Terms of Service

These Terms of Service (the "Terms") govern the use of the online store (the "Service") operated by KOTOPOTTER ("we," "us," or "our").

All customers and other individuals who use the Service ("Users") are required to comply with these Terms and the policies separately established by KOTOPOTTER.

Article 1 (Scope of Application)

1. These Terms apply to all Users of the Service, regardless of whether they have registered for or logged into a customer account.

2. Our Shipping Policy, Refund Policy, Privacy Policy, and other separately established policies apply alongside these Terms to their respective subject matters.

3. If these Terms conflict with a specific policy or transaction condition expressly provided by us, the specific policy or condition shall prevail for the relevant matter, unless otherwise required by applicable law.

Article 2 (Customer Accounts)

1. Users may use the customer account features provided by KOTOPOTTER. Logging into a customer account is not required to purchase products.

2. Users may log into their customer accounts using a verification code sent to their registered email address or another authentication method adopted by KOTOPOTTER.

3. Users are responsible for appropriately managing their registered email addresses and authentication information and for taking reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized access.

4. Users should update their registered information as necessary when changes occur.

5. Users who wish to request deletion of their customer accounts may contact us at kotopotter@kotopotter.jp. Certain information may be retained after account deletion to the extent necessary to comply with legal retention obligations or other applicable legal requirements.

Article 3 (Formation of Sales Contracts)

1. Users shall review the products, quantities, shipping addresses, payment methods, and other order details before submitting an order through the prescribed checkout process.

2. A sales contract is formed when KOTOPOTTER sends the User a notice expressly accepting the order. An automated notification acknowledging receipt of an order does not, by itself, constitute acceptance.

3. If an order cannot be accepted due to product availability, payment status, or other circumstances, we will notify the User accordingly.

4. Orders for regular products may be canceled before shipping preparations begin. Cancellations requested after shipping preparations have begun are subject to our Refund Policy. Custom-made products are governed by Article 10.

Article 4 (Order Cancellation and Termination)

KOTOPOTTER may decline to accept an order or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, terminate a sales contract after its formation in the following circumstances:

1. A product cannot be supplied due to insufficient stock, damage, or other circumstances.

2. A material error in the displayed price, inventory information, or other product information makes it reasonably impracticable to proceed with the transaction.

3. Payment cannot be completed or confirmed within a reasonable period.

4. Delivery cannot be completed due to incomplete shipping information, import or export restrictions, or other circumstances.

5. Fraudulent orders or other violations of these Terms are identified.

6. Other unavoidable circumstances make performance of the contract objectively impracticable.

If an order is canceled or a contract is terminated for reasons attributable to KOTOPOTTER, we will provide refunds or take other appropriate measures in accordance with applicable law and the circumstances of the transaction.

Article 5 (Product Prices and Payment)

1. Product prices are those displayed on the relevant product pages or during checkout.

2. Users may select from the payment methods available during checkout.

3. Shipping charges, payment processing fees, and other applicable charges are governed by the conditions separately displayed by KOTOPOTTER.

4. For international purchases, the actual amount paid by the User may differ from the displayed price due to exchange rates, currency conversion fees charged by financial institutions, import taxes, and other applicable charges.

Article 6 (Characteristics of Products)

1. The ceramic products sold by KOTOPOTTER may be produced through handmade processes, including forming, painting, glazing, and firing.

2. Due to the materials and production processes involved, individual products may vary in shape, dimensions, weight, color, painted decoration, glaze appearance, crazing, iron spots, surface texture, and other characteristics.

3. We make reasonable efforts to accurately represent products in photographs. However, actual colors and textures may appear different due to lighting conditions, photography, and display settings.

4. Variations that are reasonably expected in light of the product description, photographs, and the general characteristics of handmade ceramics shall not ordinarily be considered defects.

5. However, if a product materially differs from its description, is unsuitable for its ordinary intended use, or otherwise fails to conform to the contract, we will respond in accordance with applicable law and our Refund Policy.

Article 7 (Shipping and Delivery)

1. Shipping schedules, delivery methods, and shipping charges are governed by our Shipping Policy and the information displayed during checkout.

2. We will appropriately package products and arrange shipment through our designated carriers.

3. Delivery may be delayed due to weather, natural disasters, transportation conditions, customs procedures, carrier operations, or other circumstances.

4. Users are responsible for providing accurate and deliverable shipping addresses, names, and contact information.

5. If additional costs arise due to incorrect information provided by the User, prolonged absence, or refusal to accept delivery without legitimate reason, we may request reimbursement of reasonable costs actually incurred.

6. In the event of loss or damage during shipping, we will investigate the matter with the carrier and take appropriate action in accordance with applicable law and the circumstances of the case.

Article 8 (International Shipping and Customs)

1. International shipments may be subject to the laws, import restrictions, and customs procedures of the destination country or region.

2. Unless expressly stated otherwise by KOTOPOTTER, customs duties, import taxes, value-added taxes, customs clearance fees, and other applicable government charges are generally the responsibility of the User.

3. Users are responsible for confirming the import requirements of the destination country or region and providing any necessary information or documentation.

4. KOTOPOTTER will accurately declare product descriptions and transaction values on customs documentation. We do not accept requests to underdeclare product values, falsely declare commercial purchases as gifts, or make other inaccurate customs declarations.

5. If a shipment is returned due to unpaid import charges, failure to complete required customs procedures, or refusal of delivery without legitimate reason, we may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, charge the User for reasonable shipping, return shipping, and related costs actually incurred, or deduct such costs from an applicable refund.

