Terms of service
The terms that apply when you use our services.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
These Terms of Service apply to services provided by Beru Corporation (“Akiya Pilot,” “we,” or “us”) to our customers (“you”). By accepting a quote and placing an order, you agree to these terms.
1. Our Services
We provide property research and viewing assistance services to help international buyers explore vacant houses (akiya) and other properties in Japan.
Depending on the service selected, this may include:
- Contacting real estate agents and property owners on your behalf.
- Researching properties and gathering relevant information.
- Obtaining available property documents.
- Coordinating and scheduling property viewings.
- Attending property viewings in person or remotely via video.
- Preparing reports with photos, videos, and observations from the property viewing.
The exact scope of services, fees, and estimated timeline will be specified in the individual quote provided before work begins.
2. What We Don’t Do
Akiya Pilot is not a real estate brokerage and does not act as a buyer’s or seller’s agent in property transactions.
We do not:
- Negotiate purchase prices or contractual terms.
- Prepare, execute, or arrange real estate purchase contracts.
- Receive commissions from property transactions.
- Provide legal, tax, or financial advice.
- Conduct professional building inspections, property valuations, or renovation work.
- Provide certified translations of property documents.
Property documents are generally provided in Japanese unless otherwise agreed.
Where appropriate, we may introduce licensed professionals. Any agreements with such professionals are made directly between you and them.
3. How an Order Works
- You submit an inquiry about a property or service.
- We review your request and provide an individual quote.
- You accept the quote and complete the required payment.
- Your order is confirmed, and the service agreement becomes effective, once we have confirmed receipt of your payment by email.
- We begin providing the agreed services according to the scope and estimated timeline in the quote.
Work begins when we start researching your property, contacting relevant parties, or making viewing arrangements.
4. Fees and Payment
Service fees are listed in our Pricing section and confirmed in an individual quote before any work begins.
All prices are displayed in US dollars (USD) and exclude Japanese consumption tax (10%), which will be charged separately where applicable.
Travel and accommodation expenses, where necessary, will be estimated in advance and billed at actual cost.
Any applicable payment processing or bank transfer fees will be borne by the customer.
Additional internet or communication expenses incurred specifically for the services may also be charged to the customer where agreed in advance.
Payment methods and timing are described in our Legal Disclosure.
5. Your Responsibilities
To help us provide our services effectively, you agree to:
- Provide accurate and complete information about your requests.
- Notify us promptly of any changes to your requirements.
- Be available at agreed times for scheduling and remote viewings.
- Use our services and reports only for lawful purposes and your own property evaluation.
- Make independent decisions regarding any property purchase or related transaction.
6. Agents, Owners, and Third Parties
We rely on real estate agents, property owners, and relevant third parties for property information and viewing arrangements.
We cannot guarantee that a viewing can be arranged, as availability and approval are determined by the property owner or real estate agent.
Properties may become unavailable, viewing requests may be declined, and schedules may change without notice.
We also cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information provided by third parties.
If a viewing cannot proceed due to circumstances beyond our control, refunds will be handled in accordance with our Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Fees for services already performed, including property research, communication, coordination, and related assistance, are generally non-refundable, subject to applicable law.
7. Reports
Our reports provide an overview of the property’s visible condition and information obtained during the viewing.
They are intended as preliminary, non-invasive assessments and do not constitute professional building inspections, surveys, valuations, or legal examinations of property ownership, zoning, or boundaries.
Any decision to purchase, rent, renovate, or otherwise use a property remains your responsibility.
We recommend consulting qualified professionals before making any significant property-related decisions.
8. Photos and Video
Photos and videos may only be taken where permitted by the property owner or real estate agent.
These materials are provided for your personal use in evaluating the property and may not be published, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission from the relevant rights holders.
9. Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellation and refund requests are handled according to the following conditions:
- Before work has started: A full refund (100%) of the service fee will be provided.
- After work has started but before the viewing: A 50% refund of the service fee will be provided. Any non-refundable travel or accommodation expenses already incurred will be charged separately.
- After the viewing has taken place or documents or information have been delivered: No refund will be provided for the completed services.
- If we are unable to provide the service due to circumstances on our side: A full refund will be provided for any services not yet performed.
- If the property becomes unavailable or the agent or owner declines the viewing: A refund will be provided for the portion of services not yet performed. Fees for services already performed are non-refundable.
Akiya Pilot provides property research, viewing coordination, communication, and on-site assistance. We do not guarantee that a viewing can be arranged.
All cancellation and refund conditions are subject to applicable law. Additional details are provided in our Legal Disclosure.
10. Liability
To the extent permitted by applicable law, our total liability in connection with a service is limited to the fees paid for that service.
This limitation does not apply to damages caused by our intentional misconduct or gross negligence, or where such limitations are prohibited by applicable law, including Japan’s Consumer Contract Act.
We are not responsible for delays or failures caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, severe weather, transportation disruptions, or other unforeseen events, except where applicable law provides otherwise.
11. Personal Information
We collect, use, and protect personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Please refer to our Privacy Policy for details regarding personal information, third-party sharing, data retention, and your rights.
12. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms of Service from time to time.
The version in effect when your order is confirmed will apply to that order, unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law.
13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of Japan.
The Tokyo District Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction as the court of first instance, subject to any mandatory consumer protection laws and jurisdictional rules that may apply.
14. Language
These Terms of Service are provided in English.
15. Contact
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact:
Beru Corporation (Akiya Pilot)
Email: support@akiyapilot.com