Welcome to WEST ASIA’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: March 2, 2026Last Updated: March 2, 2026
This Privacy Policy describes how WEST ASIA, INC. (“WEST ASIA”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), collects, uses, and shares personal data when you visit westasia.co, engage us for advisory or consulting services, or interact with us in other ways.
By using the Services, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. See our Terms of Service for additional details on your use of our boutique advisory and consulting services in hospitality, design, and market-entry strategy (the “Services”), which may in the future include e-commerce offerings.
A. Intro and Controller
WEST ASIA acts as the data controller for personal data processed in connection with the Services. “Personal Data” refers to any information relating to an identified or identifiable individual, consistent with global privacy laws like GDPR.
This Policy applies to data collected via the website (westasia.co, the “Site”), email communications, advisory engagements, and future online purchases. It does not apply to third-party websites or services—please review their policies separately. We do not knowingly collect Personal Data from children under 13 (or 16 in the EU/UK); contact us immediately if this occurs.
This Policy also covers the operations and services provided by WEST ASIA's subsidiaries and affiliated entities in Japan (collectively, 'WEST ASIA Japan Entities'). Where a Japan Entity acts as a separate data controller under the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI), as amended, that entity's contact information and any Japan-specific practices are described in Section J (Japan Addendum) below. In all cases, 'WEST ASIA,' 'we,' 'us,' and 'our' include WEST ASIA Japan Entities to the extent they process personal information in connection with the Services.
B. Categories of Data and Sources
We collect only the data necessary to provide high-touch advisory services and prepare for future digital offerings. No location tracking, ad profiling, or social media integrations.
Contact Details: Name, email, phone, company, role, country. Sources: Forms, emails, registrations, Statements of Work (SOWs).
Business Context: Project briefs, goals, constraints, market interests. Sources: Provided during consultations or inquiries.
Usage Data: IP address, browser/device type, pages viewed, timestamps. Note: IP addresses, in combination with other data points such as timestamps and browsing behavior collected above, may constitute personal information under applicable law including APPI and are treated accordingly. Sources: Automatic logs, cookies.
Transaction Data (Future E-Commerce): Products/services purchased, billing address, order history. Sources: Third-party processors (e.g., Stripe)—we do not store payment cards.
Communications: Inquiries, feedback, support tickets. Sources: Email, forms.
Aggregate or anonymized data may be derived for internal analytics.
C. Purposes and Legal Bases
For personal information collected from individuals in Japan, or handled by WEST ASIA Japan Entities, the legal basis for processing is purpose specification and limitation under the APPI rather than the legal bases described below. Personal information is collected and used only for the purposes specified at or prior to the time of collection, as listed below. WEST ASIA Japan Entities will not use your personal information beyond those stated purposes without your prior consent, except as otherwise permitted by law. Any material change to the purposes of use will be communicated to you in advance and, where required, your consent will be sought. We process Personal Data for these purposes, aligned with applicable laws:
• Service Delivery (contractual necessity): Respond to inquiries, deliver advisory proposals/SOWs, manage projects, process future payments/orders. Under APPI: delivery of advisory and consulting services as agreed in your SOW or engagement agreement.
• Communication (legitimate interests): Send updates, invoices, proposals; respond to support.
• Analytics & Improvement (legitimate interests): Analyze Site usage, improve offerings (aggregated/anonymized). Under APPI: internal operational analytics using aggregated or anonymized information; individual-level data is not used for this purpose without consent.
• Marketing (consent or legitimate interests with opt-out): Newsletters, event invites (easy unsubscribe). Under APPI: sending you information about our services where you have provided your contact details in the course of an engagement and have not objected. We will obtain opt-in consent from Japanese residents before adding them to marketing lists.
• Compliance & Security (legal obligation): Audits, dispute resolution, fraud prevention.
• Future E-Commerce (contractual necessity): Fulfill orders, manage subscriptions.
