Akebono Co., Ltd. Privacy Policy

Effective date: September 2026

Last updated: September 2026

1. General provisions

This Privacy Policy (the “Policy”) sets out how Akebono Co., Ltd. collects, uses, processes, stores, transfers, and protects the personal data of users of its services.

The personal data controller is:

Akebono Co., Ltd.
Address: Kusajima 429, Toyama 930-2201, Japan
Registration No.: 1230002007382
Email: support@akebono.world

This Policy applies to services provided by Akebono Co., Ltd., including:

the akebono.world website;
services and pages hosted on related subdomains of akebono.world;
Akebono customer web services;
the Akebono customer mobile application for iOS and Android;
the Akebono employee mobile application for iOS and Android;
communications with users through the WhatsApp Business Platform;
other Akebono digital services that link to this Policy.

Collectively, these are referred to as the “Service”.

This Policy applies to Akebono’s customers and prospective customers, as well as users of Akebono’s corporate services, including employees and authorized representatives of companies using the Service.

Akebono is registered and operates in Japan and processes personal information in accordance with applicable requirements of Japanese law, including the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI), and, where applicable, the GDPR, UK GDPR, and requirements of platforms and services used by the Company.

By using the Service, the User confirms that they have read this Policy.

Where the law requires separate consent for a particular type of personal-data processing, that consent will be requested separately.

2. What data we process

2.1. Data provided by the User

Depending on the Service used, the Company may process:

first and last name;
telephone number;
email address;
country, city, and address;
delivery address;
information about the company represented by the User;
account data;
the content of requests, inquiries, and correspondence with the Company;
information provided when submitting applications, orders, or other transactions;
information provided when interacting with a personal manager or support service.

If the User is an employee or representative of an organization, we may additionally process:

the organization’s name;
the User’s position or role;
assigned access rights;
membership in workspaces and departments;
information about actions taken through a corporate account.

2.2. Information about operations in the Service

Depending on the functionality of the Service, information may be processed about:

orders;
purchases;
auction bids;
purchased goods and vehicles;
movements of funds in the internal balance;
deposits and withdrawals;
payments and financial transactions;
delivery and receipt of goods;
claims and inquiries;
uploaded documents;
actions in the personal account;
work operations performed by employees.

Akebono may retain information about which User, and on behalf of which company, performed a particular action in the Service.

This information may be used to operate the Service, ensure security, conduct audits, investigate disputed transactions, and meet contractual and legal requirements.

2.3. Photos, videos, documents, and files

Some Service features allow the User to:

take photographs using the device camera;
select photos and videos from device storage;
upload documents and other files;
save documents or images received through the Service to a device.

Akebono accesses only materials that the User independently selects or creates for upload to the Service, except where the device operating system grants technical access required to perform the function selected by the User.

Uploaded materials may be used for:

processing orders;
preparing and verifying documents;
processing claims;
identifying goods or vehicles;
internal business processes;
interaction between the User and Akebono.

Akebono does not use access to the device camera, photos, or files for covert collection of User materials.

2.4. Technical information

When the User uses Akebono websites and mobile applications, Akebono may automatically receive certain technical information, including:

IP address;
device type;
device model;
operating-system type and version;
application version;
device or application language;
information about Service operation and performance;
identifiers required for the application to work;
network-connection information;
technical error and failure information;
the date and time the Service is used;
information about the User’s interaction with particular Service features.

Cookies and similar technologies may also be used on websites.

3. Firebase and Google services

Akebono mobile applications use Google Firebase services.

Depending on the application and its settings, the following services may be used.

3.1. Firebase Cloud Messaging

Firebase Cloud Messaging is used to send push notifications.

To deliver push notifications, the following may be processed:

push-notification token;
application-instance identifier;
device and operating-system information;
technical data required to deliver a notification.

Push notifications may contain:

information about order statuses;
system notifications;
notifications about actions in the personal account;
messages related to the services used;
work notifications for Akebono employees.

The User may disable push notifications in the device operating-system settings.

3.2. Firebase Analytics

Firebase Analytics may be used to analyze the use of mobile applications and improve the Service.

Analytics may process:

information about use of application features;
in-app events;
device and operating-system information;
application version;
technical identifiers;
approximate technical information about the User’s region;
information about performance and interaction with the application.

Akebono uses this data to analyze Service operation, improve the interface, identify problems, and develop functionality.

3.3. Firebase Crashlytics

Firebase Crashlytics is used to identify and analyze technical errors and mobile-application crashes.

Crashlytics may process:

error details;
technical logs;
stack trace;
device model;
operating-system version;
application version;
technical identifiers;
the application state when an error occurred.

This data is used solely for diagnostics and for improving the stability and security of mobile applications.

Firebase is provided by Google LLC and its affiliated companies.

Information processing by Google services is also governed by the applicable Google privacy policies.

