Terms of Use

NHK ONLINE SERVICES
TERMS OF USE

(English translated version)

The Terms of Use for the online services of Nippon Hoso Kyokai (Japan Broadcasting Corporation, hereinafter referred to as "NHK"), which are entirely funded by NHK receiving fees, are set forth as follows:

Contents

CHAPTER I: PROVISIONS

CHAPTER II: HANDLING OF USER INFORMATION

■ Privacy Policy for General Areas

■ Privacy Policy for News Reporting and Writing

CHAPTER I: PROVISIONS

Section 1: General Provisions

  • Article 1. Scope
    1. The purpose of the Terms of Use is to set forth the rules concerning the use of the services provided by any of the means listed below (hereinafter referred to as the "Services") from among those NHK provides to the general public, funded entirely by the NHK receiving fees, via telecommunications lines, viz. broadcast programs and information for promoting understanding of them, including any materials necessary for editing broadcast programs that NHK has aired or will air, and information for promoting understanding of the same (including broadcast programs and edited versions of the said information), and also inclusive of the wide range of information disclosed about NHK activities (news gathering, program production, NHK receiving fee contracts, collection of receiving fees, hiring of staff, public broadcasting service guides) and surveys, research, and suchlike; and they shall apply to all interactions between the users of the Services and NHK concerning the use of the same:
      1. NHK websites (hereinafter referred to as "NHK Websites", which use domains such as nhk.or.jp or nhk.jp or nhk-cs.jp) or the apps NHK provides to the general public (hereinafter referred to as "NHK Apps"); and
      2. Specific pages or sections of NHK Websites, such as those for the NHK receiving fees contact desk and suchlike, or any warnings and rules for the use of specific NHK Apps, shall prevail over these Terms of Use within their specified limits.
  • Article 2. Consent
    1. By using the Services, the user is consenting to the Terms of Use.
    2. The Services include those provided through NHK Apps and those requiring the user to log in with an ID and password (hereinafter referred to as "Login Services"), which may require the user to consent once again to the Terms of Use when downloading the NHK Apps or when booting up the said services, or when acquiring or applying for an ID, or when logging in and suchlike; and in those instances, the user is requested to follow the instructions laid down for giving his/her consent.
    3. A user shall be deemed to have used NHK Data Online, NHK Hybridcast or NHK Data Services when a television receiver capable of accessing them is connected to the internet and automatically transmits and displays any of the content therein (meaning any video, audio, text, software, and all other forms of intellectual products meaningful to humans made available through data files; hereinafter the same).
  • Article 3. Use by Minors
    1. An underage minor making any use of the Services shall be deemed to have obtained the prior consent of a parent or other legal representative (hereinafter referred to as "Parent, etc."), and shall be deemed to be using the Services with the consent of and under the supervision of the same.
    2. There shall be no expunging of any juristic acts relating to the use of the Services (including giving access and suchlike to NHK by the posting of content, etc.) by an underage minor, who, despite the absence of content from a Parent, etc., had used the Services under the pretext that the said consent had been given.
    3. A user who was an underage minor when consent was given to the Terms of Use shall be deemed to acknowledge any juristic acts relating to his/her use of the Services after he/she attained his/her majority.
    4. Whilst NHK shall strive to provide zoning, issue warnings and take other measures deemed necessary for the provision of content to users, in light of underage minors figuring among them, NHK shall not be held liable for the outcome of any use by an underage minor in the absence of the consent and proper supervision of his/her Parent, etc.
  • Article 4. Prohibitions

    In using the Services, the user shall not engage in any of the following acts nor in anything that NHK deems as constituting the same:

    Pretend to be NHK or a third party (spoofing);

    1. Use another user's ID or password (excluding persons specifically allowed to do so under the Terms of Use);
    2. Reprint, duplicate, reproduce, publish, screen, assign, alter, publicly transmit, allow for transmission in another format, or put to any secondary use (excluding exceptions under the Copyright Act) the content and related information provided in the Services, in whole or in part;
    3. Analyze or alter source codes, systems, and specifications through decompilation, disassembly, and reverse-engineering;
    4. Use any trademarks, logos, or other propriety information (including images, text, page layouts and forms) in any materials or frames;
    5. Gain unauthorized access, by erasing, modifying, diverting, invalidating, hindering, evading, etc. the means of access, to the telecommunications equipment, computers and other devices, and software of NHK and third parties relating to the Services;
    6. Upload, post or transmit malware and any other computer codes, files or programs produced to hinder the use or operation of the telecommunications equipment, computers and other devices, and software of NHK and third parties relating to the Services;
    7. Violate or engage in anything likely to violate the intellectual property rights (which herein refers to copyright, patent rights, utility model rights, trademark rights, and any other intellectual property rights, including the rights to obtaining such rights or applications for the registration and suchlike thereof; hereinafter the same) and other rights (including but not limited to the right to privacy, the right to publicity, portrait rights, the right to a good name and reputation, and other moral and property rights) of NHK or a third party;
    8. Assign, loan or transfer to a third party the rights and obligations relating to the Services, in whole or in part;
    9. Engage in any actions that are contrary or likely to be contrary to laws and regulations or pubic order and standards of decency;
    10. Engage in election campaigning or actions of a similar nature or any other actions relating to politics or religion;
    11. Provide NHK, other users of the Services or a third party with information that is false or likely to be false;
    12. Engage in any action relating to the Services for the purpose of commercial gain or the purpose of preparing to do so;
    13. Engage in any slander or libel against NHK, other users of the Services or third parties;
    14. Gather and accumulate information concerning other users of the Services;
    15. Engage in any actions benefitting, either directly or indirectly, anti-social forces or any persons intimately connected with them;
    16. Engage in any actions hindering the operation of the Services; or
    17. Engage in any other actions NHK deems improper.
  • Article 5. Service Disclaimers
    1. NHK does not guarantee that the Services will operate properly without delay or interruption within specific operating environments, nor that all of their functions will be available, nor that the content therein will be free of any faults or bugs.
    2. Whilst NHK shall strive to provide accurate information in the Services, NHK does not guarantee the completeness thereof.
    3. NHK may change the content and specifications of the Services, or interrupt, halt, or cancel the Services that are provided, or cease updates, etc. for the same, without prior notice.
    4. NHK may take measures necessary for maintaining the Services, such as temporary suspension of access and suchlike when NHK deems there is a need to reduce loads from crowded access.
    5. NHK shall assume no liability for any damages incurred by a user or any third parties arising from his/her/their use of or inability to use the Services.
    6. The user shall assume responsibility for the ID and password granted to him/her providing access to the Services, and NHK shall assume no liability for the result of any unauthorized use, etc. associated with the user leaking his/her ID or password.
    7. NHK shall assume no liability for any disputes among users in the use of the Services.
  • Article 6. Vesting of Rights

    All intellectual property rights relating to the Services shall be vested in NHK and the rights holders, and permission to use the Services under the Terms of Use does not signify permission to use the said intellectual property rights of NHK or rights holders.

