🇯🇵Japan

You must maintain your drone and its equipment according to the technical manuals and guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

If your drone has any malfunctions or defects, you must fix them properly before flying.

The maintenance manual submitted for your drone's certification must detail the drone's structure and parts (including parachutes), how to perform maintenance, and how to fix malfunctions.

You must conduct a detailed inspection of your drone every 20 flight hours. This includes checking for loose screws, structural damage, and ensuring all communication, propulsion, power, and control systems work properly.

If the government finds that your certified drone does not meet safety standards (or might fail them before the certificate expires), they can order you to perform maintenance or take other corrective actions. You must comply with this order.

Before taking off, you must perform a pre-flight check to ensure the drone is safe to fly and properly prepared.

You must inspect your drone before and after every flight, and perform a more detailed inspection every 20 flight hours, checking components like communications, propulsion, and power systems.

The maintenance information that must be provided to users includes the specific parts of the drone to be maintained, when the maintenance should occur, and how to perform it.

If you perform maintenance or swap parts on a type-certified drone using methods or parts not specified in the manufacturer's manual, the drone will lose its type-certified status for airworthiness applications.

If there are any updates or changes to the drone's maintenance information, the manufacturer or certified entity must take steps to notify users.

You must thoroughly inspect your drone every 20 flight hours. Check for loose screws, damaged parts, and make sure all systems like communications and propulsion are working properly.

If you apply any design or equipment modifications recommended by the manufacturer to your certified drone, you must apply for a renewal of its airworthiness certificate.

As the operator of a certified drone, you are legally required to perform all necessary maintenance to keep the aircraft in a safe condition that continuously meets safety standards.

You must properly maintain and modify your registered drone to ensure it always meets safety standards and continues to comply with Remote ID requirements.

Companies or individuals who hold a type certificate for a drone must provide the drone's operators with the technical and maintenance information needed to keep the aircraft safe and airworthy.

If the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) asks you for a report about your drone's ownership, flight operations, maintenance, or manufacturing, you are legally required to provide it.

You must write down an inspection record for every type-certified drone you make, including details like the serial number, date, inspector's name, and results. This can be stored electronically.

Whenever your drone undergoes maintenance, repairs, or modifications, you must log the date, location, who did it, what was done (including parts replaced), the reason for it, and the total flight hours since its last certification.

For every flight, you must log the drone's registration and model details, the pilot's name and license number, the flight path and times, total flight hours, any safety issues, and any malfunctions along with how they were resolved.

If you do not have a pilot license, you must have at least 10 hours of flight experience for the specific type of drone you want to fly. You can attach a copy of your flight logbook to your application to prove this experience.

Before flying, you must perform daily pre-flight checks and record them in your flight logbook. If you use removable accessories like a Remote ID device, you must inspect them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Even if your flight is not a "specific flight" (which legally requires a logbook), MLIT strongly recommends keeping a flight log for safety and record-keeping.

You must maintain a flight log for your drone operations. Failing to keep one can result in a fine of up to 100,000 yen.

You must keep a log of all pre-flight, post-flight, and 20-hour maintenance inspections you perform on your drone.

You must keep accurate records of all maintenance work performed on your drone and save these records.

Drone manufacturers holding a type certification must inspect every individual drone they produce, write down the inspection results, and keep these records on file.

If you are performing a flight that requires permission or approval (a Specified Flight), you must maintain a flight log for your drone.

You must accurately record all required details in your flight log. Leaving out information or making false entries can lead to a fine of up to 100,000 yen.

If you fail to keep proper maintenance and inspection logs for your drone, or if you write false information in them, you can be fined up to 300,000 yen.

Government officials have the right to enter your office, workshop, or drone flight location to inspect your drones, logbooks, and documents, and to ask you questions.

Type certificate holders must document and keep records of the results of their analysis of safety incidents reported by users.

When you are required to keep a flight log, it must contain three distinct sections: a flight record, a daily inspection record, and an inspection/maintenance record.

You must log your daily pre-flight inspections, including the date, location, who performed it, the results of each inspection item, and any special notes.

You must calculate a safety buffer zone based on how far your drone could fall, designate it as a no-entry zone, and keep map documents showing this zone for every flight path.

To make record-keeping easier, you can use the official Excel and Word templates provided by MLIT for flight logs, daily inspections, and maintenance.

After completing a Specified Flight, or after performing any maintenance or modifications on your drone, you must record the details in your flight log without delay.

You do not need to mail or upload physical copies of your ID if you verify your identity online using your My Number Card or an approved corporate electronic authentication system.

When registering a drone or renewing its registration, you must pay the processing fee specified by the government.

If you cannot renew your drone's registration on time because of a natural disaster or other unavoidable emergency, the government may extend your registration's validity period.

If you fly a registered drone without properly displaying its registration number or transmitting Remote ID, or if you ignore a government order to correct registration issues, you can be fined up to 500,000 yen.

The registration number letters must be at least 3 mm tall for drones under 25 kg, and at least 25 mm tall for drones weighing 25 kg or more.

You can be fined up to 300,000 yen if you fail to display your drone's registration mark on the aircraft, or if you display an incorrect or unauthorized registration mark.

If you need to cancel your drone's registration, you must submit an application to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) containing the registration mark, your name and address, the reason and date of deletion, and other required details.

Unregistered drones can be flown for fun at designated club fields if the club management has registered the field with the government and you fly within visual line of sight.

When flying an unregistered drone at a registered club field, you must display your pilot identification number on the drone.

You cannot register a drone that is on the government's blacklist, has dangerous sharp parts that could cause injury on impact, or is extremely difficult to control or fly autonomously.

When registering your drone, you must submit an application form to the government detailing the drone's specifications (make, model, serial number, weight class, Remote ID status) and the contact details of both the owner and the operator.

When your registered drone details change, you must submit a notification form to the government showing your registration mark, name, address, what changed (comparing old and new), and the date and reason for the change.

Business operators can use their gBizID account to complete the identity verification step when registering a drone.

Flying a drone that is not registered with the government is a serious offense and can result in up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 500,000 yen.

Due to the abolition of traditional health insurance cards, you must now use a health insurance qualification confirmation letter (Shikaku Kakunisho) if you wish to use insurance documents to verify your identity for drone registration.

If you renew your drone's registration within one month before it expires, the new registration period will start the day after your current registration expires, ensuring you do not lose any validity days.

The government notification allowing unregistered recreational flights at a club field is valid for a maximum of three years.

If you apply for drone registration or renewal using a paper application, the fee is 2,400 yen for the first drone and 2,000 yen for each additional drone applied for at the same time.

If you are flying an unregistered drone under a test flight exemption, you must display the notification number issued by the government on the drone.

You are not allowed to fly a drone unless it has been officially registered in the national Unmanned Aircraft Register.

When renewing your drone's registration, you must follow the same application process and meet the same eligibility criteria as you did for the initial registration.

You can pay your drone registration fees online using the Pay-easy payment system.

If you register or renew your drone online using other methods of identity verification (like a driver's license or passport), the fee is 1,450 yen for the first drone and 1,050 yen for each additional drone applied for at the same time.

If a drone owner or operator violates an official corrective order issued by the government, the registration of that drone may be revoked.

Your drone's registration is not permanent. It will expire after a period of 3 to 5 years (as set by ministry rules) unless you apply to renew it before the expiration date.

If your registered drone is lost, destroyed, permanently dismantled, missing for over two months, or no longer meets the legal definition of a drone, you must apply to cancel its registration within 15 days.

If you own an unregistered drone, you must apply for registration by providing details such as the drone's type, model, manufacturer, serial number, and the names and addresses of both the owner and the user.

Once your drone is registered and you receive your registration number, you must display this registration mark on the drone or take other required identification measures without delay.

Your drone's registration validity period starts on the day the government issues the registration notice.

If there is a change in your registered drone's details (such as owner information) or if the drone gets a new owner, the owner (or the new owner) must report this change to the government within 15 days.

When applying to cancel your drone's registration, you must follow the same identity verification or submission procedures required for initial registration applications.

To renew your drone's registration, you must submit an application to the MLIT containing the registration mark, the owner's and user's names and addresses, the application date, and any other required details.

If you are hiring someone else (an agent) to register your drone for you, they must attach a power of attorney or other document proving they have the authority to act on your behalf.

You must display your drone's registration number on a permanent, visible part of the main body. Use clear, plain capital letters and numbers in a color that stands out against the drone's body.

You must attach official identity documents (like a resident record copy, driver's license, or corporate registry certificate) to your drone registration application to prove the owner's identity.

You can perform test flights of unregistered drones for research and development or manufacturing if you notify the government in advance and put safety measures (like spotters) in place.

The same identity verification documents and online/paper submission procedures required for initial drone registration also apply when you renew your registration.

Your drone's registration is valid for three years. You must renew it before this period expires to keep flying legally.

If you are changing the registered owner's name or address, you must submit official identity verification documents (such as a copy of your residence certificate or corporate registry) along with the notification.

When registering your drone in Japan, you can use your My Number Card to verify your identity online.

