Japan expanded prohibited drone flight zones around critical government facilities today as an amendment to the Drone Regulation Law took effect [1].
The measure addresses the increasing performance capabilities of modern drones to prevent security threats against high-profile leaders and sensitive infrastructure.
Under the new regulations, the prohibited radius around important facilities, including the National Diet Building, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Imperial Palace, has increased to approximately one kilometer [2]. This is a significant expansion from the previous limit of approximately 300 meters [1].
The law also introduces temporary restrictions on venues where the Emperor or the Prime Minister attend outdoor events. These include the national tree-planting ceremony, and the atomic-bomb remembrance ceremonies in Hiroshima and Nagasaki [1, 2].
Police Agency Chief Kusunoki Yoshinobu previously addressed the necessity of these changes. On June 9, he said, "We want to operate the amended law appropriately and take all possible measures to prevent dangers to important facilities" [1].
The legislation was passed in the House of Councillors on June 17 [2]. While some reports indicated an earlier implementation, the amendment officially became active on July 14 [1].
“The prohibited radius around important facilities has increased to approximately one kilometer.”
This legislative shift reflects a transition in Japanese security policy, moving from static perimeter defense to a more flexible, event-based restriction model. By expanding the no-fly zone more than threefold, the government is acknowledging that drone technology now allows for payloads and surveillance capabilities that can threaten targets from much greater distances than previously possible.
