Terms and Conditions

Sushi Bootcamp Japan — Issued by JESSICA (Japan English Speaking Sushi Instructors and Chefs Association)

Article 1 — Application of These Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions (hereinafter “these Terms”) govern the contractual relationship between JESSICA (Japan English Speaking Sushi Instructors and Chefs Association; hereinafter “the Association”) and any individual who applies to participate in the Sushi Bootcamp Japan program (hereinafter “the Participant”). By submitting an application, the Participant is deemed to have read, understood, and irrevocably agreed to these Terms in their entirety.

Article 2 — Amendment of These Terms

2.1 The Association reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time without prior notice to the Participant. Amendments shall take effect immediately upon publication on the Association’s official website.

2.2 Participants who have submitted an application but have not yet made payment shall be notified by email to review the updated Terms on the website.

2.3 Participants who have already made full payment and whose course is in progress shall remain subject to the Terms in effect at the time of payment. Where application of amended Terms is unavoidable, the Association shall explain the changes to the Participant in person and obtain the Participant’s consent.

Article 3 — Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

“Program” refers to the Sushi Bootcamp Japan intensive culinary training program operated by the Association in Japan.
“Participant” refers to any individual who has been accepted by the Association and whose enrollment has been confirmed upon receipt of full payment.
“Course Start Date” refers to the first day of the Participant’s enrolled monthly course.
“Invoice” refers to the payment request document issued by the Association upon acceptance of the application.

Article 4 — Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to apply for and participate in the Program, applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements at the time of application and throughout the duration of the Program:

Be eighteen (18) years of age or older and of legal adult age under the laws of their country of residence or nationality.
Be free from infectious diseases. Only individuals who are free from infectious diseases and have received a physician’s confirmation to that effect at a licensed medical institution in their country of residence are entitled to submit an application. Individuals who are currently suffering from an infectious disease do not have the right to apply. (See also Article 12.)
Have no criminal record or history of conduct that would prevent or restrict entry into Japan under applicable Japanese immigration law.
Hold a valid visa or other lawful immigration status permitting entry into and residence in Japan for the full duration of the Program. (See also Article 5.)

Article 5 — Visa and Immigration Requirements

5.1 Prior to submitting an application, each applicant is solely responsible for independently verifying the visa and immigration requirements applicable to their nationality for entry into and residence in Japan for a period of approximately thirty (30) days. Applicants who are uncertain about the applicable requirements should consult the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence before applying.

5.2 Where a visa or other immigration permission is required, the applicant is solely responsible for obtaining such visa or permission in sufficient time to commence the Program on the Course Start Date.

5.3 The Association shall not be liable for any failure by the Participant to obtain the required visa or immigration permission, nor for any delay in the issuance thereof. No refund of any portion of the Program fee, including the Registration Fee, shall be issued in the event that a Participant is unable to participate in the Program due to failure to obtain, or delay in obtaining, the required visa or immigration permission.

5.4 The Association does not provide immigration advice or visa application support. Any information provided by the Association regarding visa requirements is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice.

Article 6 — Application and Enrollment Procedure

6.1 Applicants shall complete and submit the prescribed application form via the Association’s official website. The Association shall review each application and notify the applicant of its decision by email.

6.2 Enrollment shall be confirmed solely upon receipt of full payment of the Program fee within the payment window specified in Article 9. No legal obligation shall arise on the part of either the Applicant or the Association prior to confirmation of enrollment.

6.3 The Association reserves the right to decline any application at its sole discretion.

Article 7 — Program Overview

7.1 The Program is an intensive, immersive sushi training program conducted in Japan. The Program consists of 20 instruction days (Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays) within a one-month residential period. Accommodation is provided throughout the full one-month period.

7.2 The curriculum covers sushi techniques, fish handling, food hygiene, and related classroom instruction, totaling approximately 120 hours of pure instruction. The curriculum shall be determined at the sole discretion of the Association and is subject to change without prior notice.

7.3 Where certain fish species specified in the curriculum are unavailable due to weather conditions, seasonal factors, or supply constraints, the Association reserves the right to substitute alternative species or modify the curriculum accordingly. No refund shall be issued on account of such modifications.