If you apply for drone registration using paper forms, you must check the owner's email inbox and click the link in the confirmation email. The authority will not start reviewing your application until you click this link.

If you submit your drone registration application on paper, you must mail the forms and identity documents to the SCSK Service Links office in Tokyo. Note that submitted physical documents will not be returned.

The Japanese government maintains an official registry for unmanned aircraft, and drones must be registered in this database in accordance with the law.

If you register or renew your drone online using your My Number Card for identity verification, the fee is discounted to 900 yen for the first drone and 890 yen for each additional drone applied for at the same time.

You are prohibited from flying a registered drone unless its registration mark is properly displayed or other identification measures are in place, except for specific exempted cases.

If your registered drone no longer meets safety standards or fails to properly display its registration number or transmit Remote ID, the government can order you to fix these issues. You must comply with this correction order.

You do not need to register your drone if you are performing a test flight and have submitted a notification to the government in advance, or under other legally specified exceptions.

When applying to register your drone, the government may require you to submit photos of the drone or other documents to verify that your application details are genuine.

If a drone owner obtains a drone registration or registration renewal through fraudulent or dishonest methods, the government can revoke the registration.

You cannot register a drone if its design or characteristics pose a severe safety risk to manned aircraft, or to people and property on the ground or water, as defined by ministry regulations.

You must pay the designated fee when applying for, renewing, reissuing, or changing limitations on a drone pilot license, or when taking the government-run renewal training.

The restrictions on your drone pilot license (such as drone type, weight, night flying, or out-of-sight flying) are decided based on the specific drone and flight maneuvers you use during your practical licensing exam.

Your drone pilot license will be restricted to specific types of drones (helicopter, multirotor, or airplane) and weight classes (under 25 kg or unlimited) based on what you are certified for.

The government will only approve the modification of your license conditions if you meet the specific medical standards required for the new conditions.

If you hold a drone pilot license with multiple categories or limitations and one of them is up for renewal, you can apply to renew all of them at the same time, even if the others are not yet in their renewal window.

To take the written (academic) exam for a drone pilot license, you must submit an application form that includes your official confirmation number.

To get your official Test Pass Certificate, you must submit an application along with copies of your physical, written, and practical exam pass certificates (or your drone school completion certificate if you went to a registered school).

Once you pass all exams, you must apply for your actual drone pilot license within two years of passing the written exam. You must submit the application form with your confirmation number and your Test Pass Certificate.

If you want to change or remove the conditions (such as medical or equipment limitations) on your drone pilot license, you must submit a formal application form to the MLIT.

If you pass the written exam for a drone pilot license, you do not have to take it again if you apply for the practical exam or certificate within 2 years. Passing the First-Class written exam also exempts you from the Second-Class written exam.

If you already hold a drone pilot license and apply for a different license class or to change your license limitations, you can request to skip practical exam subjects that you have already passed, provided the Ministry recognizes them as equivalent or higher in standard.

If you have returned your pilot certificate and completed a course at a registered drone school within three years of your old certificate's expiration, you can skip the written (academic) exam when applying for a new certificate. However, you must apply within three months of finishing the course.

Pilots operating multiple drones at once must be trained to understand the unique risks of multi-drone operations and be capable of managing a malfunctioning drone while still keeping an eye on the others.

To renew your drone pilot license, you must submit your renewal application between 6 months and 1 month before your current license expires. You must include a medical certificate (such as a doctor's physical fitness certificate issued within the last 3 months) and proof that you completed the official drone license renewal training course.

If your drone pilot certificate expires, is revoked, or if you find a lost certificate after already receiving a replacement, you must promptly return the old certificate to the government along with a written explanation.

If a certified drone pilot dies or is declared missing, the person holding their pilot certificate must return it to the government.

If you lose or damage your drone pilot competency certificate, or if you change your name or address, you must apply for a replacement by submitting an application form to the MLIT.

When applying for a flight permit, you must attach Form 3 to confirm the pilot's experience and skills. However, if the pilot has an official Japanese drone pilot license, you can skip Form 3 by writing their license number and details on the application.

If you do not have an official Japanese drone pilot license, you must have logged at least 10 hours of flight time with your specific type of drone (such as a multirotor) to get a Category II flight permit.

If you have applied for a drone pilot certificate and your name, address, phone number, or email address changes, you must notify the MLIT without delay, stating the date of the change.

If you plan to fly out of sight (BVLOS) without a visual observer, you must complete at least 10 hours of specialized training covering emergency procedures and remote hazard detection.

To get approval for dropping items from a drone, you must have at least 5 successful practice drops and be able to keep the drone stable. If you lack this experience, you must practice in a private, secured area.

When operating multiple drones at once, pilots should undergo desktop simulation training. This training should cover emergency scenarios and 'soft skills' like teamwork and quick decision-making to prevent coordination errors.

Before flying under this manual, you must practice basic maneuvers (like hovering and moving in different directions) for at least 10 hours under the supervision of an experienced pilot, unless you hold a valid national drone license.

If you plan to fly at night, out of your line of sight, or drop objects, you must first practice these specific skills in a permitted training area or indoors.

If you plan to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) without a visual observer, you must complete at least 10 hours of specialized training on emergency handling and remote decision-making.

Before dropping objects during a real flight, you must practice dropping objects at least 5 times in a safe, authorized area or indoors to ensure you can maintain control of the drone.

If you need to have your drone pilot certificate reissued, you must pay a processing fee of 2,850 yen.

If you take the actual physical examination in person for your drone pilot license instead of submitting a medical certificate, the fee is 19,900 yen.

You must pay a fee of 3,000 yen to be issued your drone pilot competency certificate.

When you successfully change the limitations on your drone pilot license, you must pay a fee of 2,850 yen to have the updated physical certificate issued.

Your drone pilot certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue.

When applying for a drone pilot license, you must submit an application form with a photo and ID documents. If you verify your identity electronically (e.g., using a My Number Card), you do not need to submit physical ID documents.

When applying to change the conditions on your pilot license, you must attach an approved medical certificate (such as a drone pilot medical certificate, a recent aviation medical certificate, or equivalent).

The standard application procedures, including the submission of required supporting documents and payment of fees, apply when requesting a change to the limitations on your pilot certificate.

If you lose your drone pilot certificate, you must notify the MLIT within 30 days, stating the reason and date of loss, unless you apply for a replacement certificate within those 30 days.

When renewing your drone pilot license (competence certificate), you must pay a renewal fee of 2,850 yen.

If you apply for a First-Class drone pilot license exam, you must pay fees for each part: up to 19,900 yen for the physical test, 9,900 yen for the written test, and up to 91,000 yen for the practical test.

If you apply for a Second-Class drone pilot license exam, you must pay fees for each part: up to 19,900 yen for the physical test, 8,800 yen for the written test, and up to 84,200 yen for the practical test.

Once your application for a drone pilot license is approved, you will be issued an official Remote Pilot Competency Certificate.

If you want to update your drone pilot license to add a new drone type or flight method, you must pay for the physical and practical exams. The practical exam fee caps range from 41,800 yen to 91,000 yen depending on your license class and what you are changing.

If you are caught cheating on the drone pilot license exam, you can be banned from taking the exam again for up to two years.

If your drone pilot certificate has limitations (such as restrictions on the weight of the drone or flight conditions), you can apply to the government to have these limitations changed or removed.

When you apply to change or remove limitations on your drone pilot certificate, you must meet the same standards (such as age, health, and testing) that apply to obtaining a certificate.

Entities that provide drone pilot training can apply to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to become officially registered training organizations.

If the government discovers after issuing your drone pilot certificate that you had violated aviation laws or operated drones with gross negligence before getting certified, they can revoke your certificate or suspend it for up to six months.

If you successfully complete a drone pilot training course at a government-registered training school, you can be exempted from taking all or part of the official written and practical licensing exams.

To obtain a drone pilot license, you must pass three separate tests: a medical check, a written knowledge exam, and a practical flight skills test.

If you cheat on the drone pilot license exam, the government can stop your exam immediately or cancel your passing result.

Your pilot license will have limitations regarding night flying and flying out of your line of sight (BVLOS) unless you pass the specific exams for these methods.

To complete the physical exam requirement, you must submit an application form with your confirmation number and attach a medical certificate issued by a doctor within the last 6 months, or another approved medical document.

To take the practical flight exam, you must submit an application form with your confirmation number and attach your written exam pass certificate (or a copy of your current license if exempt).

If you receive a notice for a temporary physical exam, you can submit a medical certificate from a specialized doctor (or your primary care doctor for dementia) stating their professional opinion and test results showing you do not have the disqualifying condition.

When you renew your drone pilot certificate, upgrade your qualification, change your rating limitations, or receive a reissued certificate, you must hand in your old certificate in exchange for the new one.

If you already hold a drone pilot license and are applying for a different license class or changing your license limitations (such as adding night or BVLOS flight categories), you can apply to skip the written exam if you have already passed an equivalent or higher written exam.

If the government suspects you have a medical or mental condition that disqualifies you from holding a drone pilot certificate, you must undergo a physical examination conducted by a specialized doctor approved by the Ministry.

