Privacy Policy

1. Introduction and Definitions

NihonMinimal Studio ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") operates as a design and architecture practice. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and otherwise handle your personal data when you visit our website, contact us, or engage our services. "Personal data" means information that identifies you directly or indirectly, including name, email, phone number, and similar identifiers.

2. Types of Information We Collect

Information You Provide: When you submit enquiries, request consultations, or engage our services, we collect information such as your name, contact details, company affiliation, and project specifications. We also collect any documents you voluntarily upload or share.

Information Collected Automatically: Through cookies and similar tracking technologies, we collect information about your browsing behaviour, device type, IP address, and pages visited. This data helps us understand user patterns and improve our website.

Communications Data: We retain records of emails, phone calls, and messages exchanged through our website or contact forms for service delivery and client communication purposes.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the following lawful bases:

• Contractual Necessity: To fulfill service agreements and deliver our architectural and design services.
• Legitimate Interest: To communicate with you, improve our services, conduct business analytics, and prevent fraud.
• Consent: Where you have explicitly agreed to receive marketing communications or newsletters.
• Legal Obligation: When required by applicable laws, tax authorities, or government agencies.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

• Responding to enquiries and providing design consultations and services
• Sending project updates, proposals, and invoices
• Conducting website analytics and improving user experience
• Personalising content and marketing communications (with your consent)
• Fulfilling contractual obligations to clients and partners
• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
• Protecting our intellectual property and preventing misuse

5. Disclosure and Sharing of Information

We do not sell your personal data to third parties. However, we may share information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We engage contractors, consultants, and consultants who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements (e.g., IT support, accounting).
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or governmental authority.
• Business Partners: Project collaborators and suppliers may receive necessary project information with appropriate agreements in place.
• Merger or Acquisition: In the event of business transfer, your data may be transferred as part of the transaction.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy. Client project data is generally retained for the duration of the engagement plus seven years for accounting and legal compliance purposes. Enquiry data is retained for two years unless you request deletion or specify otherwise.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location (particularly if you are in the European Union), you may have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data under certain circumstances.
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request that we limit how we use your information.
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format.
• Right to Object: Object to certain processing of your information.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: If we process data based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience, remember preferences, and conduct analytics. Cookies are small files stored on your device. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or by interacting with our cookie banner. Rejecting cookies may limit certain website functionalities.

9. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including encryption, secure servers, and access controls to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but commit to maintaining appropriate safeguards.

10. International Data Transfers

If you are located outside Japan and we transfer your data internationally, we ensure appropriate legal mechanisms are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses or your explicit consent, to protect your information in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

11. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to individuals under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take immediate steps to delete such data.

12. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites and social media platforms. This Privacy Policy applies only to our website. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our website following such notice constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your rights, or have concerns about our data practices, please contact us at:

NihonMinimal Studio
2-1-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo City
Tokyo 103-0027, Japan
+81-3-6845-1027
info@gmail.com