6. If delivery becomes impossible due to import restrictions or other circumstances, we will discuss refunds, reshipment, or other appropriate measures based on the cause and allocation of responsibility.

Article 9 (Returns, Exchanges, and Nonconforming Products)

1. We generally accept return requests submitted within 14 days after delivery. Eligibility, conditions, and procedures are specified in our Refund Policy.

2. For returns requested for reasons unrelated to product defects or other nonconformities, KOTOPOTTER will cover return shipping costs, provided the User follows our designated return shipping instructions.

3. For domestic deliveries within Japan, eligible returns will generally receive a full refund of the product price.

4. For international deliveries, when a User requests a return for reasons unrelated to product defects or other nonconformities, the actual original outbound shipping cost incurred by KOTOPOTTER will be deducted from the refund. This also applies to orders that originally qualified for free shipping.

5. If a product is damaged, defective, incorrectly delivered, or otherwise fails to conform to the contract, we will provide an appropriate remedy, including replacement, repair, or refund, in accordance with applicable law.

6. Nothing in this Article or our Refund Policy is intended to unlawfully restrict the User's statutory rights.

Article 10 (Custom-Made and Made-to-Order Products)

1. For custom-made, personalized, engraved, or otherwise specially produced or modified products, we will provide the relevant specifications, prices, estimated production periods, and other conditions and accept orders based on individual agreement with the User.

2. As a general rule, custom-made products cannot be canceled or returned for reasons unrelated to product defects or other nonconformities once the order has been confirmed.

3. Production periods are estimates and may change due to manufacturing processes or circumstances affecting the artisan or kiln. If a substantial delay is anticipated, we will notify the User and discuss an appropriate response.

4. Changes to product specifications may be accepted only when KOTOPOTTER determines that such changes are feasible in light of the production status and other circumstances.

5. If a product does not conform to the agreed specifications or if cancellation, termination, or another remedy is available under applicable law, the User's statutory rights shall prevail over paragraph 2.

Article 11 (Prohibited Conduct)

Users must not engage in any of the following activities:

1. Violating applicable laws or these Terms.

2. Registering or providing false information.

3. Using another person's account or authentication information without authorization.

4. Accessing the Service without authorization, attacking its systems, or interfering with its operation.

5. Infringing the intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other rights of KOTOPOTTER or third parties.

6. Placing fraudulent orders or making payments for fraudulent purposes.

7. Engaging in other conduct comparable to the above that interferes with the safe and proper operation of the Service.

Article 12 (Intellectual Property Rights)

1. Copyrights, trademarks, and other intellectual property rights relating to the text, photographs, images, designs, logos, and other content displayed on the Service belong to KOTOPOTTER or their respective lawful owners.

2. Except as permitted by applicable law, Users may not reproduce, republish, modify, distribute, or commercially use such content without authorization from the relevant rights holder.

3. Purchasing a product does not transfer any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights associated with that product to the User.

Article 13 (Personal Information)

1. We handle Users' personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

2. Personal information may be processed or shared with payment service providers, shipping carriers, e-commerce platform providers, and other relevant service providers to the extent necessary for order processing, payment, delivery, customer support, and provision of the Service.

3. Marketing and promotional emails or other electronic communications will be sent in accordance with applicable laws, including obtaining consent where required and providing appropriate opt-out methods.

Article 14 (Changes, Interruptions, and Suspension of the Service)

1. We may temporarily interrupt or suspend all or part of the Service due to system maintenance, technical failures, security issues, natural disasters, or other unavoidable circumstances.

2. We may modify the Service as necessary.

3. Where changes or interruptions materially affect Users, we will endeavor to provide advance notice through reasonable means, except in emergencies.

4. This Article does not automatically release KOTOPOTTER from obligations under sales contracts that have already been formed.

Article 15 (Liability and Damages)

1. KOTOPOTTER shall be responsible for the provision of the Service and performance of sales contracts in accordance with applicable law.

2. Except where otherwise required by law, we shall not be liable for damages arising from circumstances not attributable to KOTOPOTTER.

3. Where damages result from ordinary negligence on our part, our liability shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be limited to damages ordinarily arising from the relevant circumstances.

4. The limitation in the preceding paragraph does not apply to damages caused by our intentional misconduct or gross negligence.

5. Nothing in these Terms excludes or restricts Users' rights under the Japanese Consumer Contract Act or other applicable mandatory laws.

Article 16 (Amendments to These Terms)

1. We may amend these Terms in response to changes in applicable laws, the Service, or other relevant circumstances.

2. Amendments shall be made in accordance with Article 548-4 of the Japanese Civil Code and other applicable laws, where the amendments are in the general interests of Users or are reasonable in light of their necessity, appropriateness, and other relevant circumstances.

3. We will announce the amended Terms and their effective date by posting them on the Service or through other appropriate means. Where legally required, such notice will be provided before the effective date.

4. Amended Terms shall not automatically alter the conditions of sales contracts formed before the amendment, unless the amendment validly takes effect under applicable law.

Article 17 (Governing Law and Jurisdiction)

1. These Terms, including their formation, validity, and interpretation, and contracts relating to the Service shall be governed by the laws of Japan.

2. Any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms or the Service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Kyoto District Court of Japan as the court of first instance, except where applicable law provides for jurisdiction in another court or where this jurisdiction agreement is not legally enforceable.

3. Nothing in this Article excludes or limits mandatory consumer protections or other rights that cannot lawfully be waived under the laws applicable to international consumers.

Contact Information

KOTOPOTTER

Email: kotopotter@kotopotter.jp

Website: https://www.kotopotter.jp

Last Updated: October 15th, 2026