If you successfully complete a drone pilot training course at a registered school, you are exempt from taking the official practical flight exam, provided you apply for your certificate within one year of completing the course.

When applying for a replacement pilot certificate, you must submit one photo, your current certificate (unless lost), proof of your new name/address if changed, and the details of how and when you lost it if applying within 30 days of the loss.

If you will be living outside Japan during your entire drone pilot license renewal window, you can apply to renew your license early by providing proof of your overseas stay.

If you renew your drone pilot license early, the new validity period starts from the day the new license is issued, rather than the original expiration date.

If you change your authorized agent during the drone pilot certificate application process, you must notify the MLIT without delay, providing the date of the change and proof of the new agent's authority.

Before flying near outdoor events or assemblies, the drone you use must have at least 3 hours of flight history and 10 successful takeoffs and landings to ensure its reliability.

If you want to change the limitations (such as weight limits or flight conditions) on your drone pilot license, you must submit a formal application to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

If you are applying to become a Registered Training Organization, submitting the application on DIPS is not enough. You must also email the complete set of required documents to the address listed in the official guidelines.

Pilots should start with a small number of drones and gradually increase the count as they get used to it. If a pilot hasn't flown multiple drones for a while, they should restart with fewer drones and scale up again.

Before flying under this manual, you must complete at least 10 hours of basic flight practice under the supervision of an experienced pilot, unless you hold a valid national drone license.

If you hold a valid Japanese Remote Pilot License, you do not need to submit Form 3 with your application, provided your planned flight is within the scope and limitations of your license.

Before flying multiple drones at once, you must complete classroom and flight training, starting with a few drones and gradually increasing the number to practice normal and emergency procedures.

Before a registered training school can start offering drone pilot training, they must submit their training rules to the government and have them officially accepted.

If you plan to fly BVLOS without a visual observer, you must complete at least 10 hours of specialized training on how to handle emergencies and monitor the drone remotely.

Before flying under this standard manual, you must practice basic maneuvers for at least 10 hours under the supervision of an experienced pilot.

You can apply to renew your drone pilot certificate when it is about to expire.

If you fulfill the physical exam requirement for a drone pilot license by submitting a medical certificate (documentary review), the fee is 5,200 yen.

To renew your drone pilot certificate, you must pass a physical fitness check and complete a registered renewal training course to update your knowledge and skills.

Your drone pilot certificate may be issued with specific limitations, restricting you to certain types of drones (such as multirotors) or specific flight conditions (such as daytime-only or line-of-sight-only).

You may be denied a drone pilot certificate or have its issuance suspended for up to six months if you have certain medical conditions, drug or alcohol addiction, past aviation law violations, or a history of unsafe drone operations.

You can apply to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to obtain an official drone pilot competency certificate, which certifies that you have the skills required to operate an unmanned aircraft.

If your pilot certificate has limitations (for example, multirotor only), you are strictly prohibited from performing a Specified Flight that goes beyond those limitations, unless you are flying under authorized supervision for training or testing.

If your pilot certificate is held up due to medical or addiction concerns, the government may order you to take a physical exam or submit a doctor's note by a specified deadline.

You are not allowed to take the practical flight test until you have successfully passed the written knowledge exam.

If you want to register an organization to train First-class drone pilots, you must have dedicated training airspace, appropriate training drones, and qualified instructors who are at least 18, have no recent legal violations, and hold a First-class pilot certificate with at least 1 year of flying experience.

Your drone must have a Remote ID function (either built-in or as an attached device) that transmits your registration number and other required data.

You do not need Remote ID if you fly within a specific area that you have registered in advance with the government, as long as you have observers monitoring the flight and clear signs marking the boundaries.

To fly without Remote ID in a designated area, you must submit a notification form to the government detailing your contact info, drone registration number, and the exact date, time, location, and altitude of the flight.

Instead of physically displaying the certification number on the drone, you may satisfy the identification requirement by equipping the drone with a Remote ID function or other approved measures.

You do not need Remote ID if your drone is physically tied down (tethered) with a strong cord or rope that is 30 meters or shorter.

Police, Coast Guard, and other designated government agencies do not need Remote ID when performing highly confidential operations like security patrols.

You can be fined up to 500,000 yen for violating drone flight rules, such as flying in restricted airspace without permission, flying at night or out of sight without approval, failing to file a flight plan, dropping items, or carrying hazardous materials.

If you see a manned airplane or helicopter near your drone's flight path and there is a risk of collision, you must immediately land your drone or take other safe actions to avoid it.

If you see another drone flying near your flight path, you must keep a safe distance from it.

During major disasters, you should coordinate your drone's flight times and locations with the local disaster response headquarters to avoid colliding with other rescue aircraft.

When notifying the airport office about an emergency flight, you must provide details such as your flight purpose, exact coordinates, maximum altitude, schedule, drone specs, and contact info.

If you plan to fly in restricted airspace, you must submit your flight details (date, path, altitude, number of drones, and specs) to the local Airport Office by the day before the flight so they can issue a NOTAM.

You must submit your flight details to the regional civil aviation bureau at least one business day before your flight so they can issue a NOTAM. If you cancel the flight, let them know right away.

If you cancel a flight for which you have already received permission, you must quickly notify the Regional Civil Aviation Bureau so they can cancel the airspace notice.

You must submit your flight details (including coordinates, altitude, and aircraft specs) to the local Regional Civil Aviation Bureau at least one business day before your flight so they can issue an airspace notice (NOTAM).

Before every flight, you must check the JCAB website or their official X (Twitter) account (@mlit_mujinki) to ensure your flight path does not overlap with any newly designated emergency airspace.

You must avoid collisions with other aircraft or drones, including landing or descending your drone immediately if another aircraft is nearby.

If you are flying under the emergency exception (such as for disaster response) near an airport or above 150 meters, you must coordinate with the airport manager or airspace authority beforehand to avoid colliding with manned aircraft.

The regulated activity 'Flight of Small Unmanned Aircraft, etc.' includes both operating an unmanned drone and a person flying with specified gear like paragliders or hang gliders.

You should perform an on-site radio signal survey to check signal strength and capacity, ensuring the network can support the number of drones you plan to fly.

If you cancel a flight in restricted airspace after obtaining permission, you must quickly notify the Airport Office so they can update the aviation safety information.

If you cannot constantly monitor nearby manned aircraft during your flight, you must submit your flight details (time, route, altitude, etc.) to the regional aviation bureau at least one business day in advance so they can issue a NOTAM.

You cannot fly a drone in restricted areas (such as near airports, at high altitudes, or in densely populated areas) unless you have a pilot license and your drone is certified. If you fly over people without entry control measures, you must have a First-Class license and a Class 1 certified drone.

You are prohibited from flying drones in 'Emergency Duty Airspace,' which is temporarily designated to protect search and rescue aircraft during emergencies.

Before every flight, you must check whether your planned flight area has been designated as an Emergency Duty Airspace.

If you cannot maintain a safe distance from another drone and there is a risk of crashing into it, you must land your drone or take other appropriate actions to prevent a collision.

If you are flying a toy drone or model aircraft weighing less than 100 grams, you are prohibited from flying it in restricted airspaces (such as near airports, in emergency operational airspace, or above 150 meters) unless you obtain prior permission.

If you are flying near airports, in emergency areas, or above 150 meters, you must send your flight details (date, path, altitude, aircraft count, and specs) to the local airport office by the day before your flight so they can issue a NOTAM.

If you plan to fly near the boundary of an airport's restricted airspace, you must contact the airport administrator or the relevant airspace authority to verify if your flight location is inside the restricted area.

When planning routes for multiple drones close to each other, design them with enough vertical and horizontal distance to account for GPS errors and normal drifting.

If you fly a drone for emergency search and rescue in restricted areas (like near airports, in emergency zones, or above 150m), you must first coordinate with the airspace managers and then notify the local airport office by phone and email.

Before taking off, always check the MLIT website or their official X (Twitter) account to ensure your flight area has not been temporarily designated as an emergency service airspace.

Before you apply for permission to fly higher than 150 meters, you must coordinate and align your flight plans with the air traffic control agency that manages that specific airspace.

If you use 5.8GHz amateur radio for FPV drone flying, avoid flying near highway toll gates (ETC) or automated parking lots, as your signal can interfere with their systems.

When applying for Aircraft Certification, you must submit specific documents (such as design plans, flight manuals, and maintenance manuals) at designated times (e.g., at the start of design, before manufacturing, or at the time of application) depending on whether your drone model has already received Type Certification.

If you meet the requirements to fly near a restricted important facility, you must notify the police. You can submit this notification either in person at the local police station or online using the e-Gov electronic application system.

If you want to obtain an Aircraft Certification for your drone, you must submit an application form to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

If you want to fly a drone in a prohibited airspace, you must submit an application to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The application must include your contact details, drone registration number, flight plan (purpose, time, route, altitude), reason for the flight, drone certification details, pilot qualification details, safety measures, and a risk assessment if required.

If your drone has an official Class or Type Certification, you do not need to submit Form 2 with your application, as long as you verify that your flight stays within the drone's certified limits and manual.

