Privacy, Cookies and Tracking Policy

MakotoPlus.com and the Makoto Japanese Explorer iOS/Android app (together, the “Service”) are owned and operated by Kotoba Inc. This policy, together with our Terms and Conditions, explains how we collect, use, and protect information about you. By using our website or mobile app, you confirm that you understand and agree to this policy.

Summary for the app: You can use the app as a guest with limited content and features. Creating a free account unlocks more free content and optional newsletters. Paid Samurai and Shogun subscriptions are purchased exclusively via in-app purchase in the app (Apple App Store on iPhone and iPad, Google Play on Android). No outside checkout links are used in the app.

What We DON'T Do With Your Data

We will NEVER sell, rent, or give away your personal information to third parties for their own marketing. Your privacy and trust are our top priorities.

Guest Use and Accounts

• Guest mode (no account): You may use the app without creating an account. Some features (e.g., certain quizzes, saving words to the Word Bank, and access to additional stories) require a free account.
• Free accounts: If you create a free account, we collect your email to sign you in and sync your learning data (see “Information we collect”). You can optionally subscribe to newsletters.
• Paid subscriptions: Samurai/Shogun subscriptions are purchased via in-app purchase (Apple App Store or Google Play) in the app and unlock additional content both in the app and on MakotoPlus.com when you sign in.

Information We Collect

When you use the Website or App, we may collect:

• Account information: name, email address, and login credentials when you create an account.
• Authentication: passwordless email one-time codes and/or traditional passwords (if enabled).
• Subscription and purchase information: purchase and subscription records from Apple (App Store) and Google (Google Play), and membership status for the app; for website-only purchases, we may receive transaction confirmations from Stripe or other processors. We do not store full payment card details.
• Usage data: progress tracking, saved words, story interactions, quiz scores, Sakura points earned, and app or site preferences.
• Technical data: device type, operating system, crash reports, and analytics for improving performance and security.

How We Use Your Information

• Provide, operate, and improve the Website and App.
• Deliver membership content and unlock features based on your subscription tier.
• Sync your progress, word bank, quiz scores, Sakura points, and settings across sessions.
• Communicate important service updates (e.g., changes to features, security alerts, and policy updates).
• Send newsletters and free lessons only if you opt in.
• Monitor and analyze usage to improve functionality and security.

Newsletter and Email Communications

• Service emails (non-marketing): We may send strictly necessary service messages (e.g., login codes, security notices, critical changes to your membership). These are part of the Service and are not promotional.
• Optional newsletters: You can opt in to receive free lessons, study tips, and product updates. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any newsletter.
• Unsubscribing from newsletters will not affect your access to your account, Makoto+ membership benefits, or app features.

Third-Party Services

• In-App Purchases (App): Subscriptions in the app are sold and billed by Apple through the App Store (iPhone and iPad) and by Google through Google Play (Android). We never receive your card or bank details. Apple and Google send us information that confirms your purchase and subscription status, such as the plan you chose, when it started, renews or ends, the price and currency, and the store country.
• Subscription management (RevenueCat): We use RevenueCat, Inc., a service provider based in the United States, to verify app purchases and keep track of subscription status on our behalf. RevenueCat receives the purchase and subscription information described above from Apple and Google, along with a random identifier we assign to your account. We do not share your name or email address with RevenueCat. RevenueCat processes this information only on our instructions, to provide its service to us: confirming purchases, restoring them on new devices, and subscription reporting. You can read RevenueCat’s privacy policy at revenuecat.com/privacy.
• Website payments (Website only): If you purchase downloadable products or memberships on our website (outside the app), payments may be processed by Stripe or other trusted processors. They share transaction confirmations with us but not full card numbers.
• Analytics & Crash Reporting: We may use privacy-respecting analytics and platform diagnostics (e.g., Apple and Google Play diagnostics) to improve performance and stability.
• Advertising: We do not show third-party advertising in the app and do not use advertising identifiers (Apple’s IDFA or Google’s Advertising ID) for tracking. Advertising, if used, is limited to the website and may rely on cookies or device identifiers.

Cookies and Similar Technologies (Website)

Website cookies: MakotoPlus.com uses cookies to provide core functionality (e.g., sign-in, remembering preferences) and to measure usage. Cookies are small text files stored on your device and are common on most websites.

• Persistent cookies: remain on your device for a set period.
• Session cookies: deleted when you close your browser.
• Cookies help with navigation, preferences, and overall experience.

Why We Use Cookies (Website)

1. To recognize your device and provide a personalized website experience.
2. To measure and improve website performance.
3. Because there is no consistent industry response to “Do Not Track” signals, we do not alter our website data collection in response to DNT at this time.

Managing Cookies (Website)

Your browser’s Help menu explains how to block or delete cookies. Blocking essential cookies may prevent you from signing in or using key features on the website (e.g., quizzes, premium stories). If you leave cookies enabled, remember to sign out on shared computers.

Your Rights

You have control over your personal information. Subject to applicable law, you may:

• Access, update, or correct your information
• Delete your account and associated data (see retention notes below)
• Export your saved vocabulary (available on the website Word Bank)
• Opt out of marketing newsletters at any time

For privacy requests, contact help@thejapanshop.com. We aim to respond within 30 days.

Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes in this policy, including:

• Providing and supporting the Service (e.g., syncing progress, membership checks)
• Complying with legal, tax, accounting, and anti-fraud obligations
• Maintaining secure backups for a limited period

Some records (e.g., App Store and Google Play purchase records, server security logs, payment confirmations from website processors) may be retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes, even after account deletion. Where retention is no longer necessary, we will securely delete or anonymize the data.

Account Deletion

You can delete your account at any time:

• In the mobile app: Settings → Delete Account
• On the website: makotoplus.com/account-deletion

When you delete your account, we will remove or anonymize your personal data in our active systems, including:

• Account information (name, email, login credentials)
• Learning progress and saved vocabulary
• Quiz scores and Sakura points
• Unlocked content and preferences
• Marketing newsletter subscriptions (unsubscribed or removed from our lists)

Important: Deleting your account does not cancel App Store or Google Play subscriptions. Manage or cancel them in your Apple ID settings (iPhone and iPad) or in the Google Play Store under Payments & subscriptions (Android). Website-only purchases (outside the app) are managed with the original payment processor (e.g., Stripe).

Retention note: We may keep limited records (e.g., App Store and Google Play purchase records, server logs, anti-fraud or legal compliance records, and encrypted backups for a limited time) as permitted or required by law.

Children’s Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.

International Users

We may process data in the United States and other countries. By using the Service, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in jurisdictions that may have different data protection laws than your home country.

Changes to This Policy

Effective date: September 23, 2026

We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the updated version with a new effective date, and, if changes are material, we will provide additional notice (e.g., email or in-app message) where required by law.

Contacting Us

Questions or privacy requests: help@thejapanshop.com

Owner/Operator: Kotoba Inc