Terms of Service
PAKUTASO (* Japanese) is a stock photo service that launched in May 2011.
To use PAKUTASO's photo materials and AI-generated image materials (hereinafter "free materials"), you must agree to the following terms. If you cannot agree, you may not use the materials.
After reviewing the "Frequently Asked Questions" (* Japanese), if you have any questions, please contact us through the "Contact Form" (* Japanese). For users who require a definitive response regarding material usage, need an immediate answer, or cannot understand the terms even after reading them, paid consultation services are also available.
[Ref: I'm concerned about proper usage and would like my work reviewed (* Japanese)]
[Ref: I would like a letter of consent, or would like to establish a contract (* Japanese)]
Last updated: March 7, 2026
Table of Contents
- Terms of Use (Free & Commercial Use)
- About AI-Generated Image Materials
- About Subject Rights
- Use of Photos Featuring People & Portrait Rights
- About Secondary Distribution
- About Credit Attribution
- Prohibited Uses
- Disclaimer
- Changes to Terms of Service
- Privacy Policy
Terms of Use (Free & Commercial Use)
PAKUTASO's free materials can be used repeatedly at no cost — no usage fees or licensing costs are required. They are royalty-free, but not copyright-free or "CC0." Usable data consists of S, M, L sizes and data obtained (downloaded) via the cropping function on each material page. Other images within the site, such as menus and banners, may not be used. A wide range of users including governments, companies, and individuals may use the materials. However, users must be able to communicate in Japanese when contacted by PAKUTASO. Commercial use is permitted, but materials may not be commercialized as products.
All of PAKUTASO's free materials are original.
Anyone can freely use them at no cost, as many times as they wish. There is no need to purchase them individually, register as a member, or pay licensing fees.
They are royalty-free (*1) materials — no usage fees are charged regardless of how much they are used.
[Ref: About Content Production and Operational Policy (* Japanese)]
They are not public domain, Creative Commons "CC0," or copyright-free materials.
[Ref: Are they copyright-free (CC0)? (* Japanese)]
Usable data refers to free materials obtained (downloaded) in S, M, L sizes and via the cropping function available on each material page (example: Summer Sunlight Through Trees — ID.3472 (* Japanese)). Other photos and images used in site menus, banners, blogs, thumbnails, etc. may not be used.
- Materials may be used by governments, local governments, companies, individuals, and organizations. However, PAKUTASO's inquiries are handled in Japanese only, and users must be able to communicate in Japanese when necessary. (*2)
- Commercial use is permitted. However, materials may not be commercialized and sold as products. (*3)
- Free materials must be obtained (*4) directly from PAKUTASO, or obtained from someone who explains that they are PAKUTASO free materials; materials obtained by any other means may not be used.
- Materials may be used with processing, compositing, transformation, or conversion.
*1 About "Royalty-Free"
This term does not include the meanings commonly associated with the word "free," such as "free to use in all respects" or "usable without consideration of copyright." It simply means "waiving additional usage fees if used within the scope of pre-agreed terms." In reality, some royalty-free materials may require purchase, membership fees, or copyright notice (credit attribution).
*2 About Japanese Communication Requirement
Even if you agree to the Terms of Service using automatic translation or similar means, you must be able to communicate in Japanese for subsequent inquiries and correspondence.
If you can communicate in Japanese, Japanese nationals living overseas or non-Japanese individuals may also use the materials.
[Ref: I am a Japanese designer living overseas. Can I use the materials? (* Japanese)]
*3 About Prohibition of Commercialization as Products
PAKUTASO's free materials are permitted for commercial use but not for commercialization. They must be used with the understanding that they are materials. Selling materials in nearly their original state — even with credit attribution — is subject to injunctions and claims for damages.
Main examples of commercialization include calendars, postcards, posters, photo books, bromides, smartphone cases, merchandise, etc. Note that sample products or items for personal enjoyment are acceptable.
[Ref: You must not sell PAKUTASO materials as-is (* Japanese)]
*4 About Obtaining Materials
Only free materials obtained legitimately by the following means may be used upon agreement to the Terms of Service:
1. Materials obtained directly from each PAKUTASO material page
2. Materials obtained from users who obtained them by method 1, with an explanation that they are PAKUTASO materials, and without monetary exchange regarding the provision of materials
Even if they are usable-data free materials, those not obtained through legitimate means may not be used.
About AI-Generated Image Materials
PAKUTASO's AI-generated image materials are new images generated using AI image generation tools, based on original photo materials. Only photos with prior permission from photographers are used for generation — third-party copyrighted works are never used. Generated images undergo quality checks and retouching before being published at high resolution. The purpose is to leverage original photos to provide materials with new situations to various industries.
Please review the following information regarding the mechanism and usage of materials (hereinafter "AI-generated image materials") created using AI image generation tools (*5) before using them.
