Terms of Service

By accessing this website (“the Site”), you are deemed to have agreed to the Terms of Service (“the Terms”) for the Site. Please read the following terms carefully and use the Site only if you agree to them.

1) Application of Terms

These Terms apply to all users (“Users”) of the Site and to the operator of the Site (“the Operator”).

The Operator may establish separate rules or guidelines (“Individual Provisions”) as needed. Individual Provisions form part of these Terms and, in the event of any inconsistency, the Individual Provisions will take precedence.

2) User Registration and Subscription Agreement

Certain content on the Site requires user registration. By registering, Users gain access to paid services as registered users (“Registered Users”).

Applicants for registration agree to these Terms upon following the registration procedure prescribed by the Site and purchasing paid services.

The subscription agreement is established once the User completes the purchase procedure, and service use commences immediately. Subscription agreements are automatically renewed until the User requests cancellation by the method specified by the Site.

The Site reserves the right to invalidate a registration or terminate the agreement under the following conditions:

  • If false information was provided at the time of registration
  • If it is discovered that the User previously violated the Terms and was suspended from services
  • Any other reason the Operator deems inappropriate

3) Management of User ID and Password

Registered Users are responsible for properly managing their User ID and password and shall not transfer, lend, or share this information with third parties.

The Site will regard all actions taken under a User’s ID and password as actions by the Registered User. The Operator bears no responsibility for damages arising from third-party use of a User ID and password, except in cases of intentional or gross negligence by the Operator.

If the User ID or password is compromised, lost, or used fraudulently by a third party, Users must promptly notify the Site.

4) Fees and Payment

Registered Users shall pay fees for subscription agreements and other paid services based on the rates and payment terms presented on the Site.

Paid fees are non-refundable, except where consumers have the right to request a refund under applicable law. In cases where service provision is impossible due to the Site’s fault, the Operator may issue a refund upon the User’s request.

Payment methods, cancellation, and return procedures for subscription services are as prescribed by the Site.

5) Prohibited Activities

Users shall not engage in any of the following activities when using the Site:

  • Violating laws or public order
  • Engaging in criminal activities
  • Infringing on copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights contained within the services
  • Disrupting the functionality of the Site’s servers or network
  • Commercially using information obtained from the Site
  • Interfering with the Site’s operation
  • Attempting unauthorized access
  • Collecting or storing personal information of other Users
  • Impersonating another User
  • Providing direct or indirect benefits to anti-social forces
  • Any other actions deemed inappropriate by the Operator

6) Intellectual Property Rights

Unless otherwise stated, all content on the Site (texts, images, other data) belongs to the Operator.

Content may be cited or reproduced for non-commercial purposes, provided the source is credited. Inline frames and direct image linking are not permitted.

The Site allows users to freely link to the Site, but the linked site must comply with laws and public order. The Site may request link removal if it deems a link inappropriate.

Unauthorized reproduction of specific examination content (URLs containing “sommelier-we-exam/first-exam” or “wset”) is prohibited, and the Site may take legal action for violations.

7) Disclaimer

The Operator endeavors to provide accurate and up-to-date information on the Site but does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Users assume responsibility for any actions or decisions based on the Site’s content, and the Operator disclaims all liability.

In cases of unexpected system failures or issues that require service suspension, the Operator is not liable for damages except in cases of intentional or gross negligence.

8) User Responsibility

Users are responsible for their actions and any actions taken under their accounts.

Users shall bear responsibility and expenses for resolving any damages caused to the Site or third parties.

9) Changes and Suspension of Service

The Operator may change, add, or delete Site content as necessary without prior notice. The Operator is not responsible for any resulting damages.

The Operator strives to ensure smooth operation but may suspend services due to unforeseen circumstances, with no liability for interruptions or related expenses.

10) Modification of Terms

The Operator may modify these Terms at its discretion. For changes affecting user privacy, the Operator will notify Users and obtain consent. Continued use of the Site after modification constitutes agreement to the revised Terms.