You can withdraw consent (where relied upon) anytime via privacy@westasia.co without affecting prior processing.
D. Third-Party Processors and International Transfers
We share Personal Data only with trusted processors under data processing agreements (DPAs) ensuring equivalent protections.
Key Processors:
• Hosting/analytics: AWS, Google Analytics (aggregated data).
• Payments: Stripe, PayPal (their terms govern card data).
• Email/marketing: Mailchimp (opt-in only).
• CRM/project tools: Secure platforms for client management.
These providers access data solely to perform services for us—no independent use or sales.
Cross-Border Transfers of Japanese Personal Information (APPI): When WEST ASIA Japan Entities transfer personal information outside Japan (including to WEST ASIA, INC. in the United States), we rely on one or both of the following mechanisms under the APPI: (i) your prior opt-in consent, after providing you with information about the data protection systems in the destination country; or (ii) contractual arrangements requiring the overseas recipient to implement personal information protection measures equivalent to APPI standards. Furthermore, we use Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), adequacy decisions, or equivalent safeguards for EU/UK/EEA data. We conduct periodic monitoring (at least annually) of those arrangements. Upon your request, we will provide information about the data protection system of the relevant recipient country and the measures taken by the overseas recipient. To provide or withdraw consent for cross-border transfers involving your personal information, contact: privacy@westasia.co.
E. Cookies and Analytics
We use limited cookies/technologies to operate and improve the Site:
• Essential Cookies: Enable login, session management, security (cannot disable).
• Functionality Cookies: Remember preferences (e.g., language).
• Performance/Analytics Cookies: Track usage patterns (e.g., Google Analytics—IP anonymized).
No advertising, retargeting, or third-party trackers. Manage via browser settings (may limit functionality). We honor “Do Not Track” signals where possible. Our cookies do not expire beyond your browser session for essential and functionality cookies; analytics cookies (Google Analytics) persist for up to 26 months. You may opt out of Google Analytics data collection at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
F. Data Retention and Security
Retention: As long as needed for the purposes above, plus legal minimums:
• Active clients/projects: Duration + 7 years (disputes/tax).
• Prospects/inquiries: 4 years.
• Analytics: 26 months (anonymized).
• Marketing: Until opt-out + 2 years.
Thereafter, we delete or anonymize. Specific requests accelerate deletion.
Security: Industry-standard measures including:
• Encryption (TLS in transit, AES at rest).
• Access controls (least privilege, multi-factor).
• Salted password hashes.
• Regular audits, breach response plan (notify per law: 72 hours GDPR, 45 days CCPA, and promptly to Japan's PPC (initial report within approximately 3–5 days, full report within 30 days) and affected individuals under APPI).
No system is 100% secure—we cannot guarantee against all risks.
For personal information handled by WEST ASIA Japan Entities, retention periods also reflect applicable Japanese statutory requirements, including those under the Companies Act and National Tax Act, which may require retention of certain business records for up to 10 years.
Japan Statutory Retention Requirements: For personal information and business records handled by WEST ASIA Japan Entities, the following minimum retention periods apply in addition to those listed above, in compliance with Japanese law:
• Accounting books and related business records: 10 years from the closing of the relevant business year (Companies Act, Article 432).
• Tax-related records: 7 years from the date of filing of the relevant tax return (National Tax Act).
• Employment records (if applicable): 3 to 5 years from the date the relevant obligation arises (Labor Standards Act, as amended).
• Electronic records subject to the Electronic Books Preservation Act: Retained and maintained in compliance with applicable Ministry of Finance ordinances.
Where these Japanese statutory minimums exceed the retention periods stated elsewhere in this Section, the longer statutory period will apply to the relevant records. Upon expiration of all applicable retention periods, records will be securely deleted or anonymized.
G. Rights of Individuals
Request via privacy@westasia.co (verify identity; response in 30-45 days; appeals available):
• Access: Confirm processing + copy.
• Rectification: Correct inaccuracies.
