Terms & Conditions

利用規約

1. Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, installing, accessing, or using the Kizuna mobile application ("App", "Kizuna", "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the App.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User", "you", "your") and Unira. We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. We will notify you of material changes via in-app notification or email.

2. Eligibility

2.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account and use Kizuna. By creating an account, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old. We reserve the right to request verification of your age at any time and to suspend or terminate accounts where age requirements are not met.

2.2 Legal Capacity

You must have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract in your jurisdiction. If you are using Kizuna in Japan, you acknowledge that additional age verification may be required under applicable Japanese law (出会い系サイト規制法).

2.3 Account Restrictions

You may not create an account if you have previously been banned from the Service or if you are required to register as a sex offender in any jurisdiction.

3. Description of Service

3.1 Purpose

Kizuna is a cross-cultural connection platform designed to bridge Japanese people and international users ("Foreigners") living in, visiting, or interested in Japan. Kizuna facilitates friendships, language partnerships, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections of all kinds — it is not exclusively a dating application.

3.2 Service Modes

Kizuna offers two primary discovery modes:

  • Dating Mode: A swipe-based matching system for users who opt into romantic connections. Requires mutual interest ("match") before messaging.
  • Social Mode: A connection-request system for friendships, language exchange, and travel companionship. Does not require mutual swiping.

3.3 Features

Subject to your subscription tier, Kizuna provides features including but not limited to: profile creation and photo uploads, discovery and matching, text and image messaging, voice messages, video and voice calls, in-chat language learning tools (Kakehashi), real-time message translation, a bond experience point (XP) and leveling system, Kokuhaku (告白) — a seasonal letter-based connection feature, Travel Mode (Tabibito), safety check-in tools, and profile verification.

4. Account Registration

4.1 Account Creation

To use Kizuna, you must create an account using a valid email address or supported third-party authentication provider. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information to keep it accurate.

4.2 User Type

During registration, you will select a user type: "Japanese" or "Foreigner". This selection determines your discovery pool and certain interface elements. You represent that your selection accurately reflects your background.

4.3 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized access to or use of your account. We are not liable for any loss arising from unauthorized use of your account.

4.4 One Account Per Person

Each person may maintain only one Kizuna account. Creating multiple accounts may result in termination of all associated accounts.

5. User Conduct

5.1 General Conduct

You agree to use Kizuna in a manner consistent with its purpose of fostering genuine cross-cultural connections. You will treat other users with respect and dignity.

5.2 Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

  1. Use the Service for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable law or regulation;
  2. Misrepresent your identity, age, affiliation, or connection with any person or entity;
  3. Upload or transmit content that is defamatory, obscene, pornographic, violent, threatening, harassing, discriminatory, or otherwise objectionable;
  4. Upload sexually explicit images or content;
  5. Harass, stalk, intimidate, or threaten any other user;
  6. Use the Service for commercial purposes, solicitation, advertising, or spam;
  7. Attempt to collect personal information from other users for commercial or unlawful purposes;
  8. Use automated systems, bots, scripts, or scrapers to access or interact with the Service;
  9. Interfere with or disrupt the Service, servers, or networks connected to the Service;
  10. Reverse-engineer, decompile, or disassemble any part of the Service;
  11. Impersonate any person or entity, or falsely claim an affiliation with any person or entity;
  12. Use the Service to promote or facilitate prostitution, escort services, or human trafficking;
  13. Share another user's personal information or photos outside of the App without their explicit consent;
  14. Create accounts using false or misleading information;
  15. Use the Service while under the age of 18.

5.3 Content Standards

All content you upload, post, or transmit through Kizuna ("User Content") must comply with these Terms. User Content includes profile photos, bio text, messages, voice messages, and any other material you share through the Service.

6. Content Moderation

6.1 Automated Moderation

Kizuna employs automated content moderation systems to maintain a safe environment:

  • Profile Photos: Photos are analyzed using image recognition technology to detect content that may be explicit, violent, or otherwise in violation of these Terms.
  • Bio Text: Profile biographies are screened using AI-based moderation to flag content containing hate speech, sexual content, or violent language.