  • Article 7. Links
    1. NHK in principle shall allow a user to set links to the Services; however, NHK prohibits any links violating the copyright, neighboring rights, and suchlike of NHK and third parties, and any links formatted to obscure the source.
    2. When NHK deems necessary to do so, NHK may set links to external websites in the Services; and NHK shall no assume no liability for the content and suchlike of the said websites.
  • Article 8. Terminals and Software
    1. The user shall assume the responsibility and expenses of providing the terminals, software, internet connection, telecommunications line, and suchlike required for accessing the Services.
    2. The user is advised to use the latest operating systems, browsers and terminals duly capable of handling the said operating systems, etc., in order to use the Services in a safe and smooth manner; and the quality of the content may be affected by the terminal, its settings, internet bandwidth, connection speeds, the content selected, etc.; and whilst NHK has established that the following operating environments (https://www.nhk.or.jp/rules/requirements/), in principle, will handle the NHK Websites, there may be instances where specific pages or sections of the said websites will not be properly displayed.
    3. The user should set his/her browser to enable JavaScript, as JavaScript is used in the NHK Websites; failure to do so may interfere with the manner in which the said websites are displayed.
    4. The user should refer to the information for the respective App Platforms (including but not limited to App Store, Google Play, and Microsoft Store) for the NHK Apps.

Section 2: Apps

  • Article 9. Terms of Use, etc. for App Platforms

    In the Services that are app-based (including both NHK Apps and Third Party Apps), the user may be subject, in the downloading and use thereof, to the terms of use, etc. of the operators of the App Platforms (including, but not limited to App Store, Google Play, and Microsoft Store), in addition to these Terms of Use with NHK; and NHK shall assume no liability if the said operators decide to halt use of the apps if the user, despite adherence to the NHK Terms of Use, has done anything infringing on their terms of use, etc.

  • Article 10. NHK Apps
    1. The names, etc. of the NHK Apps shall be made public on a specific page of the NHK Websites (https://www.nhk.or.jp/app/).
    2. NHK shall assume no liability for any damages incurred from the use, etc. of any apps provided by third parties not authorized by NHK that have used names to mislead users to confuse them with NHK.
    3. NHK Apps shall have the following functions, which the user may set and modify at any time for his/her use:
      1. The social media functions set forth in paragraph (1), item (i) of Article 11;
      2. Services relying on the geolocation of the terminal installed with NHK Apps; and
      3. Push notification.
    4. In some NHK Apps, disabling the geolocation function may render the services therein inaccessible, in whole or in part.

Section 3: Digital Platforms

  • Article 11. Digital Platforms for the Services
    1. NHK uses the following Digital Platforms for providing the Services:
      1. Social media:
        Refers to media in Digital Platforms for users to send and shape information, such as social networking services, video-sharing websites, and suchlike, in which NHK has acquired accounts (hereinafter referred to as "NHK Social Media Accounts") for providing the Services; and
      2. Other Digital Platforms:
        Refers to Digital Platforms not corresponding to any of those in the preceding item, which NHK, if necessary, uses to provide the Services.
    2. The Digital Platforms NHK uses to provide the Services (including individual NHK Social Media Accounts) shall be made public on (https://www.nhk.or.jp/rules/platform/).
    3. In the Services that are based on Digital Platforms, the user may be subject to the terms of use, etc. of the operators of the Digital Platforms, in addition to these Terms of Use with NHK; and NHK shall assume no liability if the said operators decide to halt use of the said platforms if the user, despite adherence to the NHK Terms of Use, has done anything infringing on their terms of use, etc.
  • Article 12. NHK Social Media Accounts
    1. The NHK Social Media Accounts are not an endorsement for the use of the social media upon which they rely.
    2. The NHK Social Media Accounts respectively provide details of their purpose of operations.
    3. NHK, according to its own circumstances, may terminate NHK Social Media Accounts without prior notice; and they may also be terminated in accordance with circumstances and suchlike of the social media upon which they rely.
    4. NHK shall assume no liability for any defects, bugs, problems, misconceptions or suspension of service relating to social media, nor for any disputes among users of NHK Social Media Accounts.
  • Article 13. Posting on NHK Social Media Accounts
    1. NHK may allow posts on those NHK Social Media Accounts which enable comments and other content to be posted therein (and which NHK may choose to delete).
    2. When content is sought under the previous paragraph for the purpose of news gathering or the production of programs, there shall be clear mention to that effect, and in such instances, Section 4 shall apply in the posting of content.
  • Article 14. Prohibitions Relating to Posts on NHK Social Media Accounts
    1. In addition to the prohibitions in Article 4, the following is prohibited in posts on NHK Social Media Accounts:
      1. Any criminal act or other acts contrary to laws and regulations or which solicit and abet such actions, or which may be construed as such;
      2. Anything that infringes or is likely to infringe upon the rights of another person, including the right to a good name and reputation, the right to privacy, portrait rights, intellectual property rights, etc.;
      3. Anything irrelevant to the purpose of operations of the NHK Social Media Accounts;
      4. Anything irrelevant to the information transmitted by NHK; and
      5. Successive posts of the same or similar content, posts for commercial or advertising purposes, posts assuming the identity of NHK or other persons, etc., and anything hindering the operation of the NHK Social Media Accounts.
    2. NHK may delete or refuse to display, etc. any comments and suchlike NHK deems to have fallen under any of the above, irrespective of the wishes of the person who posted them.
  • Article 15. Disclaimers Relating to Posts by Users on NHK Social Media Accounts
    1. NHK shall assume no liability for any of the comments or other content posted on NHK Social Media Accounts.
    2. The operators of social media, in principle, shall decide whether to retain any of the comments, etc. posted on the NHK Social Media Accounts, the period of retention and suchlike, and NHK shall assume no liability for any loss of or damage to the comments, etc. posted therein.
  • Article 16. Comments, etc. on NHK Social Media Accounts Infringing Rights