When applying for flight permissions or approvals in DIPS, you must use a drone that has already been registered and assigned a registration mark or a test flight notification number.

If you want to fly a drone using methods that deviate from standard rules (such as night flying, out-of-sight flying, or flying close to people/property), you must submit an application to the MLIT. The application must detail your contact info, drone registration, flight plan, reasons for the flight method, pilot qualifications, drone safety specifications, and safety management measures.

You can fly a drone under 25 kg for agricultural or forestry purposes without certain permits if you stay below 4 meters over your own or managed land, use autopilot, transport approved agricultural chemicals, use range-limiting safety features, and ensure no third parties can enter the flight area.

You must submit your Category III flight application at least 20 business days before your planned flight. This can be done on paper or online using the DIPS portal.

You are only allowed to start your flight before submitting a flight plan if the online flight planning system is experiencing a technical outage and there is no other way to submit it beforehand.

Before flying, you must coordinate your flight plans, schedule, and emergency procedures with the local police and fire departments.

To get permission to fly a model drone (under 100 grams) in restricted airspace, you must submit an application to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism detailing who you are, why you are flying, and when and where the flight will take place.

If you are applying to fly out of visual line of sight (BVLOS) without an assistant, or perform multiple complex flight types at once, you must narrow down your flight area and attach a map showing this area to your application.

You must carry your drone flight permit or approval with you when flying, either as a paper copy or as a digital file on your phone or tablet.

When submitting your notification, you must include a map of your flight area and proof of consent from the facility manager. You also need to attach a photo of your drone, unless it already has an official registration number displayed on it.

You can submit your flight notification online using the e-Gov portal. Make sure to save the arrival or receipt number and show it to police officers if they ask during your flight.

If you operate a low-power 5.7GHz drone transmitter both indoors and outdoors, you must submit both the coordination group certificate and your indoor self-coordination plan.

When applying for Level 3 multi-drone operations, you can speed up the approval process to just one day by referencing the document number of a previously approved identical application.

If you only fly your drone indoors using a low-power (15mW or less) 5.7GHz video transmitter, you can submit a self-coordination document instead of joining a formal coordination group.

Always carry your flight permit or approval with you when flying. You can keep a paper copy or save a digital version on your phone.

If the government issues instructions to adjust your flight plan for safety reasons and you ignore them while flying, you can be fined up to 300,000 yen.

If you are flying a drone near a defense facility with the landowner's or occupier's permission, you must submit a notification to the facility administrator at least 48 hours before the flight, including their contact details and a copy of their written consent.

If you are flying a drone under a contract or commission from a national or local government agency, you must attach a copy of the document proving this commission to your notification.

When applying for Class 2 Aircraft Certification (often used for Category II flights), you must pay an application fee. The fee ranges from 2,450 JPY (for additional identical type-certified drones) up to nearly 1 million JPY (for non-type-certified, previously used drones), depending on type certification, weight, and maintenance.

For high-risk flights like night BVLOS over populated areas or flying over events, you cannot use a general comprehensive permit; you must apply by specifying the exact location, date, and time of the flight.

Even if you qualify for an exemption to fly near an important facility, you must submit a notification in advance to the Prefectural Public Safety Commission and other relevant authorities (such as the airport administrator, Coast Guard, or facility administrator) before flying.

You must fly your drone according to the flight plan you submitted. If the government instructs you to change your flight time or route for safety reasons, you must follow those instructions, unless an emergency requires immediate action to protect people or other aircraft.

You must submit a valid copy of your operational coordination group membership certificate both when first applying for your drone radio license and whenever you renew it.

If you are operating a drone for official public services near restricted maritime facilities, you must submit a notification to the Regional Coast Guard Headquarters through the local Coast Guard Office at least 48 hours before starting your flight.

You must submit your flight plan electronically through the designated online system.

If you have permission from a facility administrator to fly a drone, you must submit a formal notification form (Appended Form 1) to them at least 48 hours before your flight. The form must include details like flight time, purpose, area, your personal info, drone specifications, and its registration mark.

If you are the facility administrator, land owner, or occupier and want to fly a drone in the restricted area around a Coast Guard-related facility, you must submit a notification form (Form 1) to the Regional Coast Guard Headquarters (via the local Coast Guard Office) at least 48 hours before the flight.

When notifying the Coast Guard of an official flight, you must submit Appended Form 2 with details about the operator, employer, and any vessel or commissioning government agency. If you are contracted by a government agency, you must also attach proof of that contract.

If you plan to fly near a designated airport under the Small UAV Prohibition Act, you must get permission from the airport manager and notify the local prefectural police (public safety commission) beforehand.

If you are a general drone pilot (not the airport administrator or land owner/occupier), you must first obtain consent from the airport administrator or land owner/occupier. You must then submit the notification form at least 48 hours before the flight, including the consenting party's details and a copy of the written consent.

You must submit a notification form to the local police station at least 48 hours before flying a drone near restricted important facilities.

Public safety agencies (such as police and emergency services) are exempt from standard drone flight restrictions, flight rules, and permit requirements when conducting urgent search and rescue operations. However, basic safety rules like the prohibition on flying under the influence of alcohol still apply.

Drone aircraft certifications are not permanent; they are only valid for a specific period determined by the government.

Even if you have a standard drone flight permit from the government under the Aviation Act, you must still get separate permission from the airport manager and notify the police before flying near designated airports.

If your drone requires an on-site physical inspection for its airworthiness certificate, you are responsible for securing the inspection location and bringing the drone there.

You can simplify your drone flight application by referencing the JCAB Standard Manual instead of attaching detailed documents. However, you must choose either Standard Manual 01 (location-specified) or Standard Manual 02 (non-location-specified) and cannot combine them in one application.

When your drone receives aircraft certification, the government will specify certain conditions under which the drone must be operated.

If you plan to conduct a Level 3.5 flight, you must first contact the main JCAB office's consultation desk before submitting your application online through DIPS 2.0.

If you plan to fly near airports, above 150m, at night over populated areas, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) at night or without an assistant, or for hobby/R&D purposes, you must apply for permission by specifying the exact flight location.

If you are applying for a Class 2 Aircraft Certification for a drone that is identical to a Type-Certified model or has been certified by the manufacturer as safe, you can submit simplified proof-of-conformity documents instead of detailed design, manufacturing, or maintenance documents.

If you fly at night, out of sight, or close to objects while keeping people out of the flight area, you must still take specific safety measures required by the government.

If you are legally allowed to submit your flight plan after starting your flight, you must submit it as soon as possible after taking off.

When the authority designates specific operating conditions or limitations for your drone's safety certification, they will issue you an official document called the 'Designation of Operating Conditions, etc.' using Form 29-7.

If you need to change a flight plan you already submitted, you only need to report your drone's registration number and the specific details that are changing.

The official purpose that qualifies for emergency flight exemptions under Article 132-92 of the Civil Aeronautics Act is limited to search and rescue operations.

Before making a flight that requires permission or approval (Specified Flight), you must submit a flight plan containing details like your drone's registration, your pilot license number, flight path, altitude, speed, safety measures, and insurance details.

In urgent situations like disasters, you can notify the local police station verbally right before taking off. However, you must still get permission from the facility manager before making this verbal report.

You can fly in densely inhabited districts (DID) without a permit if you tether your drone with a strong rope of 30 meters or less, ensure there are no objects within the tether's reach, and use assistants or other measures to keep people out of the flight area.

You must carry your physical flight permit or a copy of it when flying. If you only have oral approval, you must be able to tell authorities the exact date and approval number if asked.

Operators are exempt from certain flight restrictions if they fly in accordance with specific safety-approved methods and meet all safety conditions specified in Article 236-76.

When applying for permission to fly at night BVLOS over congested areas or over open-air events, you must specify the exact date and time of the flight. For other operations, you can provide a general date range and time window.

If you are conducting search and rescue operations on behalf of, or requested by, the national or local government, you qualify for special exemptions from certain drone flight restrictions.

You must specify your exact flight path when applying for flights near airports, above 150m, at night in congested areas, BVLOS at night, BVLOS without a visual observer, over events, or for hobby/R&D purposes. For other flights, defining the general flight area is sufficient.

Flights conducted during disasters to transport food or medicine to isolated areas, inspect dangerous spots, or patrol evacuated neighborhoods for crime prevention are officially recognized as emergency flights exempt from certain standard restrictions.

For Level 3.5 multi-drone operations, you must describe your safety measures in a Flight Overview Declaration and get prior agreement from the JCAB before submitting your application.

If your drone weighs 25 kg or more, you must self-verify its compliance with safety standards and attach a document detailing your verification results to your application.

Flight permissions are normally granted for up to 3 months. However, if you plan to fly continuously under the exact same conditions, you can get a permit valid for up to 1 year.

If your radio license is strictly for indoor drone flights, you must write 'limited to indoors' (屋内に限る) in the movement range section of your application.

If you need to fly urgently for disaster relief or emergency news reporting, you can apply for permission by phone or email first, but you must submit the official paperwork later.

