Effective Date: March 8, 2026

Privacy Policy


This Privacy Policy describes how Hana Smile LLC, doing business as Smile Nihongo Academy ("Company", "we", "us", or "our"), collects, uses, and protects information from users of our website, courses, and related services (collectively, the "Site").

This Privacy Policy applies only to information collected through the Site and does not apply to information collected offline or through third-party websites or services that we do not control.

By using the Site, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.


1. Information We Collect

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:

  • create an account
  • enroll in a course or membership
  • subscribe to a newsletter or email updates
  • contact us through the Site or email
  • participate in surveys or other site activities

The information collected may include:

  • name
  • email address
  • account login information
  • purchase and transaction records
  • communications you send to us

Users may browse portions of the Site anonymously. However, certain features of the Site require the submission of personal information.


2. Non-Personal Information

We may automatically collect certain non-personal information when users interact with the Site. This may include:

  • browser type
  • device type
  • operating system
  • general usage data
  • referring pages and pages visited

This information helps us understand how visitors use the Site and helps improve the user experience.


3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Site may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality and user experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help the Site recognize returning visitors and maintain login sessions.

Cookies may be used for purposes such as:

  • maintaining user login sessions
  • remembering user preferences
  • analyzing site usage

You may set your browser to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. However, some parts of the Site may not function properly if cookies are disabled.


4. How We Use Your Information

We may use the information collected for purposes including:

  • providing access to courses and memberships
  • processing transactions and managing accounts
  • communicating important information related to purchases or course access
  • responding to inquiries and customer support requests
  • improving our courses, services, and website functionality
  • sending email updates or educational content to users who have subscribed

Users may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time using the unsubscribe link provided in the email.


5. Payment Processing

Payments for courses or memberships may be processed through third-party payment providers. The Company does not store complete credit card information on its own servers.

Payment information submitted during checkout is handled by secure third-party payment processors and is subject to their respective privacy policies and security practices.


6. Sharing of Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent users' personal information to others.

We may share limited information with trusted service providers that assist in operating the Site or delivering services, such as:

  • website hosting services
  • email communication providers
  • payment processing services
  • course delivery platforms

These service providers only receive the information necessary to perform their services.

We may also disclose information when required by law or when necessary to protect our legal rights.


7. Third-Party Services and Links

The Site may contain links to third-party websites or rely on third-party platforms to provide certain services. We do not control the privacy practices of these external services.

Users should review the privacy policies of those third-party services before providing personal information.


8. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and security measures designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

However, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure, and the Company cannot guarantee absolute security.


9. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide services, maintain business records, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.


10. Your Choices

Users may choose to:

  • unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
  • contact us to request updates or corrections to their personal information
  • discontinue use of the Site if they do not agree with this policy

Certain services may require personal information in order to function properly.


11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

The Company may update this Privacy Policy at any time. When changes are made, the updated Effective Date will be posted at the top of this page.

Continued use of the Site after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.


12. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, you may contact us at:

Email: sensei@smilenihongo.com


13. Children's Privacy

The Site and its services are intended primarily for adult learners. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 without parental consent.

If we become aware that personal information has been collected from a child under 13 without appropriate parental consent, we will take reasonable steps to remove such information from our records.

If you believe that a child under 13 has provided personal information through the Site, please contact us at sensei@smilenihongo.com

so that we can address the situation.