AI (Generative AI) Use Policy

Effective Date: February 19, 2026 ／ Last Updated: February 19, 2026 ／ 日本語はこちら →

HANDPAN STUDIO TOKYO Co., Ltd. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) may use generative AI (Generative AI) and other AI-related technologies in a limited, supplementary manner in connection with our website (handpanstudiotokyo.jp, the “Site”) and our marketing/promotional materials (including, without limitation, social media posts, online advertisements, printed materials, newsletters, and similar content; collectively, “Promotional Materials”). This AI (Generative AI) Use Policy (this “Policy”) explains our approach, disclosures, and key considerations regarding such use.

1. Purpose

We use AI technologies to enhance brand expression, improve production efficiency, and support a better user experience. At the same time, we prioritize: (i) avoiding any misleading impressions for customers, (ii) maintaining product accuracy as our highest priority, and (iii) respecting applicable laws and third-party rights. We aim to operate transparently and responsibly.

2. Definitions

For purposes of this Policy:

  • Generative AI means AI technologies that generate or transform content such as text, images, video, or audio.

  • AI-Generated Elements means content created or modified by Generative AI (e.g., backgrounds, decorative elements, textures, lighting effects, atmospheric effects such as mist/smoke, compositing elements, etc.).

  • Product Depiction means images or visuals representing our handpans (the “Products”), including photographs, composite images, and renderings.

3. Scope

This Policy applies to:

  1. Images, video, text, and other content displayed on the Site

  2. Images, video, text, and other content included in Promotional Materials

  3. Creative content produced by us or produced by third parties at our direction (including contractors and agencies)

4. Our Core Principles for AI Use

We follow these principles when using AI:

  1. Product accuracy first: We do not present misleading depictions of our Products’ shape, size, finish, note layout, included items/accessories, specifications, or other key features.

  2. No misleading impressions: Even when AI-Generated Elements are used for backgrounds/styling, we avoid any impression that misrepresents product performance, quality, included items, origin, or purchase terms.

  3. Transparency: Where appropriate, we disclose the use of AI-Generated Elements.

  4. Respect for rights and laws: We aim to avoid infringing copyrights, trademarks, rights of publicity, portrait/likeness rights, and other third-party rights, and we comply with applicable laws.

  5. Safety and appropriateness: We do not use AI to create discriminatory, violent, sexually explicit, or otherwise inappropriate content.

5. Typical Uses of AI (Examples)

We may use AI in a supplementary capacity for:

  • Generating or adjusting backgrounds (spaces, textures, abstract expressions, etc.)

  • Generating or adjusting decorative/styling elements (props, textures, lighting, atmosphere such as mist/smoke, etc.)

  • Assisting with finishing processes (color grading, noise reduction, perceived sharpness improvements, etc.)

  • Assisting with writing (e.g., translation drafts or copy options), with human review prior to publication

We do not use AI to intentionally alter the Product itself in a way that could create incorrect impressions about its shape, note layout, or specifications. As a general approach, our Product Depictions are based on real photographs of the actual Product (or composites built from real Product photographs).

6. Disclosures (How We Label AI Use)

Where appropriate, we may add disclosures to content that includes AI-Generated Elements. Examples include:

  • “Background/styling partly AI-generated (product depiction based on the actual item).”

  • “Some elements (e.g., background) may be AI-generated. Product depiction is based on the actual item.”

Depending on media constraints (e.g., limited character count or layout restrictions), we may consolidate disclosures into a general notice (such as a consistent caption format) and/or rely on this Policy as the primary disclosure reference.

7. Notes on Product Appearance (Color, Texture, Variations)

We strive to represent our Products as accurately as possible. However, differences may occur due to:

  • Display and monitor settings (color calibration, brightness, etc.)

  • Photography conditions (lighting, reflections, angle, etc.)

  • Natural individual variations arising from materials and manufacturing processes

  • The way backgrounds/styling (including AI-Generated Elements) can affect perception

The official specifications, included items, and warranty/terms for each Product are those described on the relevant product page and/or during checkout.

8. Rights and Compliance

When using AI-Generated Elements, we pay particular attention to:

  1. Avoiding third-party rights issues

    • We aim to avoid generating or using content that includes or evokes protected third-party characters, logos, trademarks, well-known artworks, or other protected designs without authorization.

    • Where individuals may appear in content, we consider portrait/likeness rights and take appropriate steps (e.g., avoidance, permissions, or edits), as necessary.

  2. Respecting tool/service terms

    • We endeavor to use AI tools and related services in accordance with their terms, including commercial-use licenses and other conditions.

  3. Avoiding deceptive advertising

    • We avoid AI-driven styling that could imply false claims or endorsements regarding product performance, quality, included accessories, origin, awards, or third-party recommendations.

9. Training Data and Customer Information

Use of generative AI tools may involve inputting prompts or materials to generate content. The way inputs are handled depends on each provider’s technical specifications and terms.

  • We do not intentionally input or provide customers’ personal information for the purpose of training generative AI systems, except where required by law or contract.

  • For broader personal data handling, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

10. Prohibited Uses (Operational Rules)

We do not use AI for the following:

  • Presenting Product depictions that differ from actual specifications as if they were real

  • Using real individuals’ likenesses/voices or third-party brands in advertising without permission

  • Creating content intended to mislead customers (including fabricated endorsements, fake testimonials, or deceptive “deepfake”-type uses)

  • Creating discriminatory, harassing, or otherwise harmful content

11. Disclaimer and Corrections

We strive to operate responsibly under this Policy. However, due to the nature of AI technologies, we cannot guarantee that every output will always be perfectly accurate, lawful, or non-infringing. If we become aware that any content may be problematic, we will take reasonable steps to correct, replace, or remove it.

12. Contact

If you have questions regarding this Policy, please contact:

  • Contact: HANDPAN STUDIO TOKYO Co., Ltd. — AI Policy Desk

  • Email: hello@handpanstudiotokyo.jp

  • Hours: Weekdays 10:00–18:00 (Japan time), excluding holidays and year-end/New Year holidays

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time due to legal changes, evolving industry practices, or changes in our AI-related operations. If we make material changes, we will post an updated version on the Site.