If you must fly in emergency airspace for urgent reasons like disaster reporting or critical infrastructure maintenance, you cannot rely on existing general permits; you must apply for and obtain a new, specific permission from the MLIT.

When you apply for a Category III flight permit, it will normally be valid for up to 1 month. However, if you plan to fly continuously under the exact same conditions, you can get a permit valid for up to 1 year.

When applying for a flight window, the period is generally limited to one month. However, you can request up to one year if you will fly continuously under the exact same conditions.

You must submit your drone flight permission and approval applications online using the DIPS 2.0 portal. Paper applications are only allowed if your specific application type cannot be processed online.

If your flight path crosses a DID that is designated as an exclusive industrial zone (which is exempt from DID flight permission), you must write 'Confirmed that the DID on the route is an exclusive industrial district' on your map or in the remarks section of your application.

You must submit your drone flight permission application at least 10 business days before your planned flight. You can apply online using the DIPS system or submit a paper application.

When applying for a Category III flight, you must enter your First-Class UAV certification number and verify that your planned flight complies with all conditions listed on that certificate.

If your previous flight approval used the old system of website-listed drones or private certifications, you cannot simply renew or copy that application. You must submit a brand new application for your next flight.

If you are using a manufacturer's UAS Conformity Declaration to apply for airworthiness certification, you must submit your application within 30 days of its issuance date, otherwise it becomes invalid.

When applying for a professional drone radio license (such as for 2.4GHz or 5.7GHz video transmission), you must submit proof of operational coordination, typically obtained by joining a coordination group like JUTM.

If you pay your drone pilot registration tax directly to the Kojimachi Tax Office, you must mail the original physical receipt along with the notification form to the MLIT UAS Safety Division.

To continuously fly with your airworthiness certificate, you must submit your renewal application at least one month before your current certificate expires.

If you want to renew your Category III flight permission, you must submit the renewal application between 40 and 10 business days before your current permission expires.

You must submit your drone flight application at least 10 business days before your planned flight. MLIT recommends applying 3 to 4 weeks early to allow time for any corrections.

If you want to renew your drone flight permission, you must submit your renewal application between 40 and 10 business days before your current permission expires.

When applying for Class 1 Aircraft Certification (required for high-risk Category III flights), you must pay an application fee. The fee varies significantly depending on whether the drone has a Type Certification, has been flown before, or if you are applying for multiple identical drones at the same time.

If you must fly a drone near a designated defense facility due to an emergency or disaster, you do not need to submit a written notice 48 hours in advance. Instead, you can verbally notify the facility administrator immediately before taking off, providing the required details depending on your permission status.

When applying for a flight permit, the requested period should normally be 3 months or less, but you can request up to 1 year if you will fly continuously under the exact same conditions.

If you are flying a drone for public service duties (such as under government commission) over a designated defense facility, you must submit a notification to the facility's administrator at least 48 hours before you start flying.

In an emergency or disaster, you can bypass the standard advance written notification to the Coast Guard. Instead, you may verbally notify the local Coast Guard Office immediately before takeoff, providing your details and, if you are not the facility manager, the consent details of the facility manager.

Before submitting an application for type certification or registration, you must carefully read the guidelines and consult with the JCAB Unmanned Aircraft Safety Division in advance.

If you are a third-party drone pilot (not the owner or administrator of the facility/land), you must get written consent from the facility administrator or landowner first. You must then submit the notification form (Form 1) along with a copy of the consent document to the Regional Coast Guard Headquarters at least 48 hours before your flight.

If you are the airport administrator or the owner/occupier of the land, you must submit a notification form (Form No. 3) to the airport administrator at least 48 hours before flying a drone in the surrounding area. The form must include details about the flight, the pilot, and the drone (including its registration mark).

If you already provided all the required flight and drone details in writing to the facility administrator when you got their consent, you do not need to submit the separate 48-hour notification form.

If you are a landowner or occupier wanting to fly a drone near a designated defense facility, you must submit a notification form (Form 1) to the facility's administrator at least 48 hours before your flight.

Depending on where you fly, you must send your application to the correct office. Use the Tokyo or Kansai Airport Office for flights near airports, in emergency zones, or above 150m; use the regional aviation bureaus for other areas.

When submitting your public service flight notification, you must use Appended Form 2 and include your personal details, employer information, and details about the commissioning government agency or vessel if applicable.

If your drone does not have a type certification, you must consult with the JCAB or a registered inspection body before submitting your airworthiness certification application, as the process takes significant time.

If you perform a flight that requires permission or approval (Specified Flight) without submitting a flight plan beforehand, you can be fined up to 300,000 yen.

You must obtain permission from the MLIT to fly in airport zones, high altitudes, or densely populated areas without entry control measures (or if flying an extremely heavy drone), even if you hold a license and have a certified drone.

Before you perform a Specified Flight (such as flying at night, BVLOS, or in restricted airspace), you must submit a flight plan to the MLIT. In rare cases where prior submission is extremely difficult, you may submit it shortly after starting the flight.

The strict rules and permission requirements for flying in restricted areas do not apply if you tether your drone to limit its range safely, or if you obtain a special safety approval from the MLIT.

If you want to fly at night, out of sight, close to people/property, over events, carry hazardous goods, or drop objects, you must apply for and receive approval from the MLIT beforehand.

If you apply for Type Certification of a drone model, you must demonstrate that you can manufacture them consistently. This requires having proper facilities, qualified staff, clear organizational responsibilities, and a robust quality control system that covers training, inspections, and independent audits.

The official 'conditions of use' attached to your drone's airworthiness certificate are defined as the specific operational limitations of that aircraft.

If your drone has received safety certification, you must display its certification certificate number on the aircraft. If you display the Class 1 certification number, you do not need to display the Class 2 certification number.

When applying for drone Type Certification, you must submit various technical documents (such as design plans, parts lists, and flight manuals) at specific stages of development. If the drone is already built, all documents must be submitted right when you apply.

The validity of a drone's type certification starts on the day the certificate is issued. If you renew the certificate within one month before it expires, the new validity period will seamlessly start on the day after the current one expires.

The drone's performance and flight capabilities must be verified by flight tests, other testing, or highly accurate calculations that err on the side of safety.

The certification label containing the type certificate number, model, and serial number must be affixed to the drone in a clear, legible, and durable way.

A Class 2 Unmanned Aircraft Certification is valid for 3 years.

The validity period of your drone's aircraft certification starts on the day the certificate is issued.

Any onboard systems or devices required for safe flight must operate effectively and dependably.

If you want to apply for a Type Certification for a drone model, you must submit a formal application form to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

When applying for a Class 2 Type Certification for a drone model, you must pay an application fee. If you already hold a valid certification with at least 2 months remaining, the fee is capped at 155,300 yen; otherwise, it is capped at 1,614,600 yen, with the exact amount determined by the drone's maximum takeoff weight or flight method.

If you apply to change the design or manufacturing process (other than minor changes) of a Class 1 Type Certified drone, you must pay a fee of up to 826,700 yen, with the exact amount determined by the airspace where the drone will fly.

If you hold a type certificate for a drone and want to change its design or how it is manufactured, you must get approval from the government first. This also applies if you need to change the design because safety or manufacturing standards have been updated.

The drone must have a strong structure and a physical shape designed to minimize injury or damage to people and property if an impact occurs.

If you apply for a minor change (like a paint job change that doesn't affect safety) to the design or manufacturing process of a Class 1 Type Certified drone, the fee is 35,400 yen.

Manufacturers can apply for Type Certification from the Japanese government to certify that the design and manufacturing process of a specific drone model meets safety standards.

If you apply for a minor change to the design or manufacturing process of a Class 2 Type Certified drone, the fee is 35,400 yen.

A 'Small Unmanned Aircraft' refers to any drone, RC plane, or unmanned helicopter that cannot carry a person and is operated by remote control or programmed autopilot.

When applying for a Class 1 Type Certification for a drone model, you must pay an application fee. If you already hold a valid certification with at least 2 months remaining, the fee is capped at 307,300 yen; otherwise, it is capped at 2,731,800 yen, with the exact amount determined by the airspace where the drone will be flown.

When the Ministry designates conditions of use for a drone's airworthiness certificate, it will clearly specify the certification category (Class 1 or Class 2) and the specific type of drone.

If your drone is type-certified, it must carry a label showing its Type Certificate Number, drone model/type, and serial number.

A Class 1 Unmanned Aircraft Certification is valid for 1 year.

The drone must be easy and stable enough to take off, fly, and land safely without requiring extreme piloting skills or exhausting levels of concentration.

A drone or unmanned aircraft (UA) is any aircraft that cannot carry a person and is operated by remote control or autopilot. Extremely light or safe devices (currently those under 100 grams) are excluded from this definition.

Fees for Second-Class Aircraft Certification depend on your drone's weight, whether it has been officially maintained by the manufacturer, and how you plan to fly it. Fees can range from 8,200 yen up to nearly 1 million yen.

You must not put an official type certification mark, or any mark that looks confusingly like it, on a drone unless you are legally authorized to do so after completing the proper certification procedures.

You are strictly prohibited from putting a fake or misleading drone certification mark on any drone that has not been officially certified.

