions of any User during in-person interactions.
• If you feel unsafe at any point, leave the situation immediately and contact local emergency services.

10. User-Generated Content (UGC)

10.1 Content Ownership

You retain ownership of the Content you submit through the App. However, by submitting Content, you grant Arigato a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, modify, display, and distribute such Content solely in connection with operating and improving the App.

10.2 Zero-Tolerance Policy for Objectionable Content and Abusive Users

Arigato has zero tolerance for objectionable content and abusive behavior. The following are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate content removal and may result in immediate account termination, with or without prior notice:

• Content that is sexually explicit, pornographic, or sexually suggestive in any form;
• Content depicting, encouraging, or glorifying violence, self-harm, suicide, or harm to others;
• Content that is hateful, discriminatory, or directed against any individual or group based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic;
• Content that harasses, bullies, threatens, intimidates, defames, or stalks another User or any third party;
• Content involving the sexual exploitation or endangerment of minors (CSAM);
• Content depicting or facilitating illegal activity, including drug use, fraud, weapons, or human trafficking;
• Content that infringes upon copyright, trademark, privacy rights, or any other intellectual property or proprietary rights;
• Spam, scams, phishing, malware, or any deceptive solicitation;
• Personally identifiable information of another person disclosed without consent (doxxing);
• Any other content that Arigato deems, in its sole discretion, to be objectionable, offensive, harmful, or inappropriate.

By using the App, you acknowledge and agree that Arigato does not tolerate any such content or behavior, that violators will be removed from the platform, and that Arigato is not obligated to host or display any User Content.

10.3 Content Moderation, Reporting, Filtering, and Blocking

To enforce this Zero-Tolerance Policy, Arigato provides multiple mechanisms:

• Automated content filtering: The App applies automated filters to chat messages and other User Content to detect and block prohibited language and material before it is published. Content matching prohibited patterns will be rejected at submission.
• User reporting: Every User profile and chat conversation includes a "Report" function that allows Users to flag objectionable content or abusive behavior to Arigato for review.
• User blocking: Every User has the ability to block any other User. Blocked Users will be immediately and permanently prevented from contacting, viewing, or interacting with the blocking User in any form within the App.
• Operator review and action: Arigato reviews all reports and acts on objectionable content or abusive Users within twenty-four (24) hours of the report being filed, by removing the offending content, ejecting the abusive User from the App, or both. Decisions are made at Arigato's sole discretion and are final.

10.4 Content Standards (General)

• You are solely responsible for all Content you submit through the App.
• Content must not violate any applicable law or regulation, infringe on any third party's rights, or violate this Section 10.
• Arigato reserves the right to remove, modify, or restrict access to any Content that violates these Terms, without prior notice and without liability to any User.

10.5 Reviews and Ratings

Reviews and ratings must be honest, accurate, and based on actual Help Session experiences. Arigato reserves the right to remove reviews that are fraudulent, retaliatory, abusive, or otherwise violate these Terms.

11. Account Suspension and Termination

• Arigato may, at its sole discretion and without prior notice, suspend or terminate accounts that: violate these Terms; receive multiple reports from other Users; engage in fraudulent or suspicious activity; remain inactive for an extended period; or for any other reason Arigato deems necessary to protect the safety and integrity of the platform.
• Upon suspension or termination, the User may lose access to accumulated points, pending payments, and all Content associated with the account.
• Arigato will make reasonable efforts to process any pending legitimate payouts to Helpers before account termination, except in cases of fraud or Terms violations.
• Users may voluntarily delete their account at any time through the App or by contacting us. Account deletion is subject to the data retention provisions in our Privacy Policy.

