Doll Maker Azone Closes Its Online Shop to Avoid Holding Customer Data

Closure follows a data leak and a shutdown

In October, Azone disclosed that customer email addresses had been exposed through unauthorized access to Blast Mail, an email newsletter delivery service it used. From October 26, it also suspended its official online shop, its main website and its inquiry form as a precautionary security measure, and carried out maintenance.

Reaction online has been split. Many users said they regret that buying will become less convenient, while others called the decision sensible given the cost of maintaining security.

A wider shift toward holding less data

Azone is not alone. Monogatari Corporation, which runs the Yakiniku King chain, saw personal data on 10.78 million members leak through unauthorized access in October. It plans to stop retaining names and phone numbers in 11 group apps, including Yakiniku King, by around the first half of 2027. Email addresses will still be collected for reservations, but the company intends to rebuild the system so that it eventually holds no personal data at all.

Yudetaro System, which operates the Yudetaro soba chain, has ended its Birthday Club, which sent coupons to members who registered names, addresses and birthdays through a Facebook link. It plans to delete personal data registered after the December coupon mailing.

The cases show some Japanese businesses concluding that data they never collect cannot be stolen, even if that means dropping their own storefronts or loyalty programs, as breaches continue to hit retailers and service operators.