Licenses that are "material use (redistribution)" and "commercially available" have been obtained for the use of AI image generation tools.
AI-Generated Image Materials Special Page
https://www.pakutaso.com/ai/ (* Japanese)
*5 Types of AI Image Generation Tools
Representative AI image generation tools include "DALL-E 2" developed by OpenAI, "Stable Diffusion," an open-source image generation AI, "Midjourney," which uses Discord and excels at generating various patterns, "Magnific AI" for high-resolution image upscaling, "FLUX.1 AI" developed by Black Forest Labs (BFL), and "Adobe Firefly," generative AI for commercial use provided by Adobe.
About AI Image Generation Types
AI image generation methods include a type that generates images by providing specific prompts:
There is also a type where pre-prepared images (e.g., multiple photos such as crowds and offices) are specified with additional prompts, generating images that leverage those photos while following the prompts:
PAKUTASO's AI-generated image materials are the latter type — "image-to-image generation."
Why We Use Photo Materials for AI Image Generation
We use only "photos for which permission has been obtained in advance from photographers (* Japanese)" from among the photo materials distributed by PAKUTASO.
Since we do not use photos from photographers who have not given permission or third-party copyrighted works (including those of unknown origin), you can use them with confidence, just like other free materials.
By specifying PAKUTASO's original photos — our strength and asset — as "source images," we believe we can inherit the content of those photos while creating new worlds, generating more situations, and providing new materials to various industries.
About AI-Generated Image Material Selection and Processing
Before publishing as AI-generated image materials, we confirm they meet the quality standards set by our management. We perform image retouching (color adjustment, correction, processing of incongruous objects), regeneration using multiple photos, and high-resolution enhancement (5,000px or more) before publication.
About Subject Rights
"Projects/Collaborations" and photography at specific facilities are conducted with prior permission, and photos of identifiable models are published under "Model Release" contracts. However, some free materials contain subjects without permission, so they may not be used for purposes involving "brand damage," "negative impressions," "imitation product development," "sponsor considerations (use case incompatibility)," or "risk of misidentification." Use with processing or annotations added, or selection of appropriate materials, is recommended. PAKUTASO assumes no responsibility in case of disputes.
"Projects/Collaborations" (* Japanese) and some photography at specific facilities are conducted with prior permission. Photos of people (models) (* Japanese) whose faces can be identified have contracts for portrait rights usage permission (hereinafter "Model Release" (* Japanese)) established in advance before publication.
However, some free materials contain subjects for which permission was not obtained for photography. Please understand this and ensure your use does not fall under the following categories:
- "Use that significantly damages brands"
- "Use that strongly conveys negative impressions"
- "Development of imitation products, etc. (design right infringement)"
- "Issues regarding consideration for sponsors (use case incompatibility)"
- "Use that may cause misidentification of capital relationships, partnerships, etc."
Such use may be flagged by rights holders and manufacturers. To avoid such risks, please crop, composite, transform, or convert as necessary. For commercial use, consideration for clients and sponsors is required. Please use according to individual cases.
For manga tracing or background use, please remove identifiable parts, apply blurring, crop, or add annotations such as "image is for illustrative purposes" — using them with the understanding that they are materials. PAKUTASO assumes no responsibility for any disputes or troubles that may arise.
[Ref: Can I use them as manga backgrounds? (* Japanese)]
About Materials Where Subjects Cannot Be Identified
This donut photo is a common subject that cannot be identified. You can also select materials by carefully examining subjects in this way.
Use of Photos Featuring People & Portrait Rights
PAKUTASO provides free materials featuring people. There are two types: those with Model Release contracts and those without. Those with contracts have the model name indicated on each material page. Materials without contracts are selected to make subjects difficult to identify. When using photos featuring people, uses that lower the evaluation of models or their agencies, use as image characters, or impersonation are prohibited.
Free materials featuring people include those for which "Model Release" contracts were established with prior permission from the subject, and those without such contracts.
[Ref: About Photos Featuring People and Portrait Rights (* Japanese)]
PAKUTASO publishes both types of free materials, and all photos featured in the "Free Material Model List" (* Japanese) have Model Release contracts established.
Model Release Photos
Materials with model names indicated on each material page have "Model Release" contracts established.
The above is a free material photographed with a Model Release contract with Tatsuya Okawa. Please use with confidence.
Other Photos Featuring People
Materials without model name indications on each material page do not have "Model Release" contracts established.
Photos are selected to prevent subject identification as much as possible, such as rear views, silhouettes, crowds, and large groups. Please use with sufficient caution. (If necessary, please apply cropping or blurring.)