7.4 The Program shall be conducted regardless of the number of enrolled Participants, including where only one (1) Participant is enrolled. The Program does not have a minimum enrollment requirement.

Article 8 — What’s Included

The Program fee of USD 7,000 (all-inclusive) covers the following:

Tuition
Accommodation (throughout the full one-month residential period)
Ingredients for daily cooking practice and meals consumed during training sessions
Use of knives and cooking utensils
Cooking uniform
Registration Fee (USD 300; non-refundable under any circumstances — see Article 9)

The following costs are the sole responsibility of the Participant and are not included in the Program fee:

Round-trip airfare and all other transportation costs
Visa fees and all costs associated with obtaining immigration permission
Overseas travel insurance premiums
Medical expenses
Personal expenses
All other costs not expressly listed above

Article 9 — Program Fee, Payment, and Registration Fee

9.1 The total Program fee is USD 7,000, which includes a non-refundable Registration Fee of USD 300 (hereinafter “Registration Fee”).

9.2 The Registration Fee of USD 300 shall be non-refundable under any and all circumstances, including but not limited to cancellation by the Participant, cancellation due to force majeure events, inability to participate due to visa issues, or any other reason whatsoever.

9.3 The Association shall issue an Invoice to the Participant upon acceptance of the application. The Invoice shall be issued no earlier than sixty (60) days prior to the Course Start Date. Accordingly, even where an application is submitted more than sixty (60) days before the Course Start Date, the Invoice shall not be issued until sixty (60) days before the Course Start Date.

9.4 The Participant shall remit full payment of the Program fee within the period specified on the Invoice and no later than seven (7) days prior to the Course Start Date (hereinafter “Payment Deadline”). Failure to remit payment by the Payment Deadline shall result in automatic cancellation of the application.

9.5 Accepted payment methods are as follows:

Credit card payment via Stripe
International bank transfer via Wise

Article 10 — Cancellation and Refund Policy

10.1 Where the Participant wishes to cancel enrollment after full payment has been received, the cancellation and refund policy set forth below shall apply. The Registration Fee of USD 300 shall be non-refundable in all cases.

10.2 Refund rates applied to the balance of USD 6,700 (i.e., the Program fee of USD 7,000 less the Registration Fee of USD 300) shall be as follows:

Section	Timing (before Course Start Date)	Refund Rate	Notes
①	45–59 days prior	75%	—
②	30–44 days prior	65%	—
③	15–29 days prior	25%	—
④	Within 14 days / No-show	0%	No refund

10.3 All refunds shall be processed via the same payment method used by the Participant at the time of enrollment.

10.4 No refund shall be issued where the Participant is unable to participate due to failure to obtain, or delay in obtaining, the required visa or immigration permission.

10.5 Cancellations due to serious illness requiring hospitalization or other exceptional circumstances beyond the Participant’s reasonable control shall be considered on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the Association.

Article 11 — Force Majeure

11.1 The Association shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance of its obligations under these Terms arising from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters (earthquakes, typhoons, floods, etc.), acts of war, terrorism, civil unrest, pandemics or widespread outbreaks of infectious disease, government orders or sanctions, or any other force majeure event (hereinafter “Force Majeure Event”).

11.2 In the event that a Force Majeure Event occurs prior to the Course Start Date:

The Association shall offer the Participant the option to transfer enrollment to an available course within twelve (12) months of the resolution of the Force Majeure Event (one transfer permitted per enrollment).
Where the Participant does not wish to transfer, the Association shall refund the Program fee less the Registration Fee (USD 300).

11.3 In the event that a Force Majeure Event occurs after the Course Start Date:

The Association shall offer the Participant the option to transfer the remaining unattended portion of the Program to an available course within twelve (12) months of the resolution of the Force Majeure Event (one transfer permitted per enrollment).
Where the Participant does not wish to transfer, a pro-rata refund shall be calculated based on the number of remaining days out of the total thirty (30) residential days, applied to the balance of USD 6,700. Details shall be determined through good-faith negotiation between the parties.

11.4 Online delivery shall not be offered as an alternative under any circumstances. The Association shall promptly notify the Participant upon the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event and shall use its best efforts to minimize inconvenience to the Participant.

11.5 Extensions to the twelve (12)-month transfer period may be granted at the sole discretion of the Association upon individual application.

