Terms and Conditions

1. General Provisions and Scope of Agreement

These Terms and Conditions establish the definitive legal framework governing the relationship between Goudou Kaisha 52 (hereinafter the "Company") and the Renter or Driver (hereinafter the "Renter"). This agreement is structured to ensure operational transparency and rigorous risk mitigation for all parties involved in the lease of a vehicle.

The Company leases the vehicle to the Renter, and the Renter accepts the vehicle in accordance with these terms. For any matters not explicitly addressed herein, the laws of Japan, administrative circulars, and general customs shall apply. Should a special contract or memorandum be executed between the Company and the Renter, such special contract shall take priority over these General Terms and Conditions to the extent of any inconsistency.

2. Reservation Management and Contract Initiation

To ensure vehicle availability and service reliability, the Company operates a formalized reservation system. The initiation of a rental contract is predicated upon the successful completion of the reservation process.

Reservation Application

The Renter shall apply for a reservation by agreeing to the price list and specifying the following Borrowing Conditions:

Vehicle Class: The specific category of vehicle requested.
Start Date and Time: The commencement of the rental period.
Location: The designated pick-up point.
Rental Period: The total duration of the lease.
Return Location: The designated drop-off point.
Driver: The identity of the primary and any additional authorized drivers.
Accessories: Specific equipment requirements, such as child seats.

Reservation Cancellation and Changes

Any modification to the borrowing conditions requires the prior consent of the Company. If the Renter fails to initiate the rental contract within one hour of the reserved start time, the reservation is officially "Deemed Cancelled" due to the Renter's circumstances. In such cases, or upon voluntary cancellation, the Renter shall pay a cancellation fee as prescribed by the Company’s fee schedule.

Alternative Rental Vehicle

If the Company cannot provide the reserved vehicle class, it may offer an Alternative Rental Vehicle. If the Renter accepts this alternative:

Should the alternative vehicle’s rate be higher than the original, the original (lower) rate shall apply.
Should the alternative vehicle’s rate be lower than the original, the Renter shall be charged the lower rate. The Renter maintains the right to refuse the alternative and cancel the reservation without penalty if the Company is at fault.

3. Execution of the Rental Contract and Driver Verification

In compliance with Article 80 of the Road Transport Act and the guidelines of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), the Company enforces a strict driver verification protocol. This is a mandatory regulatory requirement to maintain the integrity of the rental register.

Mandatory Verification Items

Prior to vehicle handover, the Renter and all designated drivers must present a valid driver’s license. The Company will record and verify the following:

Mandatory Verification Items

Description

Full Name

As recorded on the driver’s license.

Current Address

Residential address verification.

License Type & Number

Eligibility for the specific vehicle class.

Mobile Contact Info

Active contact number for the duration of the lease.

Refusal of Rental

The Company shall refuse the execution of a rental contract if the Renter or Driver:

Lacks a Valid License: Fails to present required credentials.
Is Intoxicated: Shows signs of alcohol consumption.
Uses Narcotics: Exhibits symptoms of drug or solvent abuse.
Lacks Child Seats: Fails to provide or secure safety seats for toddlers under six years of age.
Has Anti-Social Affiliations: Is identified as a member or associate of organized crime or anti-social groups.

4. Vehicle Usage, Prohibited Acts, and Renter Responsibility

The Renter is entrusted with the vehicle and must exercise the "Duty of Care of a Good Manager" (Good Manager's Duty). Given the specific nature of "Van Life" and car-camping activities, strict adherence to usage protocols is required to ensure public safety and vehicle longevity.

Prohibited Acts

The Renter and Driver are strictly prohibited from:

Unauthorized Driving: Allowing anyone not listed in the contract to operate the vehicle.
Subleasing/Collateral: Subleasing the vehicle or using it as a security interest.
Modification: Altering the vehicle, its equipment, or its appearance.
Competitive Testing/Towing: Using the vehicle for racing, testing, or towing other vehicles without consent.
Legal Violations: Using the vehicle in any manner that violates Japanese law or public order.
Campervan-Specific Misconduct: Improper disposal of gray water/waste, use of open flames (stoves/fire) inside the vehicle, or smoking in non-smoking vehicles.

Daily Inspection Duties

Pursuant to Article 47-2 of the Road Transport Vehicle Act, the Renter is legally obligated to perform "Daily Inspections" before each use. This includes verifying fluid levels, tire pressure, and lights to ensure the vehicle remains in a roadworthy condition.

5. Illegal Parking and Administrative Measures

Liability for parking violations rests solely with the Renter. Clear accountability is necessary to protect the Company from administrative penalties under the Road Traffic Act.