Prohibited Uses of Photos Featuring People
Use that falls under the following items is prohibited in principle:
- Use that significantly lowers the evaluation of individual models or their affiliated agencies
- Use as image characters or official images
- Impersonation use
However, the permissible scope varies for each "Free Material Model" (* Japanese), so if you cannot make a judgment, please crop to prevent model identification or contact us in advance through the "Contact Form" (* Japanese). In addition to the above, prohibited uses as PAKUTASO free materials also apply.
Cases without sufficient processing are subject to unauthorized use penalties.
Impersonation use — such as on SNS, solicitations, employee introductions, success stories, purchaser testimonials, etc. — is not permitted. Please be careful.
[Ref: I want to use photo materials for customer testimonials (* Japanese)]
Use in sample pages, demo sites, and mockup data is permitted only when name changes are clearly indicated or annotated.
[Ref: Can I use model photos in flyers or advertisements? (* Japanese)]
About Secondary Distribution
Secondary distribution in templates, etc. is permitted with credit attribution and link insertion. Usable images are limited to S size only, up to 100 images maximum. Beyond that, only paid arrangements are available. When distributing, you must present PAKUTASO's Terms of Service and obtain agreement from recipients.
PAKUTASO wants many people to use our free materials, and partially supports secondary distribution in templates, etc., with credit attribution and link insertion.
[Ref: Can they be used in CMS design templates? (* Japanese)]
How to Use for Secondary Distribution
When distributing free materials in a state where third parties can use them, in addition to credit attribution, you must present PAKUTASO's Terms of Service and obtain agreement. For example, for sites where free materials can be directly downloaded from within templates, please provide a notice on each applicable page.
Images usable for secondary distribution are "S size" only, with a maximum of "100 images." For high-resolution sizes or more than 100 images, only paid arrangements are available — please contact us through the "Contact Form" (* Japanese).
[Example of Secondary Distribution Notice]
The materials used in this template are free materials from PAKUTASO [https://www.pakutaso.com]. If recipients of secondary distributions wish to continue using these materials,
they must download them from the official PAKUTASO site themselves or agree to PAKUTASO's Terms of Service [https://www.pakutaso.com/userpolicy.html (* Japanese)].
Please note that if you cannot agree, you may not use the materials.
About Credit Attribution
Credit attribution is not mandatory except for secondary distribution or book covers. However, it is appreciated as it boosts morale for PAKUTASO management and photographers. Three methods of attribution are available: text, link, and logo data.
Credit attribution is not mandatory except for secondary distribution or book covers. However, we would appreciate it if you could provide attribution to support the morale of PAKUTASO management and photographers.
[Ref: I want to use materials for book covers or music jackets (* Japanese)]
For Text Attribution
- Free Material PAKUTASO [https://www.pakutaso.com]
- PAKUTASO [https://www.pakutaso.com]
To attribute photographers or models:
- Photo by [Photographer Name]
- Model by [Model Name]
For Inserting Links on Websites
<a href="https://www.pakutaso.com" title="Free Material PAKUTASO">Free Material PAKUTASO</a>
When Using Logo Data
Download various logo data from the "PAKUTASO Official Logo" (* Japanese) page and use them.
Prohibited Uses
Infringement of intellectual property rights, excessive system load, automated mass collection, providing materials to other stock photo services, use against public order and morals, adult/dating service use, etc. are prohibited. Violations are subject to usage suspension and legal action. Unauthorized use incurs a fee of ¥30,000/day per material (capped at ¥300,000).
The following uses or actions are prohibited. Please strictly refrain from these as they make operation difficult.
- Use that infringes or may infringe intellectual property rights such as copyright and trademark rights, property rights, privacy rights, publicity rights, or portrait rights
- Actions that place excessive load on networks or systems, or actions that may interfere with operations
- Systematic collection, reproduction, or accumulation of free materials through automated programs or similar means
- Providing photo materials to other stock photo services
- Use contrary to public order and morals
- Antisocial use
- Direct linking to free materials
- Use that may violate laws such as criminal laws
- Adult (R18) / sex industry / sexual depictions / religious solicitation or proselytizing / drugs / strikes / demonstrations / opposition groups / narcotics / night services / dating services (matchmaking / matching / dating information / businesses registered for internet dating introduction services / other cases where management determines them to be dating services, etc.)
- Use that causes inconvenience to third parties
- Use or actions deemed inappropriate by management
- Use involving defamation or actual harm
[Ref: I distribute videos related to the sex industry. Can I use them if I avoid direct expressions? (* Japanese)]
[Ref: Can they be used for dating sites? (* Japanese)]
[Ref: I learned that a third party used materials for an adult site banner without authorization. (* Japanese)]
Directly Confirming Usage Methods with Related Parties
Confirming free material usage methods or permissions with management personnel, models, or photographers is prohibited.
Everything is managed by PAKUTASO, so please strictly refrain from such actions. If you make direct contact, usage will be suspended even if usage was previously permitted.
Also, even if individual responses are received, they are not official views — please be fully aware.