Article 12 — Health and Medical Requirements

12.1 Prior to submitting an application, each Applicant is required to undergo a medical examination at a licensed medical institution in their country of residence and obtain a physician’s confirmation that participation in the Program presents no medical contraindication and that the Applicant is free from infectious diseases. By submitting the application, the Applicant represents and warrants that such examination has been completed and that the physician’s judgment was favorable.

12.2 Applicants with pre-existing medical conditions or food allergies are required to undergo a separate medical consultation specific to participation in this Program and to disclose the relevant details in the designated field on the application form. A blank entry shall be deemed a representation that the Applicant has no pre-existing conditions or allergies.

12.3 Where the Association determines that a disclosed medical condition or allergy presents a risk to the safe conduct of the Program, the Association reserves the right to decline the application.

12.4 The Association does not provide substitute ingredients for Participants with food allergies. Management of allergen exposure is the sole responsibility of the Participant.

12.5 In the event that a communicable disease spreads within the Program facility, the Association reserves the right to require the Participant to submit a medical certificate. Failure to comply shall result in suspension of participation and may give rise to a claim for damages.

12.6 Any medical certificate required under these Terms shall be prepared and retained by the Participant and presented upon request.

Article 13 — Insurance

13.1 All Participants are required to obtain overseas travel insurance providing adequate medical coverage prior to arrival in Japan. Proof of insurance need not be submitted to the Association; however, the obligation to obtain coverage is mandatory.

13.2 All medical expenses incurred during the Program period, whether inside or outside the Program facility, shall be borne solely by the Participant. The Association shall not advance or lend funds for medical expenses under any circumstances.

13.3 In the event of a medical emergency, the Association shall provide reasonable assistance, including referral to a hospital or arrangement of emergency transport, to the extent practicable.

Article 14 — Attendance and Certificate of Completion

14.1 Participants are required to maintain an attendance rate of eighty-five percent (85%) or higher (i.e., attend at least seventeen (17) of the twenty (20) instruction days). Absences for any reason, including illness, shall be counted against attendance.

14.2 Participants must notify the Association in advance if they are unable to attend a session.

14.3 A Certificate of Completion shall be issued solely to Participants who satisfy the attendance requirement set forth in Article 14.1. No other conditions shall apply.

14.4 Where a Participant’s absence is attributable to hospitalization caused by the Participant’s own negligence (e.g., inadequate health management), no remedial measures or alternative arrangements shall be provided.

14.5 Where a Participant’s absence is attributable to the Association’s negligence (e.g., food poisoning caused by ingredients supplied by the Association), the Participant shall, upon request, be permitted to complete the remaining portion of the Program in a subsequent monthly course.

Article 15 — Schedule Modifications

15.1 The Association reserves the right to modify, reschedule, or substitute Program content without prior notice due to instructor illness, delayed or non-delivery of ingredients, weather conditions, or other unavoidable circumstances.

15.2 Rescheduled sessions may, where necessary, be conducted on public holidays or in the evening. No refund shall be issued on account of schedule modifications.

15.3 The curriculum, including the fish species to be used in training sessions, is subject to change at the sole discretion of the Association. Where certain species are unavailable, substitute species of equivalent quality shall be used.

Article 16 — Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct is strictly prohibited during the Program period:

Recording (audio or video) or live-streaming of any instruction, demonstration, or Program activity without the prior written consent of the Association.
Publication or distribution on social media or any other platform of any content that defames, disparages, or is otherwise inappropriate with respect to the Association, JESSICA, Program staff, instructors, or fellow Participants.
Smoking anywhere within the Program facility (including private rooms). Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas. Participants who smoke must ensure that any odour is removed prior to attending cooking sessions.
Consumption of alcohol within shared areas of the facility without the Association’s prior permission. Alcohol may be consumed in private rooms in moderation, provided it does not impair participation in the following day’s sessions.
Conduct that violates Japanese law, including the consumption of alcohol by persons under twenty (20) years of age.
Engagement in political or religious activities directed at any person associated with the Program.
Racially discriminatory remarks, statements that infringe upon freedom of religion, or any form of harassment or intimidation.
Lending or borrowing of money or engagement in gambling activities with other Participants or Program staff.
Acts of violence, defamation, or any form of harassment (including sexual harassment) directed at any person.
High-pressure, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate conduct directed at instructors or Program staff.
Operation of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle during the Program period.