    When NHK has received the following declaration form (in Japanese) from a person who asserts that his/her rights have been infringed upon by comments, etc. posted by a user on any of the NHK Social Media Accounts, and NHK deems there has been an infringement, NHK shall take measures, such as deletion of and refusal to display the said comments, etc., if technically feasible to do so:

    1. Request for Deletion of Comments, etc. Deemed to Infringe on One's Own Rights (https://forms.nhk.or.jp/q/C5J8LREJ)
  • Article 17. Comments, etc. on NHK Social Media Accounts Contravening the Public Offices Election Act

    When NHK has received any of the following declaration forms (in Japanese) from a candidate or from the political party or political organization to which he/she is affiliated that a user has posted comments, etc. on any of the NHK Social Media Accounts, which are likely to be in contravention of the Public Offices Election Act and thereby be detrimental to the said candidate, party, or political organization, and NHK deems there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that there has been a contravention of the said Act, NHK shall take measures, such as deletion and refusal to display the said comments, etc., if technically feasible to do so:

    1. Request for Deletion of Comments, etc. Deemed to Impugn on the Good Name and Reputation of a Candidate (https://forms.nhk.or.jp/q/IF7M4BZT)
    2. Request for Deletion of Comments, etc. Deemed to Impugn on the Good Name and Reputation of a Political Party (https://forms.nhk.or.jp/q/KADL8VRI)

Section 4: Posting of Content

  • Article 18. Acceptance of Posted Content
    1. NHK may accept content posted from a user in the Services for the purpose of news gathering and program production, and in such instances, NHK shall strive to mention the purposes for which the said content (hereinafter referred to as "Posted Content") shall be used.
    2. The user shall warrant and represent to NHK regarding the Posted Content that he/she is legally entitled to submit a post and otherwise make transmissions, and that the Posted Content does not infringe upon the rights of any third party.
    3. When there is a need to contact a user who posted content for news gathering or program production, NHK may request him/her to furnish all or part of the following information: name, address, telephone number, email address, etc.
    4. A user who is an underage minor shall have the prior consent of a parent or other legal representative to submit a post, and shall do so with the consent of and under the supervision of the same.
  • Article 19. Permission to Use Posted Content
    1. Copyright to the Posted Content shall be vested in the user who created it.
    2. The user shall grant to NHK global, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sub-licensable and transferrable permission to use, duplicate, and distribute his/her Posted Content and to create, display or execute derivative works from it, and the user agrees not to exercise his/her moral rights in relation to NHK or any party that has succeeded to or has been granted the rights from NHK; and this permission includes permission for NHK to engage in any of the following acts:
      1. Use in NHK broadcast programs, NHK on Demand, and the Services;
      2. Use in the public relations, exhibitions, research and investigations of NHK (including placement in websites operated by third parties);
      3. Use in relation to entries in competitions and suchlike within Japan and abroad;
      4. At the discretion of NHK, provision to public ventures within Japan and abroad;
      5. Airing by broadcasting stations and cable television within Japan and abroad;
      6. Use in events and suchlike within Japan and abroad;
      7. Use in books, magazines, DVDs and other media relating to NHK broadcasts; and
      8. Use in any media other than the above that may be subsequently developed.
    3. Once a user has posted content, he/she may not revoke the permission and consent granted under the preceding paragraph.
  • Article 20. Selection and Editing of Posted Content
    1. When using any Posted Content for news gathering or program production, NHK shall be free to determine if and when to air or otherwise disclose it, and the sequencing and suchlike thereof; and NHK shall not respond to any inquiries about the selection criteria, nor give any prior notice as to which items of Posted Content have been selected.
    2. NHK may, at its own discretion, make changes and deletions and otherwise edit any Posted Content to the extent that the integrity of the material is not discredited thereby.
    3. When content is being posted or has been posted, NHK may, with the consent of the person who posted it, display his/her name or other name stipulated by the said person.
  • Article 21. Refusing Posts of Specific Individuals

    NHK shall refuse without prior notice any posts from any specific individual whom NHK deems has engaged in any of the following; and in such instances NHK shall assume no liability for any damages incurred by the said individual:

    1. Has breached laws and regulations, the Terms of Use, and suchlike;
    2. Has engaged in any wrongdoing when making a post; or
    3. Has done anything else NHK deems unsuitable.

Section 5: NHK Plus

  • Article 22. NHK Plus

    As part of the Services, NHK shall provide on NHK Websites and NHK Apps a service, within Japan entirely funded by NHK receiving fees, for streaming broadcast programs being aired by NHK (hereinafter referred to as "Simultaneous Continuous Online Streaming"), along with a program catch-up service, also funded entirely by NHK receiving fees, streaming broadcast programs previously aired by NHK (hereinafter referred to as the "Program Catch-up Service"), which together shall be referred to as "NHK Plus"; and some of the apps principally for television receivers and suchlike shall be solely for accessing the Program Catch-up Service.