6.2 Strike System

Violations of content policies result in strikes against your account:

  • Each violation adds one strike to your account.
  • Accumulating three (3) strikes will result in permanent account suspension ("ban").
  • Strikes are not removed over time.

6.3 User Reporting

Users may report other users for violations of these Terms. Reports are reviewed and may result in content removal, strikes, or account suspension.

6.4 Message Privacy

Private messages between users are not subject to automated content moderation. Moderation of message content occurs only in response to user reports.

7. Subscriptions and Purchases

7.1 Subscription Tiers

Kizuna offers the following subscription tiers:

  • Free: Basic access with daily usage limits.
  • Premium: Enhanced features including unlimited likes, unlimited connections, expanded bond slots, unlimited translation, and the ability to initiate video calls.
  • Premium Plus: All Premium features plus priority visibility in discovery.

7.2 In-App Purchases

Kizuna offers one-time in-app purchases including but not limited to:

  • Kokuhaku (告白): Seasonal letter editions for formal connection declarations.
  • Kagayaki Boost (輝きブースト): Temporary profile visibility boost in discovery.

7.3 Payment Processing

Subscriptions and in-app purchases are processed through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store (collectively, "Platform Stores"). All payments are subject to the terms and policies of the applicable Platform Store.

7.4 Subscription Renewal and Cancellation

  • Subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the renewal date.
  • Cancellation must be done through the Platform Store settings, not within the App.
  • No refunds are provided for partial billing periods.
  • Upon cancellation, your Premium features remain active until the end of the current billing period.

7.5 Price Changes

We reserve the right to change subscription prices. Price changes will not affect current billing periods and you will be notified in advance of any price increase.

7.6 Refund Policy

Refunds for subscriptions and in-app purchases are governed by the refund policies of the applicable Platform Store. We do not process refunds directly.

8. Kokuhaku (告白) Feature

8.1 Nature of Kokuhaku

Kokuhaku is a premium feature inspired by the Japanese tradition of 告白 (confession of feelings). It allows users to send a formal, seasonal letter to another user expressing their desire to form a deeper bond.

8.2 Bond Slots

Accepted Kokuhaku bonds are limited by your subscription tier:

  • Free users: 1 active bond slot
  • Premium / Premium Plus users: 3 active bond slots

You cannot send or accept a Kokuhaku if doing so would exceed your bond slot limit.

8.3 Expiration

Kokuhaku letters expire 7 days after being sent if the recipient does not respond. Expired Kokuhaku are treated as declined.

8.4 Non-Refundable

Kokuhaku purchases are non-refundable regardless of whether the recipient accepts, declines, or allows the letter to expire.

9. Video and Voice Calls

9.1 Call Services

Kizuna provides video and voice calling functionality through a third-party provider (Daily.co). Calls are available between matched or connected users.

9.2 Call Restrictions

  • Only Premium and Premium Plus users may initiate video calls.
  • All users may receive and join calls.
  • Calls are limited to two participants and expire after 1 hour.

9.3 Recording Prohibition

You may not record, screenshot, or capture any video or voice call without the explicit consent of the other participant. Violation of this provision may result in immediate account termination.

10. Safety Features

10.1 Safety Check-In

Kizuna offers a safety check-in feature that allows you to set a timed check-in when meeting another user in person. If you do not confirm your safety by the deadline, an automated SMS will be sent to your designated emergency contact.

10.2 Emergency Contact

You are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of your emergency contact information. Kizuna is not responsible for failed message delivery due to incorrect contact information, network issues, or carrier restrictions.

10.3 No Guarantee of Safety

While Kizuna provides safety tools, we do not guarantee the safety of in-person meetings. You are responsible for your own safety when meeting other users. We strongly recommend meeting in public places and informing someone you trust of your plans.

11. Profile Verification

11.1 Video Verification

Kizuna offers optional video-based profile verification using face detection technology. Verified profiles receive a visible badge.