Article 17 — Disciplinary Measures

17.1 Where a Participant engages in conduct prohibited under Article 16 or otherwise violates these Terms, the Association shall issue a warning and demand that the Participant remedy such conduct.

17.2 Where the Participant fails to remedy the prohibited conduct following a warning, or where the severity of the conduct warrants immediate action, the Association reserves the right to expel the Participant from the Program without further notice.

17.3 In cases involving conduct constituting a criminal offence, the Association may report the matter to the relevant authorities.

17.4 No refund of any portion of the Program fee shall be issued in the event of expulsion resulting from the Participant’s own misconduct.

Article 18 — Intellectual Property

18.1 All curricula, teaching materials, recipes, demonstrations, and other content provided by the Association in connection with the Program constitute the exclusive intellectual property of the Association.

18.2 Participants are strictly prohibited from reproducing, distributing, disclosing, or transmitting such intellectual property to any third party without the prior written consent of the Association.

18.3 Participants are strictly prohibited from using the Association’s curriculum or teaching materials, in whole or in part, for the purpose of instructing third parties, whether commercially or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Association.

18.4 The skills and techniques acquired through the Program may be freely applied by the Participant in their own professional activities, provided that such application does not involve reproduction or distribution of the Association’s proprietary materials.

Article 19 — Photography and Video Recording by the Association

19.1 The Association may photograph or record video of Participants during instruction sessions or Program activities and may use such materials for marketing, promotional, or educational purposes.

19.2 Any Participant who objects to such use must notify the Association in writing (by email) at the time of application. Failure to provide such notification shall be deemed consent to the use of the Participant’s image for the purposes described above.

Article 20 — Damage to Facilities and Equipment

20.1 Participants shall use all Program facilities, equipment, and cooking utensils with due care and in accordance with the Association’s instructions.

20.2 Where a Participant causes damage to any facility, equipment, or utensil, whether intentionally or negligently, the Participant shall be liable for the full cost of repair or replacement as assessed by the Association.

Article 21 — Personal Information and Privacy

21.1 By submitting an application, the Participant consents to the collection and use of their personal information (including name, nationality, contact details, and health information disclosed on the application form) by the Association for the following purposes:

Review and processing of the application
Enrollment management and issuance of Invoices
Payment processing and financial administration
Emergency contact and health management during the Program
Marketing and promotional activities (subject to Article 19)

21.2 The Association shall handle all personal information in compliance with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (Japan) and shall take appropriate measures to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, loss, or damage to such information.

21.3 The Association shall not disclose or provide personal information to any third party without the prior consent of the Participant, except where required by applicable law or regulation.

21.4 Participants may request access to, correction of, or deletion of their personal information by contacting the Association in writing.

Article 22 — Non-Transferability of Enrollment

22.1 The right to participate in the Program is personal to the enrolled Participant and may not be transferred, assigned, or otherwise conveyed to any third party under any circumstances whatsoever, including but not limited to sale, gift, or exchange.

22.2 Any purported transfer or assignment of enrollment rights shall be null and void. The Association reserves the right to cancel the enrollment of any Participant who attempts to transfer their enrollment rights and no refund shall be issued in such cases.

Article 23 — Limitation of Liability

23.1 The Association shall not be liable for any injury, illness, loss, or damage suffered by a Participant outside the Program facility or during non-instruction hours, except where such injury, illness, loss, or damage is directly attributable to the gross negligence of the Association.

23.2 Minor injuries sustained during cooking instruction sessions, including but not limited to cuts and abrasions incidental to the handling of knives and cooking utensils, shall be deemed to fall within the ordinary and foreseeable risks of culinary training. The Association shall not be liable for such injuries, except where they are directly attributable to the gross negligence of the Association.

23.3 The Association shall not be liable for disputes or incidents arising between Participants. The Association is under no obligation to mediate or arbitrate such disputes. Where such disputes arise, Participants are encouraged to report the matter promptly to Program staff.

Article 24 — Governing Law and Jurisdiction

24.1 These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan.

24.2 Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Tokyo District Court as the court of first instance.