  • Article 23. Applying for NHK Plus
    1. Any user wishing to make full use of NHK Plus (limited to a user who has a broadcast receiving contract with NHK for a receiver in his/her dwelling, which shall also include any private vehicles or other mobile objects not used for commercial purposes of any other members of the same household; hereinafter the same in this Article and Article 24) shall make an application by furnishing NHK with the following information, which he/she shall enter into those NHK Websites for obtaining NHK Plus, and by consenting to the Terms of Use:
      1. Name of user;
      2. Email address of user;
      3. Address of the dwelling installed with a receiver for which a broadcast receiving contract has been entered into between the user and NHK (limited to the address supplied by the user to NHK, or in the event a broadcast receiving contract has been entered into for multiple dwellings, one of the addresses selected by the user);
      4. A sequence of letters or other text of the user's choosing to provide a login ID for using NHK Plus (hereinafter referred to as the "NHK Plus ID"), which the user may alter after accessing NHK Plus; and
      5. A login password for using NHK Plus (hereinafter referred to as the "Login Password"), which the user may alter after accessing NHK Plus.
    2. When an application has been made under the preceding paragraph, NHK shall set a NHK Plus ID for the user as per the sequence of letters or other text he/she provided in item (iv) of the said paragraph, and send notification to him/her at the email address furnished under item (ii) of the same that the application has been received.
    3. NHK shall send to the person who has a broadcast receiving contract with NHK, to his/her contracted address, written notice giving a sequence of letters or text (including the ID, password, or suchlike under paragraph (1), item (ii) of Article 4), which shall be the Starter Pass for NHK Plus, and the user who has received the Starter Pass may make an application by furnishing NHK with the following details, without reference to the manner set forth in paragraph (1) of this Article, and by consenting to the Terms of Use; provided, however, the Starter Pass shall be valid for the said application for a period of two (2) months following the month it was issued:
      1. Starter Pass provided to the user;
      2. Email address of the user;
      3. A sequence of letters or other text of the user's choosing to provide the NHK Plus ID (which the user may alter after accessing NHK Plus); and
      4. Login Password.
    4. When an application has been made under the preceding paragraph and when NHK has been able to collate and establish that the Starter Pass entered under item (i) of the same paragraph is genuine (excluding instances where a valid NHK Plus ID already exists for the applicant), NHK shall set a NHK Plus ID for the user as per the sequence of letters or other text he/she provided under item (iii) of the said paragraph and shall notify him/her at the email address furnished under item (ii) of the same that the registration has been completed.
    5. When a user wishing to make full use of NHK Plus has not made an application under paragraph (1) or paragraph (3), he/she may make an application to use NHK Plus subject to restrictions by entering only the following details among those in the items set forth in paragraph (1) and by consenting to the Terms of Use (excluding instances where a valid NHK Plus ID already exists for the applicant): (i) Email address of user;(ii) A sequence of letters or other text of the user's choosing to provide a NHK Plus ID, which the user may alter after accessing NHK Plus; and (iii) Login Password.
    6. When an application has been made under the preceding paragraph, NHK shall set an NHK Plus ID for the user as per the sequence of letters or other text he/she provided under item (ii) of the said paragraph and shall notify him/her at the email address he/she provided under item (i) of the same.
    7. An applicant who has within the past month made an application under paragraph (5) shall, when making a new application under paragraph (1), be deemed to have already furnished NHK with the details requested in items (ii), (iv), (v), and (vi) of paragraph (1) and does not need to provide them again.
  • Article 24. Matching an Application with Broadcast Receiving Contract Details
    1. Upon receiving an application under paragraph (1) of Article 23, NHK shall establish whether the applicant has entered into a broadcast receiving contract with NHK by collating the details he/she furnished under the said paragraph with the information NHK retains about people who have such contracts, and when NHK has been able to establish that this is case (excluding instances where a valid NHK Plus ID already exists for the said applicant), NHK shall complete his/her registration.
    2. Upon completion of the registration, NHK shall notify the applicant to that effect in the manner prescribed under paragraph (2) of Article 23, and shall send written notification of the same to the address of his/her dwelling in which he/she has a receiver.
    3. The user shall notify NHK in instances such as a change of address for the dwelling installed with a contracted receiver, so that the details of his/her broadcast contract with NHK are kept up to date as prescribed in the terms of use for the said contract.
  • Article 25. Conditions for Using NHK Plus ID
    1. Making an application under paragraph (1) or paragraph (3) of Article 23, and logging into NHK Plus via the relevant NHK Websites or NHK Apps by entering in the NHK Plus ID and Login Password shall give the applicant full access to all of the functions of NHK Plus, and other persons living with him/her (hereinafter referred to as "Family Members") can access them also by entering in his/her NHK Plus ID and Login Password.
    2. Making an application under paragraph (5) of Article 23 shall give the applicant personal access or access to his/her Family Members to NHK Plus in the manner set forth in the preceding paragraph of this Article for a period of one month from his/her application or until such time he/she makes an application under paragraph (1) of Article 23 in the manner set forth in paragraph (7) of the same; and in such instances, restrictions shall be imposed on NHK Plus by way of a message appearing temporarily on the screen for the Simultaneous Continuous Online Streaming or for the Program Catch-up Service requesting the applicant to confirm that he/she has a broadcast receiving contract with NHK.
    3. Up to five streams can be accessed at one time with the same NHK Plus ID.
    4. By making an application under paragraph (1), paragraph (3), or paragraph (5) of Article 23, and by logging into NHK Plus, the person and his/her Family Members are granted non-exclusive, non-transferrable, and non-sublicensable limited permission to access the content that is being streamed for personal and non-commercial purposes, on the proviso that they adhere to the Terms of Use.
  • Article 26. Failure to Log In

    Failure to log into NHK Plus as prescribed in paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of Article 25 shall impose the following restrictions on the user:

