Drone Laws & Regulations in Japan 2023

Drone Laws and Regulations in Japan

Japan has a complex and strict set of drone laws and regulations that drone pilots must follow to fly legally and safely in the country. These laws and regulations are enforced by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT). Here are some of the main categories of drone laws and regulations in Japan:

General Rules

• Drones may not be flown in the following manners without special permission from the MLIT:
  • 150 meters (492 feet) above ground level;
  • near airports;
  • above densely inhabited areas, as defined by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
• To request special permission, submit an application for permission to the MLIT at least 10 business days prior to the proposed operation. Contact Japan’s UA / Drone Counselling Service for more information.
• Drones may only be flown during the daytime.
• Drone pilots must maintain a visual line of sight with their drone during operations.
• Drones may not fly within 30 meters (98.4 feet) of people or private property.
• Drones may not be flown over crowds or sites where large groups of people are gathered, such as concerts or sports events.
• Drones may not be used to transport hazardous goods.
• Drones may not drop objects while in flight, either intentionally or accidentally.

Airspace Restrictions

• Drones are prohibited from flying over certain areas, such as airports, government buildings, nuclear and military facilities, and densely inhabited areas. 
• Flights over streets and public parks in Tokyo and Osaka are also not permitted.
• Drones must avoid flying near power lines, railways, roads, or other infrastructure that may interfere with their operation or pose a risk to public safety.
• Drones must respect the airspace of other aircraft and avoid flying near helipads, gliders, balloons, or parachutes.
• Drones must follow the rules of air traffic control and comply with any instructions or requests from the authorities.

Registration Requirements

• As of June 20th, 2022, all drones over the weight of 100 grams are required to be registered with the JCAB. Follow this link to register and pay the fee (900 to 2,400 yen for the first drone, depending on the application method).
• Your drone must also be equipped with a remote ID function or equipment that transmits your drone’s identification information via radio waves during flight. This allows you to identify whether your drone is registered and ensures safe skies.
• You must display your registration ID on your drone in a visible and legible manner.

Here’s a short video (in English) from MLIT explaining the new rules that came into effect in Japan on June 20th, 2022:

And here is a downloadable PDF (also in English) explaining the new rules and regulations in more detail:

Handbook for Unmanned Aircraft Registration in Japan

Licensing Requirements

• There is no general licensing requirement for drone pilots in Japan. However, if you want to fly your drone in a manner that requires special permission from the MLIT (see General Rules above), you may need to obtain a certificate of knowledge or skill from an authorized organization.
• The certificate of knowledge or skill proves that you have sufficient knowledge and skill to operate your drone safely and legally. The certificate can be obtained by taking a training course or passing an exam from an authorized organization.
• The certificate of knowledge or skill is valid for five years from the date of issuance. You must renew it before it expires if you want to continue flying your drone in a manner that requires special permission from the MLIT.

Insurance Requirements

• There is no mandatory insurance requirement for drone pilots in Japan. However, it is strongly recommended that you obtain liability insurance for your drone in case you cause any damage or injury to others or their property while flying your drone.
• The amount of insurance coverage you need depends on various factors, such as the size, weight, speed, and purpose of your drone, as well as the location and nature of your flight. You should consult with an insurance company or agent that specializes in drone insurance to find the best option for your needs.
• Some insurance companies or agents that offer drone insurance in Japan are FLIGHTS Inc., Sompo International Holdings, and Tom’s Tech Time. You can also check online platforms that provide drone insurance on demand, such as Flock or SkyWatch.AI.

• Registering your drone if it weighs more than 100 grams and equipping it with a remote ID function or equipment;
• Displaying your registration ID on your drone in a visible and legible manner;
• Obtaining special permission from the MLIT if you want to fly your drone in certain manners or areas, such as near airports, above densely inhabited areas, or over crowds.
• Obtaining a certificate of knowledge or skill from an authorized organization if you need special permission from the MLIT.
• Maintaining a visual line of sight with your drone during operations and avoiding flying near power lines, railways, roads, or other infrastructure.
• Obtaining liability insurance for your drone to protect yourself from any potential claims or lawsuits.

We hope this article has given you a clear and comprehensive overview of the drone laws and regulations in Japan. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the JCAB or the MLIT for more information.

If you have any feedback, questions, or experiences with drone flying in Japan, please share them with us in the comments below.