Required Actions for Violations

In the event of a parking violation, the Renter must:

Immediately report to the police station with jurisdiction.
Pay all associated fines and penalties.
Bear all costs for towing, storage, and retrieval of the vehicle.

Self-Acknowledgment and "Parking Violation Penalty" (放置違反金)

The Company may require the Renter to sign a Self-Acknowledgment Document (自認書). If the Renter fails to resolve the violation and the Company is ordered to pay the Parking Violation Penalty (放置違反金), the Renter shall reimburse the Company for the full penalty amount, plus administrative and investigation costs as determined by the Company.

6. Return Protocols and Non-Return Measures

Timely returns are critical for maintaining the Company's operational schedule and fulfilling subsequent reservations.

Return Condition

The Renter must return the vehicle at the designated location in the presence of Company staff. The vehicle must be in its original handover state, excluding normal wear and tear.

Abandoned Property

The Company is not liable for any personal belongings left in the vehicle after the return is finalized. The Renter is responsible for ensuring all property is removed.

Measures for Non-Return

If the vehicle is not returned by the end of the rental period and the Renter is unreachable, the Company will:

Initiate legal and investigative proceedings, including Criminal Charges (刑事告訴) for misappropriation.
Conduct inquiries with the Renter’s family, employer, or other listed relations.
The Renter shall be liable for all damages and recovery costs incurred by the Company.

7. Emergencies: Breakdowns, Accidents, and Theft

In the event of an emergency, the Renter must follow specific management protocols to minimize damage and ensure safety.

Accident Response Procedures

Immediately cease operation of the vehicle.
Report the incident to the police regardless of the accident's scale.
Report the situation to the Company and follow all instructions.
Cooperate fully with the Company and the insurance provider during the investigation.

Termination due to Vehicle Unusability

If the vehicle becomes unusable due to accident, breakdown, or theft, the rental contract shall be terminated. The Company will refund the balance of prepaid fees for the remaining time (except where the Renter is at fault). The Company is not liable for any collateral damages, including alternative travel or lodging costs.
If the vehicle is damaged or becomes inoperable due to reasons attributable to the Renter (including but not limited to accidents, misuse, or violations of these terms), the Company shall not provide any alternative or replacement vehicle, regardless of the remaining duration of the rental contract. Furthermore, in such an event, the rental contract shall be immediately terminated, and no refunds, credits, or pro-rated adjustments shall be issued for the remaining rental period. The Renter shall remain fully liable for all associated recovery and repair costs.

8. Compensation, Insurance, and Non-Operation Charges (NOC)

The Company provides financial safeguards through a comprehensive insurance policy. However, the Renter remains liable for damages exceeding coverage or those caused by violations of these terms.

Insurance Coverage (Insurer: Tokyo Marine & Nichido / 東京海上日動)

Bodily Injury Liability: Unlimited (includes compulsory insurance).
Property Damage Liability: Unlimited (subject to a 50,000 JPY deductible).
Passenger Injury/Death: 50,000,000 JPY per person.

Non-Operation Charge (NOC): Business Interruption Compensation (営業補償)

If a vehicle requires repair or cleaning due to the Renter's responsibility (accident, theft, breakdown, stains, or odors), the Renter shall pay a Non-Operation Charge (NOC) as Business Interruption Compensation (営業補償). This fee is independent of insurance coverage and compensates for the loss of rental income during the repair or cleaning period.

Disclaimer of Insurance

Insurance coverage will not apply if the accident occurs while the Renter is in violation of these terms, including driving without a license, driving while intoxicated, or allowing an unauthorized driver to operate the vehicle.

9. Privacy Policy and Miscellaneous Provisions

The Company processes personal information in accordance with the legal requirements of the transport industry.

Purposes of Personal Information Use

Personal data is used for:

Execution of the rental contract and identity verification.
Customer satisfaction surveys and marketing.
Reporting non-returns or serious violations to the RV Association and law enforcement.

Miscellaneous Clauses

Late Payment Interest: The Renter and the Company agree that if either party fails to fulfill a monetary obligation under these terms, they shall pay the other party Late Payment Interest at a rate of 10% per annum.
Agreed Jurisdiction: Any legal disputes arising from this agreement shall be settled in the Niigata District Court or the Niigata Summary Court.

Supplementary Provision

These terms are effective as of the service launch date of Goudou Kaisha 52.

Goudou Kaisha 52 Representative: Taisei Kato Address: Room 801, Forest Hills Ishiuchi, 2056-10 Maiko, Minamiuonuma, Niigata