    1. In the Simultaneous Continuous Online Streaming, a message shall appear on the screen requesting the user to confirm that he/she has a broadcast receiving contract with NHK; and
    2. The user shall be able to access only some of the programs on the Program Catch-up Service, and a message shall appear on the screen requesting the user to confirm that he/she has a broadcast receiving contract with NHK.
  • Article 27. Restrictions on Using NHK Plus ID
    1. Should NHK deem any of the following instances to apply, NHK may, irrespective of the provisions of Article 25, restrict the use of certain functions as laid down in Article 26 in the case of an applicant who has made an application under paragraph (1), (3) or (5) of Article 23 and logged in with the NHK Plus ID:
      1. When an application has been made under paragraph (1) of Article 23, and when NHK has been unable to establish from the information and other details furnished by the applicant as prescribed by the items therein that he/she has a broadcast receiving contract with NHK;
      2. When an application has been made under paragraph (1) or paragraph (3) of Article 23, and when it has transpired that the applicant has been continuously delinquent for more than twelve (12) months in the payment of NHK receiving frees for the broadcast receiving contract he/she has with NHK; or
      3. When an application has been made under paragraph (1), paragraph (3) or paragraph (5) of Article 23, and when it has transpired that the applicant has violated the provisions set forth in these Terms of Use by, for example, wrongfully allowing others to use the NHK Plus ID beyond the scope prescribed in paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of Article 25.
    2. NHK may invalidate the NHK Plus ID when NHK deems there has been any of the following instances:
      1. When an application has been made under paragraph (1) of Article 23, and when NHK has been unable to establish over a certain length of time that the applicant has a broadcast receiving contract with NHK;
      2. When a user with unrestricted access to NHK Plus has terminated his/her broadcast receiving contract with NHK or failed to provide details of any change of address; or
      3. When NHK has deemed there has been any other violation of the Terms of Use.
  • Article 28. Special Measures for NHK Plus and Verification of Operation
    1. NHK may provide Simultaneous Continuous Online Streaming without the message in item (i) of Article 26 on an ad hoc and temporary basis when the said service is being used to stream broadcast programs of a particularly urgent nature, such as those providing information for helping protect lives and property in a disaster, and other information having considerable repercussions for people's lives or society as a whole; and the same shall apply in the specific instances laid down in the NHK Online Services Implementation Standards.
    2. When the measures under the preceding paragraph are being taken, NHK shall make public on NHK Websites details of the relevant broadcast programs and the streaming schedules.
    3. NHK shall not impose the restrictions on NHK Plus set forth in paragraph (3) of Article 25 and in Article 26 when another type of terminal or software capable of accessing NHK Plus becomes available, and when the said terminal or software has been provided to a user beforehand for a period of no more than three months for the clearly indicated purpose of verifying the operation thereof, during which time the user will be asked to give details for the said verification.
  • Article 29. Terminating Use of NHK Plus
    1. When an application has been made under paragraph (1), paragraph (3), or paragraph (5) of Article 23, the applicant may terminate access to NHK Plus by following the procedures laid down in the relevant NHK Websites.
    2. A user who has terminated access to NHK Plus under the preceding paragraph may apply for it again.
  • Article 30. Handing of Information Acquired in Applications for NHK Plus
    1. When NHK has confirmed the validity of the email address given under paragraph (1), item (ii) of Article 23 or paragraph (3), item (ii) of the said Article by collating it under paragraph (1) of Article 24 or by collating it with the Starter Pass under paragraph (4) of the same Article, NHK may keep and manage the said email address with details of the applicant's broadcast receiving contract for providing notices to the applicant as prescribed in these Terms of Use, and also for managing and providing notices concerning the said contract.
    2. When no confirmation has been obtained under Article 24, paragraph (1) and there are reasonable grounds for assuming that the applicant has made an application under Article 23, paragraph (1) for wrongful purposes, such as spoofing, or reasonable grounds for assuming that he/she made an application, likewise for wrongful purposes, such as spoofing applications under paragraph (3) of the same Article, NHK may use the name, email address, and address given under the items in paragraph (1) or the email address given under item (ii) of paragraph (3) of the said Article to prevent the reoccurrence of any wrongful acts and to identify any person who has engaged in spoofing.
    3. NHK shall properly handle the information acquired from an application made under paragraph (1) or paragraph (3) of Article 23 and the information of the applicant's choosing entered thereby in accordance with the provisions of NHK's privacy policy for broadcast receiving fees (Chapter II: Handling of User Information shall not apply).

Section 6. Miscellaneous Provisions

  • Article 31. Modification of the Terms of Use
    1. NHK may, at its own discretion, modify the Terms of Use.
    2. Any modification of the Terms of Use shall apply after prior indication on NHK Websites and suchlike of the relevant changes and the date from which they shall apply.
  • Article 32. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
    1. The use of the Services, and the establishment, validity and interpretation of the Terms of Use shall be governed by the laws of Japan.
    2. The Tokyo District Court shall be the exclusive court of jurisdiction in the first instance for any disputes arising with a user in connection with the use of the Services.
  • Article 33. Inquiries
    1. Any inquiries concerning the Services should be directed to the following:
      1. NHK Call Center contact desk (NHK Fureai Navi-Dial):
        Tel. 0570-066-066 (or 050-3786-5000 when unavailable) (in Japanese)
        Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (including weekends and public holidays)
      2. Online inquiries:
        (https://www.nhk.or.jp/css/) (in Japanese)
    2. Any inquiries concerning the handling of personal information in the Services should be directed to the following:

