Privacy Policy
Last updated: October 26, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Open Lantern Path ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses and protects personal information when you visit this website or sign up for our New Year decorating checklist. We handle personal information in line with Japan's Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) and, where it applies, the EU/UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
1. Who we are
Open Lantern Path is an informational website with seasonal home decorating ideas for the Japanese New Year. We do not sell products on this website. For any privacy question you can reach us at contact@openlanternpath.com.
2. Information we collect
Information you give us
- Checklist sign-up: your name (optional) and email address.
- Contact form: your name, email address and the content of your message.
Information collected automatically
- Technical data: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, language, referring page and the date and time of your visit.
- Usage data: pages viewed, time on page and clicks, collected only if you accept analytics cookies.
- Cookies and similar technologies: see our Cookie Policy.
We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information ("special care-required personal information" under the APPI), such as health, religious or political information. Please do not send it to us.
3. How we use your information
| Purpose | Information used |
|---|---|
| Send you the checklist and seasonal decorating emails you asked for | Name, email |
| Reply to your messages and requests | Name, email, message |
| Keep the website working, secure and free from abuse | Technical data, essential cookies |
| Understand how the site is used and improve our content | Usage data, analytics cookies (with consent) |
| Meet legal obligations and handle disputes | Any of the above, as needed |
We will not use your personal information for purposes other than those listed above without your consent, except where the law allows it.
4. Legal basis
We process your information because you consented (for example, by ticking the box on our sign-up form or accepting analytics cookies), because it is necessary to respond to your request, because we have a legitimate interest in running a secure and useful website, or because the law requires it. You can withdraw consent at any time; this does not affect processing that happened before.
5. Sharing your information
We do not sell or rent your personal information. We share it only with:
- Service providers who help us run the site, such as hosting, email delivery and analytics providers. They may use your information only to provide their services to us and must keep it secure.
- Authorities when required by law, court order or to protect rights, property or safety.
- A successor if the website is transferred, in which case this policy will continue to apply.
6. International transfers
Some of our service providers may store or process data outside Japan. When this happens, we take reasonable steps to make sure your information is protected to a standard equivalent to the APPI, for example through contracts with the provider. You can ask us for information about the countries involved and the protection measures in place.
7. How long we keep it
- Checklist and email list data: until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete it.
- Contact form messages: up to 12 months after we reply.
- Technical logs: usually up to 90 days, unless needed for security.
8. Your rights
Depending on where you live, you can ask us to:
- tell you what personal information we hold about you and how we use it (disclosure);
- correct, add to or delete inaccurate information;
- stop using or delete your information, or stop sharing it with third parties;
- give you a copy of your information in a portable format;
- stop sending you marketing emails — every email includes an unsubscribe link.
To make a request, email contact@openlanternpath.com. We may need to confirm your identity first. We aim to respond within 30 days. If you are in the EU or UK, you also have the right to complain to your local data protection authority; in Japan you can contact the Personal Information Protection Commission.
9. Security
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information, including encrypted connections (HTTPS), limited access and trusted service providers. No method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.
10. Children
This website is intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe a child has given us their information, contact us and we will delete it.
11. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top shows when it was last changed. Significant changes will be highlighted on this page.