• Deletion (“Right to be Forgotten”): Erase where no longer needed (subject to legal holds).
• Restriction: Limit processing during disputes.
• Objection: To legitimate interests/marketing (we reassess).
• Portability: Structured format (contract data).
• Withdraw Consent: At any time.
CCPA/CPRA (CA Residents): No sales/sharing; opt-out rights apply. Categories disclosed: Contact, business, transaction (past 12 months).
Japan Residents (APPI): If your personal information is handled by a WEST ASIA Japan Entity, you have the right to: (i) request disclosure of the purposes of use, the categories of personal information held, and the source of that information; (ii) request correction of inaccurate personal information; (iii) request deletion or suspension of use of personal information in specified circumstances; (iv) request suspension of third-party provision of your personal information; and (v) file complaints with the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) of Japan. To exercise these rights, contact privacy@westasia.co. We will respond within a reasonable period. We may verify your identity before processing requests.
EU/UK/EEA: WEST ASIA is controller. Lodge complaints with your DPA.
Non-discrimination for exercising rights.
H. Children’s Data
Services are not directed at children. We do not knowingly collect data from those under 13 (US) or 16 (EU/UK). If discovered, we delete promptly. Report to privacy@westasia.co.
I. Updates and Contact
We may update this Policy to reflect legal/practice changes. Notice via Site notice, email (where feasible), or updated “Last Updated” date. For non-material updates, continued use of the Services after the updated 'Last Updated' date constitutes acceptance. For material changes — including new purposes of use, new categories of data collected, or new third-party sharing arrangements — we will provide advance notice by email (where we hold your address) or prominent Site notice, and will obtain fresh consent where required by applicable law before the change takes effect. Contact: privacy@westasia.co
J. Japan Addendum (APPI)
This section applies to personal information handled by WEST ASIA Japan Entities and supplements the rest of this Policy.
Controller: WEST ASIA, INC. acts as the responsible entity for personal information handled in Japan pending establishment of a local Japan entity. Contact: privacy@westasia.co.
Sensitive Information: We do not collect 'special care-required personal information' (as defined under APPI, including race, creed, medical history, or criminal record) without your prior, explicit opt-in consent.
Purpose Limitation: Personal information collected by WEST ASIA Japan Entities will only be used for the purposes notified at collection. Any new use requires fresh notification and, where required, consent.
Cross-Border Transfers: See Section D above. The primary recipient of personal information transferred outside Japan is WEST ASIA, INC. (United States). The U.S. does not have an adequacy designation under APPI. Accordingly, we rely on contractual safeguards and/or your opt-in consent, as described in Section D.
Complaints: You may lodge a complaint with the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) of Japan at https://www.ppc.go.jp.
Language: When a Japanese-language version of this Policy or the Japan Addendum is made available, it will prevail over this English-language version for Japanese residents in the event of conflict.
Contact: privacy@westasia.co
Terms of Service
Effective Date: March 2, 2026
Last Updated: March 2, 2026
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of westasia.co and any related sites, materials, and services (collectively, the "Services") provided by WEST ASIA, INC., and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and affiliated entities, including those incorporated or operating in Japan (collectively, "WEST ASIA", "we", "us", or "our"). Where a specific subsidiary entity is the primary contracting party for your engagement, that entity will be identified in the applicable Statement of Work or engagement agreement.
By using the Services, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy (“Privacy Policy”), incorporated herein by reference. If you do not agree, do not use the Services.
A. Parties, Services, and Eligibility
WEST ASIA provides boutique advisory and consulting services focused on strategy, hospitality, design, and market-entry support. All recommendations, materials, and insights we provide are for general informational purposes, tailored to the information you share with us, and are not legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. You remain solely responsible for your business decisions and for obtaining independent professional advice where appropriate.
We do not guarantee any particular commercial, financial, regulatory, or operational outcome from using the Services.