CHAPTER II: HANDLING OF USER INFORMATION

  • Article 34. Scope of Application for this Chapter
    1. This Chapter shall apply for the handling of the personal data NHK acquires about the users of the Services (hereinafter referred to as "User Information"), viz. information concerning living individuals under the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (hereinafter referred to as the "Personal Information Protection Act"; hereinafter the same), which is comprised of personal information, pseudonymously processed information, and anonymously processed information; provided, however, Article 37, Article 39, and Article 46 shall not apply for information subject to the Supplementary Rules on the handling of personal data transferred on the basis of an adequacy decision under the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (hereinafter referred to as "GDPR") and Article 45 of the same.
    2. The User Information that NHK acquires shall include the following:
      1. Personal information:
        Personal information is information that can identify a particular individual, such as information that includes a person's name, and suchlike; and the same applies even when such details are absent if a particular individual can be identified by matching other details, such as gender, telephone number, and place of employment.
      2. Unidentified viewing history:
        The information relating to an individual (as defined in Article 2, paragraph 7 of the Personal Information Protection Act) within such information that is provided by the watching of broadcast programs made available to the general public via telecommunications lines that can identify which programs are being watched on specific dates.
      3. Information about location:
        Means information about location as defined under Article 35, paragraph (1) of the Guidelines Regarding the Protection of Personal Information in the Telecommunications Business.
    3. NHK's Privacy Policy for News Reporting and Writing will apply instead of this Chapter when NHK is handling User Information as any of the following entities, when the said User Information is being handled, in whole or in part, for any of the purposes prescribed in the relevant item:
      1. News organization:
        For the purpose of reporting, viz. informing the general public about matters in an objective manner, including the expressing of opinions and views about such matters
      2. Entity engaged in literary work
        For the purpose of literary work
    4. NHK shall, in addition to these Terms of Use, give notice or make public announcements on specific NHK Websites or NHK Apps about privacy notices, which shall provide details about the handing of the User Information that NHK acquires in providing services on the said NHK Websites or NHK Apps.
    5. Whilst this Chapter shall apply for the handling of User Information NHK acquires by providing the Services on digital platforms, the privacy policies and suchlike for the respective digital platforms shall apply for the handling of the User Information they acquire; and the following terms of use shall apply for the handling of User Information NHK acquires when broadcast programs are streamed via TVer and radiko, bearing in mind the spirit of the Broadcasting Act (Article 20, paragraph 14), which obliges NHK to give such cooperation as necessary to facilitate the streaming of broadcast programs, etc. by the other broadcasters set forth therein:
  • Article 35. Compliance with Relevant Laws, Regulations, Guidelines, etc.
    1. NHK shall abide by the Personal Information Protection Act and other laws, regulations, and guidelines, and by the NHK Charter on Personal Data and the Privacy Policy for General Areas laid down by NHK, and shall properly handle User Information with reference to the Secure Broadcasting Authorization and Research Center's Guidelines for the Protection of Personal Information in the Broadcasting Sector, and suchlike.
  • Article 36. Acquiring User Information
    1. NHK shall acquire User Information in the following instances without resorting to falsehood or any other improper means:
      1. When a user of the Services is making entries via the Internet;
      2. When there is systematic acquisition by NHK via the use of the Services; and
      3. When User Information made public via the internet has been posted and made available for searches.
  • Article 37. User Information about Children
    1. NHK shall acquire User Information about children (meaning children under the age of 16; hereinafter the same) for those Services oriented at them only with the consent of their Parent, etc., except in the following instances; and there shall be no provision of such information to any third party without the consent of the Parent, etc.:
      1. When identifiers and information joined to them (excluding information that can identify individuals) within the User Information are to be used for the purpose of facilitating the internal operations of the Services, including for the purpose of measurements, operations reports, etc. under paragraph (1) of Article 41;
      2. When User Information, such as a child's email address, telephone number and suchlike, via which contact can be made with a child (hereinafter "Contact Details"), is used on a one-time basis for the sake of responding to a query or suchlike from a child, which shall not be made public, and after which the said Contact Details shall be immediately deleted;
      3. When giving a Parent, etc. notice of this policy and privacy notices concerning the handling of User Information acquired about children, and accessing a child's Contact Details solely for acquiring the contact details and name of his/her Parent, etc. for obtaining the consent of the latter.
      4. For maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the Services;
      5. When in accordance with laws and regulations;
      6. In cases where there is a need to protect a person's life, body or property and when gaining the consent of the Parent, etc. is difficult or when it would be inappropriate to do so;
      7. In cases where there is a particular need for the advancement of public health or the wholesome development of children, when the consent of the Parent, etc. is difficult to obtain or when it would be inappropriate to do so; and
      8. In cases where provision is necessary for cooperating with a central government organization, local government or entity entrusted by either of the former two in executing affairs prescribed by laws and regulations, and where obtaining the consent of the Parent, etc. is likely to impede the execution thereof.
  • Article 38. Information about Location
    1. NHK shall not obtain information about the location of the person concerned, viz. an individual who can be identified by User Information (hereinafter the same), without his/her consent.
    2. NHK shall enable the person concerned to give or withdraw his/her consent for the acquisition of information about his/her location at any time, and NHK shall not acquire this information whilst the settings in the NHK Websites or NHK Apps have not be set to give the said consent.
    3. The nature of the Services means they may be unavailable in whole or in part when no consent has been given to the acquisition of information about location.
  • Article 39. Notices Concerning the Handling of User Information
    1. In acquiring User Information, NHK shall give notice or publicly announce (including the notices or public announcements in the form of privacy notices and those made under these Terms of Use) the following matters concerning the handling of User Information, at a suitable place and time and in plain language that the person concerned can readily understand:
      1. The principal entities handling the User Information that is being acquired;
      2. The categories of User Information that are being acquired;
      3. Where possible, specific and identified purposes of utilization (excluding instances where this is clear from the circumstances of the acquisition);
      4. Methods of acquisition;
      5. Time and place of the acquisition (excluding instances where a person is explicitly providing User Information);
      6. Methods of use;
      7. When there is any joint use, the aim thereof, items of User Information being used thereby, scope of the entity/entities involved, purposes of utilization by the said entity/entities, name of the entity/entities responsible for managing the said User Information;
      8. Whether there is any provision to a third party, and when there is, the purpose of utilization in such provision, the name of the third party (the name and contact details of a representative if the third party is a corporate entity or suchlike), and the items of User Information that are being provided;