12. Location Data

For certain features of the App, location data is collected and used as follows:

• Help requests include the Traveler's approximate location so that nearby Helpers can see them. Before submitting a request, you will be asked to consent to sharing your approximate location.
• During Meet Up Help, Users may share their real-time location with the matched User. This requires explicit opt-in consent and can be stopped at any time.
• Approximate, anonymized location data may be used to generate aggregated activity heatmaps visible to Helpers. These heatmaps do not reveal individual Users' exact locations or identities.
• See our Privacy Policy for complete details on how location data is collected, used, and protected.

13. Auto-Translation

The App provides an automatic translation feature for chat messages. This feature is provided for convenience only. Arigato does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any translation. Users should not rely on auto-translation for critical communications, legal matters, medical situations, or safety-sensitive information.

14. Limitation of Liability

• To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Arigato, its officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, arising out of or in connection with your use of the App.
• Arigato's total cumulative liability for any claims arising out of or related to these Terms or the App shall not exceed the total amount of Platform Fees you have paid to Arigato in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.
• Arigato is a platform connecting Users and is not responsible for the actions, behavior, quality of assistance, or any representations made by any User.
• Arigato does not guarantee the availability, reliability, or uninterrupted operation of the App. In the event of service interruption, suspension, or discontinuation due to system maintenance, communication failures, cyberattacks, or any other cause, Arigato shall not be liable for any damages arising therefrom.
• The App is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties of any kind, whether express, implied, or statutory, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

15. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Arigato, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of or in connection with: (a) your use of the App; (b) your violation of these Terms; (c) your violation of any third-party rights; (d) any Content you submit through the App; or (e) your interaction with any other User, including any in-person meetings.

16. Intellectual Property

• All content, design, logos, trademarks, service marks, and technology of the App are the exclusive property of Arigato or its licensors and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws.
• Users may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, lease, or create derivative works of any part of the App without prior written consent from Arigato.
• The Arigato name, logo, and all related marks are trademarks of Arigato. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

17. Third-Party Services

The App integrates with the following third-party services, each governed by their own terms and privacy policies:

• Firebase (Google) - Authentication, data storage, push notifications, crash reporting
• Stripe - Payment processing
• Google Cloud Translation API - Chat message translation
• Stadia Maps / OpenStreetMap - Map display and navigation

Arigato is not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or conduct of any third-party services. Your use of third-party services is at your own risk and subject to the terms and conditions of those services.

18. Dispute Resolution

18.1 Between Users

Disputes between Users regarding Help Sessions should first be reported through the App's reporting system. Arigato may, at its sole discretion, mediate disputes and make binding decisions regarding refunds or account actions. However, Arigato is under no obligation to resolve disputes between Users.

18.2 Between Users and Arigato

1. Negotiation: Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiation between the parties for a period of thirty (30) days.
2. Mediation: If negotiation fails, the dispute shall be submitted to mediation administered by the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA) before either party may initiate court proceedings.
3. Litigation: If mediation fails, the dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chiba District Court as the court of first instance.

18.3 Class Action Waiver

To the extent permitted by applicable law, you agree that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action.

19. Modifications to Terms

• Arigato reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will be revised accordingly.
• For material changes, we will provide notice through the App at least fourteen (14) days before the changes take effect.
• Continued use of the App after the effective date of any changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.
• If you do not agree to the modified Terms, you must stop using the App and delete your account before the changes take effect.

20. Force Majeure

Arigato shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under these Terms due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, pandemics, government actions, power failures, internet or telecommunications failures, or any other force majeure events.

21. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable while preserving its original intent.

22. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Arigato regarding your use of the App. These Terms supersede all prior agreements, communications, and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter herein.

23. No Waiver

The failure of Arigato to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. Any waiver of any provision of these Terms shall be effective only if in writing and signed by Arigato.

24. Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of Arigato. Arigato may assign its rights and obligations under these Terms without restriction.

25. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

26. Specified Commercial Transactions Act

Information required under Japan's Act on Specified Commercial Transactions (特定商取引法) is available at: Notation Based on the Specified Commercial Transactions Act.

27. Contact

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at: djcxr956@gmail.com