11.2 Verification Limitations

Verification confirms the presence of a real human face in the submitted video. It does not constitute identity verification, background screening, or any guarantee of the user's character, intentions, or truthfulness.

12. Intellectual Property

12.1 Our Intellectual Property

The Kizuna name, logo (絆), seasonal designs, UI elements, underlying technology, and all related intellectual property are owned by Unira and protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from any part of the Service without our prior written consent.

12.2 Your Content

You retain ownership of the content you create and upload to Kizuna. By uploading content, you grant Unira a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, and display your content solely for the purpose of operating, developing, and providing the Service.

12.3 Content Removal

You may remove your content at any time by deleting it from your profile or messages. Upon account deletion, we will remove your content in accordance with our Privacy Policy, subject to legal retention requirements.

13. Disclaimers

13.1 Service Provided "As Is"

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS. UNIRA MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE SERVICE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR SECURE.

13.2 No Guarantee of Matches or Connections

Unira does not guarantee that you will receive matches, connections, or any particular outcome from using the Service.

13.3 User Interactions

Unira is not responsible for the conduct of any user, whether on or off the platform. You are solely responsible for your interactions with other users. Unira does not conduct criminal background checks on its users.

13.4 Third-Party Services

The Service integrates with third-party services including but not limited to payment processors, translation APIs, video call providers, and push notification services. We are not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or performance of third-party services.

14. Limitation of Liability

14.1 General Limitation

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL UNIRA, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR AFFILIATES 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 FROM:

  1. Your use of or inability to use the Service;
  2. Any conduct or content of any third party or other user on the Service;
  3. Unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your content or information;
  4. Any in-person meeting or interaction with another user.

14.2 Cap on Liability

UNIRA'S TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO UNIRA IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM, OR ONE HUNDRED US DOLLARS (US$100), WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

14.3 Japan Consumer Protection

If you are a resident of Japan, the disclaimers and limitations of liability in this Section shall not apply to the extent they conflict with the Consumer Contract Act (消費者契約法, Act No. 61 of 2000) or other mandatory provisions of Japanese law.

15. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Unira and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from: (a) your use of the Service; (b) your violation of these Terms; (c) your violation of any rights of a third party; or (d) your User Content.

16. Account Termination

16.1 Termination by You

You may delete your account at any time through the App settings. Account deletion will result in the permanent removal of your profile, photos, messages, matches, connections, and all associated data, subject to legal retention requirements.

16.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including but not limited to: violation of these Terms, receipt of three or more content moderation strikes, fraudulent or unlawful activity, or behavior that is harmful to other users or the Service.

16.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use the Service immediately ceases. Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination will continue in effect, including but not limited to Sections 12–15, 17, and 18.

17. Dispute Resolution

17.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa, without regard to conflict of law principles.

17.2 Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal dispute resolution, you agree to first contact us at legal@getkizunalink.com and attempt to resolve the dispute informally for at least 30 days.

17.3 Jurisdiction

Any legal action or proceeding arising from these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the courts of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

17.4 Users in Japan

If you are a resident of Japan, nothing in this section limits any rights you may have under the Consumer Contract Act (消費者契約法) or other mandatory provisions of Japanese law. In the event of a conflict between these Terms and mandatory Japanese consumer protection law, the latter shall prevail. Where the exclusive jurisdiction agreed upon in this section is not permitted under mandatory provisions of Japanese law, you may file suit in the court having jurisdiction under Japanese law.

18. General Provisions

18.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Unira concerning the Service.

18.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

18.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

18.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights under them without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.

18.5 Language

These Terms are provided in both English and Japanese. In the event of a conflict between the English version and the Japanese version, the Japanese version shall prevail for users in Japan. For users outside Japan, the English version shall prevail.

18.6 Notices

We may provide notices to you via in-app notifications, email, or other reasonable means. Notices to us should be sent to: legal@getkizunalink.com

19. Contact Information

Unira (Pty) Ltd
Email: legal@getkizunalink.com
Website: https://getkizunalink.com

These Terms and Conditions were last updated on October 4, 2026.