Eligibility: You may use the Services only if you are at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract. The Services are intended for business and professional users, not consumers.
Where Services are delivered by or through a WEST ASIA Japan Entity, the contracting party may be that Japan Entity rather than WEST ASIA, INC. The applicable entity will be identified in your SOW or engagement letter. Both WEST ASIA, INC. and the relevant Japan Entity are bound by these Terms and the Privacy Policy as they relate to your engagement.
B. Nature of Advisory Services and Disclaimers
Scope of Advice: Services are delivered via proposals, Statements of Work (“SOW”), emails, calls, or the Site. Scope is defined in the applicable SOW or engagement agreement.
Japan Market-Entry Advisory — Important Disclaimer: WEST ASIA is not licensed as an attorney (bengoshi), tax accountant (zeirishi), certified public accountant (koninkaikeishi), financial instruments business operator, or real estate transaction agent under Japanese law. Accordingly, WEST ASIA's services in connection with Japan market-entry, Japan-based hospitality or design projects, or Japan operational strategy do not constitute, and should not be construed as, legal advice, tax advice, investment advisory services, financial instruments business, or real estate brokerage under applicable Japanese statutes, including the Attorney Act, the Tax Accountant Act, the Certified Public Accountant Act, and the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
All recommendations, market analyses, strategic frameworks, and introductions provided by WEST ASIA with respect to Japan are for general strategic and advisory purposes only. You are solely responsible for engaging appropriately licensed Japanese professionals — including legal counsel, tax advisors, and regulatory consultants — before making operational, regulatory, or investment decisions relating to Japan. WEST ASIA does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information about Japanese law, regulation, or market conditions, all of which are subject to change.
No Guarantees: While we strive for excellence, no specific results are promised or implied.
Future E-Commerce: If offered, digital products, subscriptions, or events will have pricing, descriptions, and terms displayed at purchase. Third-party processors (e.g., Stripe) handle payments—their terms apply to payment data.
Disclaimers: Services provided “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for purpose, or non-infringement.
C. Client Materials and Limited “User Content”
“Client Materials” means information, data, logos, brand assets, creative briefs, and other materials you provide to us in connection with the Services.
You grant WEST ASIA a non-exclusive license to use and reproduce Client Materials solely as necessary to provide the Services to you, and to create internal (non-public) aggregated learnings and case studies that do not identify you, your brand, or your Confidential Information. We will not modify your brand assets or logos except as expressly approved by you in writing.
Testimonials/Portfolio: With your prior written consent, we may reference your name, logo, and a high-level description of the engagement in our marketing materials, including on our website and pitch documents.
You represent that you own or control Client Materials and have authority to grant the above license. You indemnify us against third-party claims arising from your Materials.
D. Fees, Payment, and E-Commerce
Advisory Fees: Fees for advisory and consulting projects are set out in the applicable SOW, proposal, or order form agreed between you and WEST ASIA. Payment terms: net as stated on issued invoice. Late payments accrue 1.5% monthly interest. Where applicable Japanese law limits the rate of interest that may be charged, the interest rate shall be the maximum rate permitted by such law.
Online Payments/E-Commerce: We may offer certain Services, products, or digital content for purchase through the Site. Prices, descriptions, and applicable terms will be displayed at the point of sale. All sales are final and non-refundable unless stated otherwise at purchase. We may use third-party payment processors to handle payments; their own terms and privacy policies will govern their handling of your payment information.
Subscriptions/Renewals: If you purchase a subscription, it will renew automatically at the end of the applicable term at the then-current rate, unless you cancel before renewal using the tools we provide or by contacting us.
Taxes: You are responsible for all taxes.