If you apply to the government for drone certification, type certification, or certificate reissuance, you must pay the required processing fee.

The government can suspend your drone's certification, shorten its expiration date, or change its approved operating conditions if the drone is found to be unsafe or fails to meet safety standards.

Drone type certificates are split into Class 1 (for high-risk flights over people without entry controls, i.e., Category III) and Class 2 (for flights with entry controls, i.e., Category II).

The drone must be designed in a way that protects other aircraft, as well as people and property on the ground or water, from potential flight risks.

A drone's type certification is valid for three years. After this period, it must be renewed to remain valid.

You must mark the certification number on your drone in a clear, legible, and durable manner so that it does not easily wear off.

If you want to make changes to the approved design or manufacturing process of a certified drone type, you must submit a change application form and supporting documents to the MLIT.

When a drone model undergoes type certification, the inspection covers both the design and manufacturing processes of that model, and a physical inspection of at least one actual drone built to those specifications.

If a drone model has obtained a Class 1 Type Certification (the higher-tier safety certification), it is automatically legally recognized as also having a Class 2 Type Certification. You do not need to apply for a separate Class 2 certification.

You cannot ship a type-certified drone until all inspections are finished and you have confirmed it matches the certified design.

If you manufacture type-certified drones, you must create and follow an inspection manual to ensure each drone meets safety standards before it is completed.

The threshold weight that triggers specific regulatory requirements and stricter approval standards under the Civil Aeronautics Act is set at 25 kg.

If you apply to change the design or manufacturing process (other than minor changes) of a Class 2 Type Certified drone, you must pay a fee of up to 498,900 yen, with the exact amount determined by the drone's maximum takeoff weight or flight method.

If you renew your drone's aircraft certification within one month before it expires, the new validity period will start the day after your current certification expires, ensuring you do not lose any validity days.

Drone certification has two classes: Class 1 is for high-risk flights over people without entry controls (Category III), and Class 2 is for flights where entry controls are in place (Category II).

If you apply for First-Class Aircraft Certification, the fee varies significantly (from around 135,000 yen to over 1.5 million yen) depending on whether you plan to fly in densely populated areas (Specific Airspace).

To receive a type certificate, the drone model must meet safety and manufacturing uniformity standards set by the government.

Type certifications issued for drone models are not permanent and have a specific validity period set by the government.

If you hold a type certification for a drone and manufacture it, you must ensure that every drone you build matches the approved design and specifications of that certified type.

The drone must meet any other safety standards and technical requirements officially established by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

If you hold a type certification for a drone and have ensured it conforms to the certified design, you must affix the official certification mark to the drone as specified by the ministry.

If your drone is involved in an accident or serious incident and you fail to report it to the authorities, or if you file a false report, you can be fined up to 300,000 yen.

If your drone is involved in an accident, you must submit a report containing specific details such as your name, address, pilot license number, flight permission details, drone registration/serial number, flight plan, and details of the accident (including injuries or property damage).

If multiple drones experience issues at the same time, pilots must have a clear checklist showing which drone's emergency to handle first based on risk severity.

If you hold a pilot certificate and violate drone regulations, you can receive a lighter administrative penalty if you self-report the violation to the JCAB.

If an accident happens at night or outside normal business hours, you must report it immediately by phone to one of the 24-hour airport offices listed by the ministry.

Before flying, look up the phone numbers for the local police and fire stations. If an accident happens outside of normal business hours, report it immediately by calling a 24-hour airport office.

If your drone is involved in an accident or incident, you must report it to the authorities online using the DIPS 2.0 portal.

If you choose to report a drone accident or serious incident by phone or email rather than online, you must use the official JCAB accident report form and send it to the designated contact office.

If your drone is involved in an accident, you must report the date, time, location, and other required details to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

If your drone is involved in an accident and you fail to take immediate safety measures (like preventing further hazards) or fail to report the accident to the authorities, you can be fined up to 500,000 yen.

If you hold a Type Certification for a drone model, you must collect information on any accidents or safety defects involving that model and report them to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

You must report to the government if your drone causes any injury (that does not qualify as a major accident), if you completely lose control of the drone, or if the drone catches fire while it is flying.

If you are involved in a drone accident or serious incident, you must submit a report to the government containing specific details. This includes your name, address, pilot certificate number, the date/time/location of the event, permit numbers, drone registration and certification details, flight plans, and descriptions of any injuries or physical damage.

If you experience a near-miss with another aircraft or any other serious incident that could have caused an accident while flying your drone, you must report it to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

If your drone is involved in an accident—such as injuring someone, damaging property, or colliding with a manned aircraft—you must stop flying immediately, help any injured people, and take steps to prevent further danger.

Your drone pilot certificate may or will be suspended if it is discovered that your certificate should have been put on hold at the time of issuance.

If you apply for a drone pilot license but meet certain disqualifying criteria (such as being under the minimum age or having a revoked license), the government will refuse to issue the license, or put it on hold for up to 6 months if you are expected to clear the disqualification soon.

You cannot obtain or hold a drone pilot license if you suffer from active epilepsy, recurrent fainting spells (syncope), or hypoglycemia without warning symptoms, as these conditions can cause sudden loss of consciousness or control.

If you fall under other disqualifying categories (such as committing certain offenses), the government may refuse or suspend your drone pilot license application for up to 6 months based on specific ministerial standards.

If you pass the remote pilot licensing examination, you can apply to receive an official Examination Pass Certificate from the government.

If your drone pilot certificate is suspended due to health reasons, any required physical examination must be performed by a doctor recognized by the government as an expert in those specific health conditions.

You can skip the actual physical exam by submitting alternative official documents (such as a driver's license or medical certificate) that prove you meet the physical standards.

If you become addicted to drugs or alcohol, your drone pilot certificate may be revoked. If you are expected to recover from the addiction within 6 months, your certificate will be suspended instead of revoked.

The practical exam must be taken using a drone that meets the official technical standards set by the Ministry for the specific category or limitation of drone you are testing for.

You may be denied a drone pilot license or have it suspended if you have bipolar disorder (affecting safe flight), severe sleep disorders causing extreme daytime sleepiness, dementia, or any other medical condition that impairs your ability to safely control a drone.

A drone pilot's certificate can be suspended or revoked if they lose their sight, lose the use of all four limbs, or suffer any other physical or cognitive impairment that prevents safe operation, unless specific conditions can be attached to the certificate to ensure safety.

If you have passed a drone pilot physical exam within the last year or hold a valid manned aircraft medical certificate, you can have your physical exam substituted with a document check.

To obtain a drone pilot competency certificate, you must pass a written exam. The exam subjects are determined by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and vary depending on the class of certificate you are applying for.

If you pass the practical (flight) exam, the government will issue you a Practical Examination Pass Certificate.

A pilot's competency certificate may be suspended or revoked if they develop any of the specific medical conditions or illnesses listed in the medical standards (such as epilepsy, severe sleep disorders, or other conditions causing sudden loss of consciousness).

When renewing your drone pilot license, you must complete the required renewal training course within the 3 months immediately before you submit your renewal application.

If you hold a drone pilot certificate with multiple ratings or categories and apply to renew them at the same time, you can request to align their renewal start dates to the earliest upcoming start date.

If you develop a medical condition that disqualifies you from flying, your drone pilot certificate may be revoked. However, if you are expected to recover within 6 months, your certificate will be suspended instead of revoked.

Before taking off, you must check the condition of your drone, the weather, the airspace and surroundings, your battery or fuel level, and make sure your Remote ID is working (unless your flight is exempt from Remote ID).

If you are applying for a First-Class pilot certificate to fly drones weighing 25kg or more, you must have your physical exam conducted by a doctor or at a medical facility.

You may be denied a drone pilot license or have it suspended if you have schizophrenia, unless your symptoms do not affect the cognitive, decision-making, or physical control skills needed to fly safely.

To obtain a drone pilot license, you must pass a practical exam covering specific subjects determined by the Ministry for your particular license category.

Your drone pilot certificate is valid for 3 years. You must apply to renew it between 6 months and 1 month before it expires.

If you are ordered to take an extraordinary physical exam, you must attend at the scheduled time and place. However, you can skip the in-person exam if you submit a qualified doctor's medical certificate before the deadline.

If a certified drone pilot is diagnosed with schizophrenia, their pilot competency certificate may be suspended or revoked.

If the government finds out after issuing your drone pilot certificate that you actually met disqualifying criteria (such as past violations or health issues) before you received it, they can revoke your certificate or suspend it for up to six months.

Japan has a zero-tolerance policy for flying drones under the influence of alcohol. You must not fly if you have any alcohol in your body, no matter how small the amount.

If you pass the academic (written) exam, the government will issue you an Academic Examination Pass Certificate.

If you violate certain administrative orders, your application for a drone pilot license may be suspended for up to 6 months, or completely denied if you repeatedly violate these orders without a valid reason.

If you hold a drone pilot certificate, you must carry your physical certificate with you whenever you conduct a Specified Flight (such as flying at night, BVLOS, or in populated areas).