[Ref: May I directly confirm usage methods with models or photographers? (* Japanese)]
Handling of Prohibited Use Violations
When use that violates prohibited uses (hereinafter "unauthorized use") occurs, or when PAKUTASO management determines there may be a violation, we have the right to enjoin the use of free materials. Users who receive warnings for unauthorized use must promptly remove or delete their works. For malicious users who do not respond to repeated warnings, we will report to police and providers, and will reluctantly consider legal action. If use that violates prohibited uses is covered by external news sites, media, or spread on SNS, etc., users shall be responsible for requesting deletion of applicable articles or requesting suspension of publication.
Fees for Unauthorized Use
Starting from the date unauthorized use is discovered or the date unauthorized use began (whichever is earlier), we will charge an unauthorized use fee of ¥30,000/day per material, or ¥300,000 (whichever is less). If profits are generated from unauthorized use (such as commercialization or material sales), all sales amounts will be charged separately from the unauthorized use fee.
Disclaimer
PAKUTASO does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or legality of its free materials. PAKUTASO is not liable for damages arising from use, except in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence.
- PAKUTASO makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, usefulness, legality, timeliness, or fitness for a particular purpose of its free materials.
- PAKUTASO shall not be liable for any damages (whether direct or indirect) arising from the use of free materials, except in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of PAKUTASO.
- If a dispute arises between a user and a third party regarding the use of free materials, the user shall resolve such dispute at their own responsibility and expense, and PAKUTASO shall have no obligation to be involved.
Changes to Terms of Service
PAKUTASO management may change the Terms of Service within necessary scope. Changed terms take effect the day after posting on the site. If users continue to use the materials after changes, they are deemed to have agreed to the revised terms. Governing law is Japanese law; the exclusive court of jurisdiction is the Tokyo District Court.
- PAKUTASO management may change the content of the Terms of Service within necessary scope.
- Changed Terms of Service will be posted on the PAKUTASO site (https://www.pakutaso.com/userpolicy.html (* Japanese)) and will take effect from the day after the posting date (or on the date specifically designated as the application start date).
- If a user continues to use the free materials after the Terms of Service have been changed, the user shall be deemed to have agreed to the revised Terms of Service.
Severability
Even if any provision of the Terms of Service or part thereof is determined to be invalid or unenforceable under applicable laws, the remaining provisions and the remaining parts of any partially invalid or unenforceable provision shall continue to have full effect.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms of Service shall be governed by the laws of Japan. Any disputes related to these Terms of Service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Tokyo District Court as the court of first instance.
Privacy Policy
PAKUTASO respects user privacy and manages personal information appropriately. Personal information collected through the contact form is used only for responding to inquiries. Cookies are used for analytics (GA4) and advertising (AdSense). Requests for disclosure, correction, suspension, or deletion of personal information are accepted through the contact form.
PAKUTASO respects the privacy of its users and strives to protect personal information. The handling of personal information is defined as follows.
Handling of Personal Information
PAKUTASO may collect personal information such as email addresses through the contact form. Collected personal information is used only for responding to inquiries and necessary communications, and will not be used for any other purpose. Personal information is managed appropriately and will not be provided to third parties except as required by law.
Disclosure, Correction, Suspension, and Deletion of Personal Information
Users may request disclosure, correction, suspension of use, or deletion of their personal information held by PAKUTASO. If you wish to do so, please contact us through the "Contact Form" (* Japanese). After identity verification, we will respond within a reasonable period.
About Analytics Tools
PAKUTASO uses Google Analytics and Google Search Console for quality improvement and operational continuity. These services use cookies to collect data such as page views and download counts, but do not include personally identifiable information. Collected data is managed in accordance with Google's privacy policy.
- Recipient: Google LLC
- Information transmitted: Page URLs visited, referrer, device/browser information, IP address (anonymized), cookie identifiers, time on page, download events, etc.
- Purpose: Analysis of site access patterns and service improvement
About Advertising
PAKUTASO uses Google AdSense as a third-party advertising service. Google AdSense uses cookies to deliver ads based on users' access information on PAKUTASO and other sites. Users can disable personalized advertising through Google's Ad Settings.
- Recipient: Google LLC
- Information transmitted: Cookie identifiers, page URLs visited, device/browser information, ad display/click information, etc.
- Purpose: Delivering ads based on users' interests
About the Amazon Associates Program
PAKUTASO is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.jp.
About Cookies
PAKUTASO uses cookies for analytics and advertising purposes. Cookies are small data files stored in your browser when you visit a website. Users can refuse to accept cookies through browser settings, but doing so may cause some PAKUTASO features to not function properly.
Changes to Privacy Policy
PAKUTASO may change the content of this Privacy Policy as necessary. The revised Privacy Policy shall take effect from the time it is posted on PAKUTASO.