4. WhatsApp Business Platform

To communicate with Users, the Company may use the WhatsApp Business Platform provided by Meta Platforms, Inc. and its affiliates.

When interacting with Akebono through WhatsApp, the following may be processed:

the User’s telephone number;
WhatsApp profile name;
profile photo, if available under the User’s settings;
message content;
message date and time;
message delivery and read status;
identifiers used by the WhatsApp Business Platform, including wa_id;
other technical metadata required for the Service to operate.

Akebono uses this data for:

processing User requests;
customer support;
interaction with a personal manager;
providing information about orders, delivery, payments, and other operations;
sending service notifications;
sending other messages that the User has agreed to receive.

Part of the information processing is carried out through Meta’s infrastructure.

Such processing is also governed by WhatsApp’s and Meta’s terms and privacy policies.

5. Mailings and notifications

Akebono may send Users service messages related to use of the Service.

Such messages may include:

order status;
information about a purchase or bid;
payment information;
delivery status;
messages from a personal manager;
messages about claims or documents;
security notifications;
changes directly affecting the service provided to the User.

The following channels may be used to deliver notifications:

personal account;
mobile push notifications;
email;
WhatsApp;
other available communication channels.

Advertising and marketing messages are sent only where and in the manner permitted by applicable law and the rules of the relevant communication channel.

For marketing messages through WhatsApp, Akebono obtains the User’s required prior consent (opt-in), where required by WhatsApp Business Platform rules.

The User may opt out of marketing messages.

Opting out of marketing messages does not limit receipt of necessary service and transactional notifications.

6. Purposes of information processing

Akebono may process personal information for the following purposes:

registering and managing accounts;
identifying and authenticating Users;
providing access to the Service;
managing user rights and roles;
performing contracts and providing services;
processing orders and purchases;
processing auction bids;
maintaining internal balances and transaction histories;
processing payments, deposits, and withdrawals;
arranging domestic and international delivery;
preparing and processing documents;
processing requests, claims, and inquiries;
communicating with Users;
providing a personal manager and support;
sending service notifications;
ensuring information security;
preventing fraud and unauthorized access;
maintaining action history and audit records;
diagnosing technical problems;
analyzing Service use;
improving functionality and user experience;
performing internal corporate processes;
meeting accounting, tax, and other legal requirements;
resolving disputes and protecting the legitimate interests of Akebono and Users.

Akebono limits processing to the amount reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose.

7. Payment data

Akebono does not store Users’ full bank-card data where the card is processed by an independent payment provider.

Payments, balance top-ups, and withdrawals may be made through:

bank transfers;
SWIFT;
QR payments;
banks;
payment systems;
third-party payment services.

The relevant bank or payment service may independently process User data in accordance with its own privacy policy.

Akebono may retain transaction information necessary for:

payment confirmation;
recording the transaction on the balance;
processing refunds and withdrawals;
accounting;
fraud prevention;
meeting legal requirements.

8. Transfer of data to third parties

Akebono does not sell Users’ personal data.

Information may be transferred to third parties to the extent necessary to provide the relevant service.

Such recipients may include:

cloud-infrastructure and hosting providers;
Google LLC and affiliated companies in connection with Firebase;
Meta Platforms, Inc. and affiliated companies in connection with the WhatsApp Business Platform;
banks and payment systems;
delivery services and logistics companies;
brokers and other participants in delivery and customs clearance;
technical-service providers;
contractors participating in operation of the Service;
government authorities where transfer is required by law.

When arranging delivery, Akebono may provide the carrier or another delivery participant with:

recipient name;
address;
telephone number;
cargo information;
other data required for delivery and customs clearance.

Akebono requires its contractors and service providers to handle information appropriately in accordance with applicable data-protection obligations.

9. Cross-border data processing

Akebono is a company registered in Japan and provides services to Users in different countries.

Accordingly, personal information may be transferred and processed outside the User’s country of residence.

The Service may use cloud infrastructure located in Japan, the United States, and other jurisdictions in which Akebono’s technology-service providers operate.

In particular, cross-border processing may occur when using:

cloud infrastructure;
Firebase;
WhatsApp Business Platform;
payment services;
international logistics services.

Akebono takes reasonable organizational and technical measures to protect personal data during such processing and complies with applicable APPI requirements and, where applicable, other data-protection laws.

10. Information retention

Akebono retains personal information only for the period reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected.

The retention period may differ depending on the category of information.

When determining a retention period, Akebono takes into account:

the duration of the account;
order and transaction history;
contractual obligations;
accounting and tax requirements;
legal requirements;
the need to resolve claims and disputes;
fraud prevention;
security;
maintenance of audit and action-history records.

When information is no longer needed, it may be deleted or anonymized.

Certain transaction information may be retained after account deletion where necessary to meet legal, accounting, tax, contractual, or security-related obligations.

11. Deletion of an account and personal data

The User may request deletion of their Akebono account and associated personal data.