If the government suspects you no longer meet the medical or physical requirements to hold a drone pilot certificate, they can order you to take an extraordinary physical exam, and you must comply.

A Second-Class drone pilot license certifies you to perform 'Specified Flights' only when entry-restriction measures are in place to keep third parties out of the flight area.

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Japanese drone pilot license.

You must never operate a drone if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The government can place physical conditions (such as requiring corrective lenses) on your drone pilot certificate based on your health or physical state.

You cannot apply for a drone pilot license if your license was revoked within the past two years, or if your license is currently suspended under Article 132-53.

If you perform a flight that requires authorization (a Specified Flight) without carrying your physical drone pilot certificate, you can be fined up to 100,000 yen.

If you fly a drone under conditions that violate your pilot license limitations, or if you fail to carry your physical drone pilot license with you during a flight that requires it, you can be fined up to 500,000 yen.

To lift a suspension on your pilot certificate, you must submit a medical certificate from a specialized doctor (or your treating doctor for dementia) that includes their official opinion and test results showing you do not have the disqualifying medical condition.

The physical exam for getting your drone pilot license will test the specific health and physical items listed in Appended Table 6 of the regulations.

If you violate drone laws or cause a serious accident, the government can revoke your pilot certificate or suspend it for up to one year.

Your drone pilot medical examination is valid for one year. If you used an external document (such as a driver's license) to satisfy the medical requirement, the validity is one year or the remaining validity of that document, whichever is shorter.

If you meet the passing standards for the medical examination, the government will issue you a Medical Examination Pass Certificate.

Your drone pilot certificate will be revoked if it is discovered that you were completely disqualified from holding one under the regulations at the time it was issued.

The government can ask you to submit a medical certificate from a doctor if they need to verify whether you meet the physical health standards for flying drones.

To renew your drone pilot competence certificate, you must meet the physical fitness standards specified in Appended Table 6, except for the color vision requirements.

When your request to align the renewal dates of your pilot certificate ratings is approved, the Ministry will issue you a newly updated physical certificate.

If you develop a physical disability that affects your ability to fly safely, your pilot certificate may be revoked. If the issue can be resolved within 6 months by adding specific conditions to your license (such as wearing corrective lenses), your certificate will be suspended instead of revoked.

When checking your drone and Remote ID before flight, you must physically inspect the outside of the drone and test its operations (including any external Remote ID add-on) to ensure everything works properly.

Drone pilots using DIPS 2.0 must update their pilot profile on the system to complete a one-time batch registration of their compliance with pilot standards, rather than entering this information for every individual flight application.

Before you can register for drone pilot training courses or sign up for licensing exams, you must first obtain an applicant number through the official system.

You must include your First-Class Pilot License details on the application form and ensure your planned flight does not exceed any limitations specified on your license.

You cannot apply for a drone pilot license if your license application was refused, or your license was revoked within the past year, or if your license is currently suspended or on hold under Article 132-46.

Your drone pilot certificate can be suspended for up to a year or completely revoked if you develop certain medical conditions, physical disabilities that affect safe flying, or if you are found to be addicted to alcohol or drugs.

A First-Class drone pilot license certifies you to fly in 'Specified Flight' categories (such as over people) without needing to set up entry-restriction zones to keep bystanders out.

Your drone pilot certificate can be suspended for up to a year or revoked if you violate the Aviation Act, ignore official orders, or engage in misconduct or gross negligence while flying a drone.

If your drone pilot certificate has physical conditions attached (such as wearing glasses), you are prohibited from performing any Specified Flight (特定飛行) unless you are complying with those conditions.

The flight manual submitted for your drone's certification must cover essential details including the drone's specifications, operational limits, emergency procedures, normal operations, and performance.

Your safety manual must cover drone maintenance, pilot training, pre-flight checks, crew roles, emergency contact plans, and any specific safety measures needed for your type of flight.

You must submit a flight manual with risk mitigation measures based on a risk assessment. JCAB recommends using the guidelines published by the Fukushima Innovation Coast Promotion Organization to perform this assessment.

When applying to fly multiple drones simultaneously, you should prepare extra manuals covering operations, normal and emergency procedures, safety management, and training.

You must create a safety manual (flight regulations) that outlines how to fly your drone safely, and you must follow these rules during your operations.

JCAB recommends creating a custom flight manual for emergency search and rescue operations to ensure safety, covering maintenance, pilot training, and emergency contact procedures.

Do not fly if wind speeds or gusts reach 5 m/s (about 11 mph) or more, unless your drone's official user manual states it can safely handle higher winds.

When applying for a Category II flight permit, you must create a flight manual. This manual must describe how you will inspect your drone, train your pilots, and manage safety during operations.

You must write clear normal and emergency procedures for flying multiple drones, and test these procedures through simulations or practice flights to make sure they actually work in a real emergency.

While the pilot focuses on flying, assistants or support staff should monitor for sudden emergency airspace updates and relay instructions to the pilot using transceivers. You should consider adding this safety procedure to your flight manual.

Drone flights are restricted in 'densely populated areas', which are legally defined as Densely Inhabited Districts (DID) based on the national census. Certain areas designated as safe by the government are excluded from this definition.

If you must fly near crowded places like schools or hospitals, you must coordinate with the facility manager first, limit your flight path, and stop flying immediately if anyone enters the area.

When flying in densely populated areas (DIDs) or within 30 meters of people or property, you must use propeller guards. If you cannot, you must have an assistant monitor the area to keep people away.

If you fly a standard-weight drone in a densely populated area with entry control measures (Category II), you must follow the safety measures required by MLIT regulations to protect people and property.

If you fly a drone over public areas like roads, parks, or plazas in violation of the designated safety rules, you can face up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of up to 300,000 yen.

When flying near Haneda or Osaka Itami airports, the restricted zone crosses prefecture borders. You must submit notifications to the police departments of both prefectures (Tokyo and Kanagawa for Haneda; Osaka and Hyogo for Itami).

You are prohibited from flying drones in the airspace surrounding airports and aerodromes (including designated approach and transition zones) without special permission.

If you are flying a drone for public service near a designated airport, you must submit a notification to the airport administrator at least 48 hours before your flight.

If you plan to fly a drone near any of the 8 designated major airports in Japan, you must notify the airport manager, the local police, and the Coast Guard (if over water) at least 48 hours before your flight.

When you submit a flight notification to an airport administrator, you must attach a photograph of the drone or equipment you plan to fly.

When submitting your public service flight notification, you must use Form 4 and include your personal and employer details. If you are contracted by a government agency, you must also attach proof of this contract.

In an emergency such as a disaster, you do not need to submit a written notification 48 hours in advance. Instead, you can verbally notify the airport administrator immediately before starting your drone flight.

When you are required to implement entry control measures to keep third parties out of your flight area, you must do so by placing assistants (spotters), setting up restricted entry zones (such as signs or barriers), or taking other appropriate steps.

If you tether your drone using a guide rail or main line, you must ensure the drone never drifts more than 30 meters away from the structure, even if the main line sags.

When flying multiple drones, plan their routes and timing so they do not perform critical tasks (like taking off, landing, or crossing roads) at the exact same time, which would overwhelm the pilot.

If you fly in crowded areas or closer than 30 meters to people or objects, you must use propeller guards. If you cannot use them, you must have assistants watch the area and warn people to stay away.

Do not fly if the wind speed is 5 m/s or more, unless your drone's official manual states it can handle higher winds.

If your registered flight plan conflicts with another pilot's plan, you can message and coordinate with them directly through the DIPS 2.0 online portal.

When flying a tethered drone (up to 30m) to bypass standard permits, you must display your contact information on the drone, the tethering point, and the boundaries of the restricted area so people can reach you in an emergency.

When dropping items, you must normally station assistants at the drop zone to watch for safety and keep people away. You can only skip assistants if you drop from a height of 1 meter or lower within a strictly controlled, restricted area.

Before flying multiple drones, you must test how many simultaneous failures you can handle and set a strict limit on the maximum number of drones you fly at once.

If someone wanders into your restricted tethered flight area, you must immediately stop flying, change your path, or land safely to avoid any risk to them.

If you are flying for a public interest purpose and need to keep your flight plan secret, do not submit it normally through DIPS; instead, contact the MLIT Unmanned Aircraft Safety Division directly.

Avoid flying in the rain or when it looks like it will rain, unless your drone's manual explicitly says it is safe to do so.

To keep drone connections stable, use SIM cards from different cellular networks. Avoid connecting more than four drones to the same network provider in the same area at the same time.

You must stop flying immediately if wind gusts reach 5 m/s or more, unless your drone's official manual states it can safely handle stronger winds.

You can skip hiring visual observers/assistants if you set up physical barriers like fences, cones, or warning signs to completely block people from entering your flight area.

Before conducting a Category III flight, you must publish your flight details (such as a map of the route, dates, times, altitude, and contact info) online so the public is aware.

If your drone has an official airworthiness certification, you must only fly it within the specific operational limits and conditions (such as weather or payload) designated in its certificate when conducting a Specified Flight.

Before flying at night, you must survey the flight path and any surrounding obstacles during daylight hours to plan a safe route.