E. Confidentiality
Each party agrees to keep confidential and not disclose to any third party any non-public information disclosed by the other party that is marked or reasonably understood to be confidential (“Confidential Information”), except as: (i) required by applicable law, regulation, or court order in any relevant jurisdiction, including compelled disclosure to governmental, regulatory, or judicial authorities in Japan (including but not limited to the Personal Information Protection Commission, the National Tax Agency, the Japan Fair Trade Commission, and the Financial Services Agency) or in the United States; (ii) necessary to comply with requests from foreign authorities pursuant to mutual legal assistance treaties or applicable international cooperation frameworks; or (iii) disclosed to that party's legal counsel, accountants, or other professional advisors who are bound by professional confidentiality obligations. The disclosing party will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, provide prompt written notice to the other party of any compelled disclosure and cooperate reasonably in seeking a protective order or other appropriate relief.
WEST ASIA may use aggregated, anonymized information derived from engagements for internal research, analytics, and general industry insights, provided it does not identify you or your Confidential Information.
Confidentiality obligations survive termination for 5 years.
F. Intellectual Property and Deliverables
WEST ASIA IP: WEST ASIA retains all right, title, and interest in and to its proprietary methodologies, frameworks, know-how, templates, tools, and the Site, including any improvements or derivative works created in the course of providing the Services.
Client Use of Deliverables: Subject to your full payment of all applicable fees, WEST ASIA grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license to use deliverables we provide to you solely for your internal business purposes during the term of the engagement. You may not resell, publicly distribute, or sublicense those deliverables without our prior written consent.
G. Limitation of Liability and Indemnity
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless WEST ASIA, its affiliates, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to: (i) your breach of these Terms; (ii) your Client Materials, including any claim that Client Materials infringe a third party's intellectual property rights; or (iii) your use of the Services in violation of applicable law. WEST ASIA will promptly notify you of any such claim, cooperate reasonably at your expense, and you will have the right to control the defense, provided WEST ASIA may participate with counsel of its choice at its own expense and you may not settle any claim that imposes obligations on or disparages WEST ASIA without our prior written consent.
To the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law:
WEST ASIA’s aggregate liability arising out of or relating to the Services or these Terms will not exceed the total fees you paid us for the Services giving rise to the claim during the twelve (12) months preceding such claim.
If no fees were paid, liability is zero ($0).
In no event will WEST ASIA be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages, including lost profits, revenue, data, business opportunities, or goodwill, even if advised of their possibility. These limitations apply to all claims, whether in contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise.
Japan Operations and Consumer Protections: Notwithstanding the limitations of liability set forth in this Section: (i) To the extent any Services are provided to consumers in Japan (as defined under Japan's Consumer Contract Act), nothing in this Section shall exclude or limit WEST ASIA's liability for damages caused by its willful misconduct or gross negligence, to the extent such exclusion or limitation is void under the Consumer Contract Act or other applicable mandatory Japanese law. (ii) If WEST ASIA makes any Services, digital products, or subscriptions available for purchase through a Japanese-facing e-commerce interface, WEST ASIA will comply with applicable disclosure and cancellation rights under the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions, and any statutory cancellation or cooling-off rights arising under that Act shall not be waived by these Terms. (iii) Where Japanese mandatory law renders any limitation in this Section unenforceable, that limitation shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remainder of this Section shall remain in full force and effect.
H. Governing Law, Disputes, and Arbitration
For purposes of this Section, 'Dispute' means any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services, including their breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation, or validity.
Governing Law: These Terms and any dispute arising out of or relating to them or the Services will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules.
Tiered Dispute Resolution: Before initiating arbitration, the parties agree to attempt to resolve any Dispute through the following escalation process:
Step 1 — Senior Executive Negotiation (30 days)
Upon written notice from one party to the other identifying the nature of the Dispute and the relief sought ("Dispute Notice"), the parties will, within 10 business days of such notice, arrange a meeting or call between senior representatives of each party with authority to settle the Dispute. The parties will negotiate in good faith for a period of 30 days from the date of the Dispute Notice (or such longer period as both parties agree in writing) to attempt to resolve the Dispute. All discussions, offers, and positions taken during this period are confidential and without prejudice to either party's rights.