If this feature is available for the relevant Service, a request may be submitted directly through the personal account or mobile application.

A request may also be sent to: support@akebono.world

Before fulfilling a request, Akebono may reasonably verify the applicant’s identity to protect against unauthorized deletion of another person’s account.

After confirmation of the request:

access to the account is terminated;
personal information is deleted or anonymized to the extent it is no longer required;
information that Akebono is required or legally entitled to retain may continue to be retained on a limited basis.

This may include:

financial transaction information;
accounting documents;
purchase and order history;
information required to meet legal obligations;
information needed to resolve an ongoing dispute or claim;
security and fraud-prevention information.

After anonymization, information that can no longer reasonably identify an individual may be used for statistical, analytical, technical, and operational purposes.

12. Corporate accounts and employee application

Akebono provides a separate mobile application and other digital tools for employees and authorized corporate users.

When using such systems, Akebono may process:

employee name;
corporate contact details;
position and role;
authorization information;
assigned access rights;
actions in the corporate system;
information about creation and modification of work items;
transaction history;
technical logs;
security and authorization information;
information about use of particular work functions.

This information is used for:

providing access to corporate systems;
segregating access rights;
performing work processes;
ensuring security;
maintaining an action log;
investigating errors and incidents;
maintaining the integrity of corporate data;
performing Akebono’s lawful organizational and administrative functions.

Information about an employee’s actions may be retained after their access to the system ends if it forms part of the history of business operations, audit, security, accounting, or other Company records.

13. Cookies and web analytics

Akebono web services may use cookies and similar technologies.

They may be used for:

maintaining a user session;
authorization;
ensuring security;
storing settings;
analyzing use of a web service;
improving performance and usability.

Some Akebono web services may use third-party analytics tools.

If services such as Google Analytics or Yandex.Metrica are used, the relevant information may also be processed by their providers under their own privacy policies.

The User may restrict cookies through browser settings.

Disabling technically necessary cookies may make certain Service functions unavailable.

14. Data security

Akebono implements reasonable technical and organizational measures designed to protect information against:

unauthorized access;
unlawful use;
alteration;
disclosure;
destruction;
loss.

These measures may include:

segregation of access rights;
user authentication;
encryption during data transmission;
action logging;
system monitoring;
backup;
control of employee access to data.

No method of storing or transmitting information can provide absolute security.

The User must keep their login credentials confidential and must not share their password with third parties.

15. User rights

Depending on applicable law, the User may have the right to:

receive information about the personal data being processed;
request access to personal data;
correct inaccurate or outdated data;
request deletion of personal data;
request cessation or restriction of particular processing;
object to particular processing methods;
withdraw consent where processing is based on consent;
request cessation of data transfer to third parties in cases provided by law;
exercise other rights provided by applicable law.

To exercise these rights, the User may contact: support@akebono.world

Akebono may request information needed to confirm the applicant’s identity.

For Users located in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, rights established by the GDPR or UK GDPR may also apply in cases provided by law, including the right to data portability.

Users may also lodge a complaint with the competent data-protection authority.

In Japan, this authority is the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC).

16. Special categories of personal information

Akebono does not seek to collect information requiring special protection, such as information about:

racial or ethnic origin;
religious beliefs;
health status;
criminal convictions;
other special categories of personal data.

If processing such information becomes necessary for a particular service or to meet legal requirements, it is carried out only where there is an appropriate legal basis and the necessary safeguards.

Users should not send such information to Akebono unless necessary.

17. Age restrictions

Akebono services are intended for persons aged 18 and over.

Akebono does not knowingly provide user accounts to persons under 18.

If the Company becomes aware that personal information of a minor has been obtained through the Service without a proper basis, Akebono will take reasonable measures to delete it.

Inquiries on these matters may be sent to: support@akebono.world

18. Third-party services

The Akebono Service may contain integrations or links to, or interact with, third-party services, including:

marketplaces;
banks;
payment systems;
delivery services;
logistics services;
Meta / WhatsApp;
Google / Firebase;
other technology services.

If the User independently visits a third-party website or directly uses a third-party service, that service’s processing of data is governed by its own privacy policy and terms of use.

Akebono does not control independent third parties’ activities and is not responsible for their own practices for processing personal information.

19. Changes to the Policy

Akebono may periodically amend this Policy, in particular when:

the functionality of the Service changes;
new services are launched;
the technologies used change;
legislation changes;
personal-data processing practices change.

The current version of the Policy is published on the Akebono website.

In the event of material changes, Akebono may also notify Users through the Service, by email, or by another reasonable method.

The date of the last update is stated at the beginning of this document.

20. Contact information

For questions concerning this Policy, personal-information processing, exercise of rights, or deletion of an account, please contact:

Akebono Co., Ltd.
Kusajima 429
Toyama 930-2201
Japan

Email: support@akebono.world

Registration No.: 1230002007382