      9. When a retention period has been prescribed, details of the period, and when no such period has been laid down, mention that the User Information shall be deleted without delay when the use of it is no longer necessary;
      10. A contact desk for handling inquiries and complaints; and
      11. Mention of and methods for the person concerned to request the cease of the acquisition of or the deletion of the User Information, in whole or in part (hereinafter referred to as "Opt Out"), that is being acquired via identifiers for the purpose of measurements, and suchlike under paragraph (1), item (iv) of Article 41.
    2. When there have been any important changes to the purposes of utilization or suchlike for those matters listed in the items in the preceding paragraph concerning the handling of User Information, and before such changes come into effect, NHK shall give notice to the person concerned or make a public announcement giving details about the said changes, at a suitable place and time and in plain language that the said person can readily understand.
    3. The provisions of the preceding two paragraphs shall not apply in any of the following instances:
      1. Instances where notice to the person concerned or public announcement on any of the matters listed in the items in paragraph (1) concerning the handling of User Information is likely to place the life, body, property or other rights and interests of the said person or those of a third party at risk;
      2. Instances where notice to the person concerned or public announcement on any of the matters listed in the items in paragraph (1) concerning the handling of User Information is likely to place the rights or legitimate interests of NHK at risk; and
      3. Instances where it is necessary to cooperate with a central government organization or local government in executing affairs prescribed by laws and regulations, and where notice to the person concerned or public announcement on any of the matters listed in the items in paragraph (1) concerning the handling of User Information is likely to impede the execution thereof.
  • Article 40. Categories of User Information
    1. NHK shall chiefly handle the following types of User Information:
      1. User Information entered by the user of the Services:
        • - Name
        • - Gender
        • - Date of birth
        • - Email address
        • - Telephone number
        • - Address
        • - Information entered or transmitted by the user in an entry form or via other methods prescribed by NHK
        • - Keyword searches and information entered by a user to vote or express views about a program
      2. User Information systematically acquired by NHK via use of the Services:
        • - Internet protocol address
        • - Access times
        • - Accessed URLs
        • - Previous URLs (referrers)
        • - User agents (information concerning the operating system, browser, etc.)
        • - Identifiers
        • - Screen resolution
        • - Language code, information about the country or territory
        • - Information about the location of the terminal
        • - Response status for terminal and browser
        • - Information about the television receiver (manufacturer ID, model, version)
        • - Information on the user's settings (location settings, font size, etc.)
        • - Crash information
        • - Broadcast programs that have been viewed
        • - Dates on which broadcast programs were viewed
        • - Regional locations of users viewing a broadcast program
        • - Browsed pages
        • - Clips played and other actions of a user
        • - URL parameters
        • - Date of first access, number of visits, etc.
        • - Information on transitions within the Services
      3. User Information made public on the internet:
        • - User Information made public on the internet
  • Article 41. Purpose of Utilization of User Information
    1. The User Information shall be used by NHK for the following purposes:
      1. Verification: For confirmation in the services requiring confirmation of the identity of the individual accessing them
      2. Authorization: For confirmation of authorization in the services requiring a degree of authorization for access
      3. For collating information about broadcast receiver contracts: For collating with the information NHK retains about people who have broadcast receiving contracts to establish whether the person concerned has such a contract (limited to instances where this was clearly indicated and consent was obtained at the time of acquisition or use)
      4. Measurements: For grasping and analyzing how broadcast programs provided via the internet are being watched, with the findings put to use in the production and compiling of broadcast programs; for assessing the effectiveness of the Services; and for grasping and analyzing how the Services are being used, with the findings put to use in the improvement of the said Services
      5. Uninterrupted provision of the Services: For uninterrupted provision of the Services, which includes grasping the reception conditions, etc. for the users of the Services and for the maintenance of and improvements to the facilities required for the provision of the said Services
      6. Surveys: For polling and conducting questionnaires, etc. on viewers (limited to instances where this was clearly indicated and consent was obtained from the person/s concerned at the time of acquisition or use)
      7. Service reports: For reports concerning NHK operations made available to the public
      8. Safe operations: For ensuring the safety of NHK operations, which includes investigation, detection and prevention of any scamming, hacking, etc. of the Services and any acts contrary to law or terms of use laid down by NHK
      9. Inquiries: For responding to inquiries concerning NHK operations
      10. Announcements: For announcements concerning NHK operations
      11. For the purpose of notifications via individual privacy notices and suchlike; the purpose shall be clearly indicated at the time of acquisition or use of User Information concerning NHK contractors, clients, applicants for employment
    2. NHK shall not handle any User Information beyond the scope necessary for achieving the specified purposes of use in the preceding paragraph without the prior consent of the person concerned, except in the following instances:
      1. Instances where the said User Information is being handled in accordance with relevant laws and regulations;
      2. Instances where the handling of the said User Information is necessary for the protection of the life, body, or property of an individual, when the consent of the person concerned is difficult to obtain;
      3. Instances where the handling of the said User Information is particularly necessary for the advancement of public health or the wholesome development of children, when the consent of the person concerned is difficult to obtain;
      4. Instances where the handling of the said User Information is necessary for cooperating with a central government organization, local government or entity entrusted by either of the form two in executing affairs prescribed by laws and regulations and where obtaining the consent of the person concerned is likely to impede the execution of the affairs concerned;
      5. When there is a need for handling the said User Information for use in scientific research (hereinafter referred to as "Purpose of Scientific Research"), excluding instances where this is likely to infringe unduly on the rights and interests of an individual even when the Purpose of Scientific Research is among the purposes for which the said User Information is being handled; and
      6. In instances where User Information is being provided to a university or other organization or group engaged in scientific research or a person/s affiliated with the same (hereinafter referred to as "Organization, etc. Engaged in Scientific Research"), where there is a need for the Organization, etc. Engaged in Scientific Research to handle the said User Information for the Purpose of Scientific Research, excluding instances where this is likely to infringe unduly on the rights and interests of an individual even when the Purpose of Scientific Research is among the purposes for which the said User Information is being handled.
    3. Any alteration by NHK of the purposes for which User Information is being used shall be within a reasonably permissible scope related to the previously existing purposes of utilization.
  • Article 42. Use of User Information
    1. NHK shall use User Information in the following manner:
      1. In unaltered form;
      2. In statistically modified form; and
      3. In combination with other personal data.
    2. NHK shall handle User Information in a proper manner according to the means by which it is acquired, and according to the categories and nature of the data.