When flying at night, you must make sure your takeoff and landing spots are well-lit, using car headlights or portable work lights.

When flying at night, you must ensure the takeoff and landing area is well-lit, for example by using car headlights or portable work lights.

You must only fly your drone during daylight hours (between sunrise and sunset) unless you have a specific permit or qualification.

Before conducting a night flight, you must inspect the flight path and any surrounding obstacles during the daytime to plan a safe route.

If you plan to transport hazardous materials, your drone must have proper cargo equipment designed for dangerous goods, and you must be skilled enough to keep the drone strictly on its planned path.

You must not carry hazardous materials, explosives, or flammable substances on your drone.

Drone operators must not transport hazardous materials (such as explosives, pressurized gases, or flammable liquids) on a drone, using the same definitions that apply to manned aviation.

Batteries, fuel, or other substances necessary to power and operate the drone itself are not considered prohibited hazardous cargo.

When carrying dangerous goods, you must plan a route away from people, inspect it beforehand, and station assistants to monitor the flight and keep bystanders away (unless you have set up a strict entry control zone).

Flying "over" people doesn't just mean directly above their heads; if a person is within the potential crash or glide distance of your drone, you are legally considered to be flying over them.

If you notice an unexpected crowd gathering under your drone's flight path, you must immediately stop flying or change your route to a safe area.

If you want to treat people (like actors or event staff) as "involved persons" rather than restricted third parties, you must brief them on safety instructions and confirm they fully understand what to do if the drone malfunctions.

You are not allowed to fly your drone over outdoor events where many people gather, such as festivals or concerts, without special permission.

If you are flying under Category II rules (which require entry controls) and you see someone enter or approach the area directly under your drone, you must immediately stop the flight, change your path, or land in a safe spot.

When flying near events, you must set up a safety buffer zone where people cannot enter. The size of this zone depends on your altitude (e.g., 30m wide if flying under 20m high, or up to 70m wide if flying up to 150m high).

You must keep your drone at least 30 meters away from third-party persons and property (such as buildings and vehicles). Flying closer than 30 meters requires special permission.

You must keep your drone at least 30 meters away from people, vehicles, and buildings not involved in your operation.

If you operate a drone weighing 25 kg or more, you must have third-party liability insurance to cover potential injuries or property damage before you can fly.

You must include your drone liability insurance details in your application. If you don't have insurance, you must explain how you will cover damages, though having sufficient insurance is strictly required if your drone is 25 kg or heavier or if you fly over moving vehicles.

If you are applying to fly a drone weighing 25 kg or more, you must have third-party liability insurance that covers injuries and traffic disruptions.

You must include details of your third-party liability insurance (such as the insurer and coverage amount) in your application. If you do not have insurance, you must explain how you will cover potential damages.

If you fly BVLOS without visual observers and rely on an onboard camera to check for people on the ground, you must test and verify beforehand that your camera and monitor setup works properly. You must repeat this test if you change any of the equipment.

If you fly out of sight (BVLOS) without visual observers, you must use the drone's on-board camera to actively check and ensure no people are directly under or near your flight path.

Before flying out of your line of sight (BVLOS), make sure no one is under your flight path, and use assistants equipped with binoculars to monitor the flight.

To fly over roads or railways without observers or signs (Level 3.5), you must have a valid drone pilot license with the BVLOS restriction lifted, carry liability insurance, and use a camera to ensure no one is directly below the drone.

If you are flying BVLOS without a way to visually monitor the airspace for other aircraft, you must notify local manned aircraft operators (like air ambulances, police, and fire departments) about your flight plan beforehand.

For Level 3.5 BVLOS flights, you must email manned aviation organizations at least one week before your first flight using the official list, and publish your flight map and schedule online.

If you fly over moving cars, trains, or boats without ground assistants, you must hold a valid Japanese drone pilot license with the BVLOS limitation removed and have adequate third-party liability insurance.

If you are flying BVLOS without helpers (Level 3) and cannot constantly monitor the path with cameras, you must submit a Flight Notification Form to the regional aviation bureau at least one business day before flying.

You can fly higher than 150 meters without special permission if you stay within 30 meters of a tall structure (like a building or power line), as long as you are not in a restricted zone like an airport area or a densely populated area.

You cannot fly a drone 150 meters or higher above the ground or water. However, you can fly higher if you stay within 30 meters of a tall structure (like a building or tower).

You should increase the number of drones you fly at the same time gradually, testing at each step to ensure the pilot can safely monitor them all and that safety measures work.

It is illegal to obstruct or interfere with the remote control signals or the automatic piloting systems of a drone.

If you are flying multiple drones and one has an emergency, and you cannot safely manage the emergency while monitoring the other drones, you must immediately land the healthy drones to prevent accidents.

If you plan to fly more than 5 drones per pilot under Level 3.5 rules, you must carefully evaluate if the pilot can safely monitor all the camera feeds at once without being overloaded.

Before operating multiple drones, you must check the radio signal at the flight location to ensure the network has enough capacity and strength to handle all your drones at the same time.

You must keep your drone within your direct line of sight at all times to monitor it and its surroundings without using binoculars or screens.

During a visual line of sight (VLOS) flight, you must keep your eyes on the drone, but you are allowed to briefly look down at your screen to check critical information like battery life.

The airspace within approximately 1,000 meters of a designated nuclear facility is designated as a restricted area where drone flights are prohibited.

Flying a drone over restricted important facilities (such as government buildings, nuclear power plants, or embassies) without proper authorization is a criminal offense punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 500,000 yen.

The law defines 'Target Facilities' as critical locations like government buildings, embassies, military bases, airports, and nuclear plants where drone flights are restricted.

If you fail to comply with a police or coast guard officer's order to land or steer your drone away from a restricted facility, you can face up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 500,000 yen.

Temporary no-fly zones extending approximately 1,000 meters can be established around locations where the Emperor or the Prime Minister is staying. These restricted areas and their active periods will be officially announced in the Government Gazette.

The airspace within approximately 1,000 meters of a designated political party office is classified as a restricted zone where drone flights are prohibited.

The government designates Self-Defense Forces and US military facilities, along with a 1,000-meter buffer zone around them, as restricted areas where drone flights are prohibited without prior consent.

The airspace within approximately 1,000 meters of designated foreign embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic facilities is a restricted zone where drone flights are prohibited.

Restricted zones around temporary foreign VIP locations or international conference venues are only active for a specific, pre-announced period.

You are prohibited from flying drones and other small unmanned aircraft in the airspace surrounding key facilities such as the Diet, the Prime Minister's Office, embassies, defense sites, airports, and nuclear power stations.

If you fly a drone illegally over or around a restricted important facility, police, coast guard, military, or airport officials can order you to immediately land or remove your drone. You must comply with these orders.

If you fly a drone illegally near restricted facilities and ignore orders, or if authorities cannot contact you in time, they have the legal right to jam, disable, or physically damage your drone to protect the facility.

Before every flight, you must check the MLIT website or DIPS to ensure your flight area has not been designated as an Emergency Airspace, where drone flights are strictly prohibited due to emergency response operations.

Before flying, you should check the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan's online 'GSI Maps' to confirm whether your flight path falls within the restricted red or yellow zones of important facilities.

You are strictly prohibited from flying drones or other small unmanned aircraft in the designated airspace surrounding important facilities, such as government buildings, nuclear plants, and airports.

For the purpose of drone flight bans around critical facilities, 'nuclear business establishments' are defined as those specified under the Act on Special Measures Concerning Nuclear Emergency Preparedness. Flying drones over or around these designated nuclear facilities is prohibited.

Drone flights are prohibited over and within the surrounding areas of the specified government office buildings listed in this article (including the Cabinet Secretariat, Cabinet Office, Digital Agency, and various Ministries at their designated Tokyo addresses) unless authorized.

The 'Surrounding Area' refers to the designated restricted airspace surrounding a critical facility where drone operations are prohibited without prior permission.

The restricted flight zone around designated important facilities (such as government buildings) extends approximately 1,000 meters from the boundary of the facility's premises.

If authorities damage or destroy your drone because you flew it illegally in a restricted area, you are not entitled to any compensation for your lost or damaged equipment.

The restricted zone around designated airports extends to approximately 1,000 meters from the boundary of the airport's premises.

If you fly a drone in the restricted surrounding area of a designated important facility without the required consent or notification, you can face up to 6 months in prison or a fine of up to 500,000 yen.

You may fly a drone in the restricted airspace around important facilities only if you are the facility administrator (or have their consent), the landowner/occupant (or have their consent) flying over your own land, or if you are performing official government duties. Note that for defense installations and airports, only the administrator or those with their consent are exempted.

For flights on or after July 14, 2026, you must check if your flight area overlaps with the newly expanded 1,000-meter 'Yellow Zones' around major airports and submit the required notifications to the police if necessary.

When applying for a Category III flight, you must attach a risk analysis and assessment report to your application, in addition to your flight manual.

You are exempt from standard flight restrictions (like night or BVLOS approvals) if the drone is physically tethered to the ground or operated under other specifically approved safe conditions.