Step 2 — Mediation (30 days)
If the Dispute is not resolved through senior executive negotiation within the 30-day period, either party may, by written notice, request mediation. The parties will jointly select a mutually acceptable neutral mediator within 10 business days of such request. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator, either party may request that a mediator be appointed by:
• For disputes involving WEST ASIA Japan Entities or Japanese law: the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA) or the Japan Mediation Center; or
• For all other disputes: the American Arbitration Association (AAA).
The mediation will be conducted in a mutually agreed format (in person, virtual, or written submissions) and will be completed within 30 days of the mediator's appointment, unless both parties agree to extend. Each party will bear its own costs of mediation; mediator fees will be shared equally. All mediation proceedings and communications are confidential and without prejudice.
Step 3 — Arbitration
If the Dispute is not resolved through mediation, or if either party fails to participate in the escalation process in good faith, either party may proceed to binding arbitration as set forth in the Arbitration section below.
Emergency Relief Exception
Nothing in this tiered process prevents either party from seeking urgent injunctive, interim, or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction at any time where delay would cause irreparable harm. Seeking such relief does not waive or delay the obligation to follow the escalation steps for the underlying Dispute.
Arbitration: Any Dispute will be resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules in effect at the time the arbitration is commenced. The arbitration will be conducted by a single arbitrator mutually selected by the parties or appointed by AAA. The seat of arbitration will be Wilmington, Delaware. The language of the arbitration will be English. The arbitrator’s award will be final and binding, and judgment on the award may be entered in any Delaware court.
Exceptions and Courts: Either party may seek temporary, preliminary, or permanent injunctive relief or other equitable relief in the state or federal courts located in New Castle County, Delaware to protect its confidential information or intellectual property rights without posting bond. Each party consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of such courts for those purposes and for any action to confirm or enforce an arbitral award.
Class Action Waiver: You and WEST ASIA agree that any arbitration or other Dispute will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action. You understand and agree that by entering into these Terms, you and WEST ASIA are each waiving the right to a trial by jury or to participate in a class action.
Prevailing Party: In any Dispute, the prevailing party will recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.
Notwithstanding the above, with respect to Services provided by or through WEST ASIA Japan Entities, disputes may, at either party's election, be submitted to arbitration before the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA) in Tokyo, Japan, in accordance with JCAA Commercial Arbitration Rules, with proceedings conducted in Japanese or English (as agreed). The governing law for such disputes shall be the laws of Japan. This subsection does not limit either party's right to seek injunctive or equitable relief in Japanese courts for protection of confidential information or intellectual property.
I. Termination
Term: These Terms apply for as long as you use the Services. Individual SOWs have their own terms.
Termination: Either party may terminate for material breach with 30 days’ written notice if curable, or immediately if uncured or for insolvency. WEST ASIA may suspend/terminate access for violations.
Effects: Upon termination, pay all owed fees; confidentiality and indemnity survive.
J. Miscellaneous
Entire Agreement: These Terms, Privacy Policy, and SOWs constitute the entire agreement.
Severability: Invalid provisions do not affect others.
Waiver: No waiver unless written.
Assignment: WEST ASIA may assign; you may not without consent.
Force Majeure: Neither party will be liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from causes beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, earthquakes, typhoons, pandemics, acts of government, war, terrorism, labor disputes, or infrastructure failures ("Force Majeure Event"). The affected party will provide prompt written notice and use reasonable efforts to mitigate the impact. If a Force Majeure Event continues for more than 60 days, either party may terminate the affected SOW or engagement on written notice without further liability, except for fees owed for work completed prior to the event.
Changes: For non-material updates, continued use of the Services after notice constitutes acceptance. For material changes affecting your rights or obligations under active engagements, we will provide advance written notice and, where required by applicable law, obtain your consent before the change takes effect.
Contact: hello@westasia.co
Thank you for taking the time to read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.