    3. NHK shall not collate personal information with information about other users without the consent of the person concerned, and shall exercise control over the said personal information to prevent any simple collation of this nature.
    4. NHK shall not collate personal information with information about the people who have broadcast receiving contracts with NHK without the consent of the person concerned, and shall exercise control over the said personal information to prevent any simple collation of this nature.
    5. NHK shall handle the unidentified viewing history of viewers separately from other personal data.
    6. When User Information is being analyzed or suchlike, NHK shall exercise care to prevent any inferring of the attributes of the user, unless the person concerned has given his/her consent.
  • Article 43. Identifiers
    1. NHK shall assign identifiers for a browser or terminal when User Information is being acquired via identifiers, and shall not assign identifiers to users of the Services nor use identifiers, such as IDs, etc., which can lead to the identification of individual users without the individual consent of the person concerned.
    2. The ban on NHK advertising the businesses of other entities means NHK shall not use any advertising identifiers for targeted advertising, etc.
  • Article 44. Opt Out
    1. A user of the Services, excluding instances where it is not technically feasible to do so, may Opt Out, viz. request NHK to cease collection of or delete the information in paragraph 1 of the aforementioned Article 43, in whole or in part, whilst continuing to access services; and as information concerning a user is acquired via his/her browser or terminal, he/shall be required to follow the necessary procedures for the relevant browser or terminal; and the user should refer to "More on how to Opt Out" (https://www.nhk.or.jp/privacy/optout/) (in Japanese) to find out to Opt Out from the services provided on NHK Websites.
    2. The user, in addition to the preceding paragraph, may cease the collection of User Information via identifiers by setting his/her browser to refuse cookies; however, this may mean that the user will no longer be able to access some of the functions of the Services.
    3. The user, in addition to paragraph (1), may reset the identifiers assigned for the purpose of measurements by, for example, reinstalling the NHK Apps; however, this may lead to the erasure of the preferences he/she had saved for the said apps.
  • Article 45. Acquisition of User Information via Systems Supplied by Outside Firms, etc.
    1. This Chapter shall apply for the handling of User Information also when NHK is utilizing any systems supplied by outside firms or suchlike for the gathering and analysis of information to acquire User Information via identifiers; and the following provides a list of the information gathering and analyzing systems NHK utilizes: (https://www.nhk.or.jp/rules/analytics/) (in Japanese).
    2. The information NHK acquires via any of the systems in the preceding paragraph shall not be used by the said outside firms, etc. for any of their services, nor provided to any third party.
  • Article 46. Retention Period for User Information
    1. The unidentified viewing history shall be retained for a period of twenty-five (25) months, and shall be erased once this period has expired or when the use thereof is no longer necessary; and all other User Information shall be erased without delay once the use thereof is no longer necessary.
  • Article 47. Joint Use
    1. When there is any joint use of User Information with a specific entity, the handling thereof shall be done in a proper manner by NHK entering into an agreement or suchlike with the said entity to respect this Chapter in the handling of User Information; and the person concerned shall be notified beforehand or be readily able to find out that User Information is being provided to the said entity for joint use, the particulars of the User Information subject to joint use, the scope of the said entity, the entity's purpose of utilization, and the name and address of the person exercising control over the said Personal Information, or if a corporation, the name of a representative.
    2. When identifiers are being used jointly with a specific entity, NHK shall prevent the said identifiers from being used to benefit any third party by targeted advertising and suchlike.
  • Article 48. Provision to Third Parties
    1. NHK shall not provide any User Information to a third party without the consent of the person concerned, except in any of the following instances, and NHK shall comply with legislation, such as the Personal Information Protection Act, and with the relevant guidelines when personal information or information relating to a person is being provided to a third party with the consent of the person concerned:
      1. Instances where the provision to a third party is in accordance with laws and regulations;
      2. Instances where the provision to a third party is necessary for the protection of the life, body or property of an individual, when the consent of the person concerned is difficult to obtain;
      3. Instances where the provision to a third party is particularly necessary for the advancement of public health or the wholesome development of children, when the consent of the person concerned is difficult to obtain;
      4. Instances where the provision to a third party is necessary for cooperating with a central government organization, local government or entity entrusted by either of the former two in executing affairs prescribed by laws and regulations and where obtaining the consent of the person concerned is likely to impede the execution of the affairs concerned;
      5. When the provision to a third party of the said User Information is unavoidable for the publication of the findings of scientific research or for teaching, excluding instances where this is likely to infringe unduly on the rights and interests of an individual;
      6. When the provision to a third party of the said User Information is necessary for the Purpose of Scientific Research, excluding instances where this is likely to infringe unduly on the rights and interests of an individual even when the Purpose of Scientific Research is among the purposes for which the said User Information is being provided, and limited to instances where scientific research is being conducted with the said third party; and
      7. When the third party is an Organization, etc. Engaged in Scientific Research, and there is a need to handle the said User Information for the Purpose of Scientific Research, excluding instances where this is likely to infringe unduly on the rights and interests of an individual even when the Purpose of Scientific Research is among the purposes for which the said User Information is being handled.
    2. An entity receiving the said User Information shall not be deemed to be a third party under the provisions of the preceding paragraph in any of the following instances:
      1. When User Information is being provided as a result NHK assigning to an entity the handling of User Information in whole or in part within the scope necessary for achieving the purpose of utilization; and
      2. When User Information is being provided to an entity that comes within the scope of a joint user under the aforementioned Article 47.
  • Article 49. Handling of Questions and Complaints
    1. Any questions or complaints concerning NHK's handling of User Information can be directed at the following:
      1. NHK Audience Services Call Dial (Furei Center Navigation Dial):
        Phone 0570-066-066
        (Please phone 050-3786-5000 when the above number is unavailable.)
        Available daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., including weekends and public holidays.
      2. Online inquiries from NHK Websites:
        (https://www.nhk.or.jp/css/)
    2. Individuals seeking advice in the event they are unsatisfied with the manner NHK has handled their inquiry or complaint are kindly requested to contact the Secure Broadcasting Authorization and Research Center's Personal Information Protection Center at the following website:
      1. Personal Information Protection Center, Secure Broadcasting Authorization and Research Center
      2. (https://www.sarc.or.jp/hogo/soudan/kaiketu-n.html) (This website is outside the NHK Websites.)

      The Secure Broadcasting Authorization and Research Center (SARC) is an accredited body for the protection of personal information prescribed under the Personal Information Protection Act.

The Terms of Use were last modified on 3 July 2023.

In the event of any discrepancies or contradictions between the Japanese-language version and this English-translated version of the Terms of Use, the Japanese-language version shall prevail.

Japanese-language version of the Terms of Use:
(https://www.nhk.or.jp/rules/terms/)