Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information.
Quick Navigation
GDPR Compliant
EU/UK Standards
CCPA Ready
California Privacy
PIPEDA Aligned
Canadian Standards
APPI Compliant
Japanese Law
Introduction
Welcome to Japanese Last Names (“we,” “us,” or “our”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we handle your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website japaneselastnames.com.
By using our website, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this policy, please do not access the site.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:
- Use our search functionality to look up Japanese surnames
- Utilize our name generator tool
- Contact us through our contact forms
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Participate in surveys or research
This may include:
- Contact Information: Name, email address
- Search Queries: Surnames and terms you search for
- Communication Data: Messages you send to us
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activities:
| Data Type | Examples | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Device Information | IP address, browser type, operating system | Website optimization and security |
| Usage Data | Pages visited, time spent, click patterns | Improving user experience |
| Technical Data | Device type, screen resolution, language settings | Content personalization |
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for various business purposes:
Service Provision
- Provide and maintain our surname database and research tools
- Process your searches and generate name suggestions
- Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
- Send administrative information and updates
Website Improvement
- Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
- Develop new features and functionality
- Conduct research on Japanese surname trends
- Monitor and prevent technical issues
Communication
- Send newsletters and cultural content (with consent)
- Respond to your questions and feedback
- Notify you about policy changes
Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
For users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and United Kingdom, our processing of your personal information is based on:
- Consent: When you explicitly agree to specific processing
- Contractual Necessity: To provide the services you request
- Legitimate Interests: To improve our services and ensure website security
- Legal Compliance: To meet our legal obligations
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information in the following circumstances:
Service Providers
We work with trusted third-party providers who help us operate our website and provide services:
- Analytics Providers: Google Analytics (anonymized data only)
- Hosting Services: Secure cloud infrastructure providers
- Communication Tools: Email service providers
All service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:
- Court orders or legal processes
- Government requests
- To protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property
- To enforce our terms and policies
Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change and outline your choices.
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:
Access and Portability
- Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
- Right to Data Portability: Receive your information in a structured, machine-readable format
Control and Objection
- Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information
- Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your information
- Right to Object: Object to certain types of processing
Consent Management
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously given consent at any time
- Opt-out Rights: Opt-out of marketing communications and certain data processing
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below. We will respond to your request within 30 days.
International Data Transfers
Your personal information may be transferred to, and processed in, countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that are different from the laws of your country.
We take appropriate safeguards to ensure that your personal information remains protected according to this Privacy Policy, including:
- Using standard contractual clauses approved by the European Commission
- Implementing robust security measures
- Conducting privacy impact assessments
By using our website, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your country of residence.
Children’s Privacy
Our website is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will take steps to remove that information from our servers.
For users aged 13-16 in certain jurisdictions, we may require parental consent for certain types of data processing.
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
Our Security Measures Include:
- Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols
- Regular security assessments and vulnerability testing
- Access controls and authentication mechanisms
- Secure data storage and backup procedures
- Employee training on data protection
While we implement robust security measures, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but we continuously work to maintain the highest standards of data protection.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:
- Changes in our practices and services
- Legal and regulatory requirements
- Technological developments
- User feedback and industry standards
When we make changes, we will:
- Update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy
- Post a notice on our website for significant changes
- Where required by law, seek your consent for material changes
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
privacy@japaneselastnames.com
Contact Form
Use our online contact form
Response Time
We aim to respond within 3 business days
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe we have not complied with applicable data protection laws.
Questions About Our Privacy Policy?
We’re here to help you understand how we protect your privacy and handle your information.