11) Account Deactivation and Termination of Agreement

The Site may, after notifying the User and allowing a reasonable period for correction, deactivate the User’s account and terminate the subscription agreement in the following cases if the User does not remedy the violation within the designated period:

  • If the User violates these Terms or disrupts normal service operation
  • If there is a failure to fulfill payment obligations
  • In any other case where the Site deems the User inappropriate

The Site may immediately terminate the agreement and suspend the User’s access without prior notice in the following cases:

  • If the User engages in criminal acts
  • If the User causes significant harm to other Users or the Site Operator
  • If the User engages in illegal or socially inappropriate behavior (e.g., fraud, deception, false information, involvement with anti-social forces)
  • If the User infringes on the intellectual property rights, privacy rights, reputation, or other rights of the Site or third parties
  • If any benefit is provided to anti-social forces directly or indirectly
  • If unauthorized access or data breaches are detected
  • In any other urgent and necessary case as determined by the Site

If the agreement is terminated under this Article, the User remains liable for all fees and debts incurred before termination. Furthermore, if any damage occurs to the Site or third parties, the User shall be responsible for compensating and resolving such damages at their own expense.

12) Handling of Personal Information

The Site handles personal information collected from Users in accordance with its Privacy Policy.

Registered Users consent to the handling of their personal information based on the Privacy Policy and retain the right to request the suspension or deletion of their personal information at any time.

13) Notices and Communication

All notices and communications from the Site to Users will be directed to the email address provided at registration.

Registered Users are responsible for maintaining accurate contact information and must promptly update their details if any changes occur.

14) Prohibition of Transfer of Rights and Obligations

Registered Users may not assign or transfer their contractual status or any rights and obligations under these Terms to a third party without the prior written consent of the Site.

15) Age Restrictions

Content and links related to alcoholic beverages on the Site are intended for those of legal drinking age (20 years old in Japan or the age prescribed by applicable laws in other countries/regions).

If the User is a minor, they must obtain the consent of a legal guardian to use the Site. When a minor registers or purchases paid services, it will be presumed that the legal guardian’s consent has been obtained, and the Site bears no responsibility for any resulting contractual issues.

The Site may implement procedures or access restrictions for age verification. However, the Site is not liable for any misrepresentations about age provided by Users.

When purchasing alcoholic beverages through third-party links on the Site, Users may be required to verify their age with the third party, and the Site holds no responsibility for third-party age verification procedures.

16) Exclusion of Anti-Social Forces

The User represents and warrants that they do not and will not belong to any anti-social forces (such as organized crime groups, their members, corporate extortionists, or equivalents) now or in the future.

If the Site determines that a User is associated with anti-social forces, it may invalidate the User’s registration and terminate the subscription agreement without prior notice.

17) Disclaimer on Alcohol Consumption

Information related to alcohol consumption provided on the Site is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual health advice or legal considerations.

Users assume full responsibility for their alcohol consumption, and the Site disclaims any liability for health issues, legal problems, or other damages resulting from alcohol consumption.

Guidelines for responsible alcohol consumption are based on the laws and medical advice of each country or region. Users are expected to follow these regulations, and the information on the Site does not replace them.

18) Service Area and Jurisdictional Restrictions

The services of the Site primarily target Users in Japan. However, if Users from outside Japan use the Site, they are responsible for compliance with the laws of their own country or region.

Users accessing the Site from overseas must confirm applicable legal restrictions and comply accordingly. The Site will not provide services where they are deemed illegal in the User’s jurisdiction.

In case of disputes arising from these Terms, Japanese law applies except where consumer protection laws of the User’s jurisdiction provide otherwise. Disputes will be resolved exclusively in the court with jurisdiction over the Operator’s location.

19) Compliance with Specific Regional Regulations

For Users in European Union (EU) countries, personal information will be handled in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Based on this, Users have the right to request correction, deletion, restriction of use, or data portability.

For Users in the United States, different state-specific consumer protection laws may apply. Users residing in California, in particular, have the right to request the disclosure or deletion of personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

20) Compliance with International Law

Although the Site primarily targets Japanese Users, it may be accessible to Users outside Japan. Users are responsible for verifying and complying with the laws and regulations of their country or region when using the Site.

The Site disclaims any responsibility if Users access or use information on alcoholic beverages from jurisdictions where such access is legally prohibited.