May 31, 2023 Implementation of FY2023 Awareness-raising and Enlightenment Period for Protection of Environment of Radio Wave Utilization

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will implement an awareness-raising and enlightenment campaign for the protection of the environment of radio wave utilization in an intensive and concentrated manner from Thursday, June 1 through Saturday, June 10, 2023, under the catchphrase, “Did you know? Misuse of radio waves is a crime!”
In addition, June is designated as a period for strengthening a crackdown on unlicensed and illegal radio stations, and MIC will continue to promote establishing a healthy radio wave usage environment.

As the use of radio waves continues to expand, there have been cases of illegal radio stations established and operated with no licenses, even though licenses are required, causing crosstalks and interference with other radio stations. In addition, there have also been cases of people purchasing and using radio equipment of foreign standards that do not conform to the technical standards stipulated in the Radio Act through mail-order sales, the Internet, etc., and causing interference with other radio communications, including important radio communications.
MIC is committed to protecting users who properly operate radio stations from interference such as crosstalk caused by illegal radio stations, etc., and promoting the development of a good environment for radio use. For this purpose, the period from Thursday, June 1 through Saturday, June 10, 2023, has been designated as an awareness-raising and enlightenment campaign for the protection of the environment of radio wave utilization, during which MIC will intensively and predominantly conduct awareness-raising activities concerning the protection of the environment of radio wave utilization. In addition, June is designated as a period for strengthening a crackdown on unlicensed and illegal radio stations to promote the development of a favorable environment for radio waves.
See the attachment for details.

1. Key points on the protection of the environment of radio wave utilization

(1) The technical regulations conformity mark (mark for technical regulations conformity certification) is attached to most radio equipment used in Japan. Any radio equipment without this mark (or a symbol or number, such as “R”) may be unlicensed or illegal. Exercise caution when purchasing and using radio equipment. For Example, when using radio equipment imported from abroad or when purchasing and using products with built-in radio equipment, take exceptional care in checking the radio equipment.

(2) Recently, foreign-standard radio equipment models have been sold by mail order and over the Internet. However, many of these may not be usable in Japan because they do not conform to Japan’s Radio Act or radio regulations. Since there is a possibility of causing interference to other radio stations when used, check the specifications and technical regulations conformity mark before purchasing.

(3) In principle, the use of radio equipment requires a radio station license or a radio operator’s license. The license should be kept where the radio equipment is installed (permanently installed), and the radio operator should carry the radio operator’s license while engaged in radio operations. Additionally, the operator must remember to complete the radio station’s re-licensing (renewal) procedures.

* Handheld wireless devices, such as Wi-Fi terminals, brought by visitors to Japan can be used within 90 days from the date of entry into Japan only if certain conditions are met. https://www.tele.soumu.go.jp/j/sys/others/inbound/

Awareness-raising and enlightenment period for protection of the environment of radio wave utilization

(1) Period

Thursday, June 1 through Saturday, June 10, 2023

(2) Main public awareness activities

i. Awareness-raising and enlightenment through newspapers and specialty papers

ii. Distribution of posters and leaflets to related organizations

iii. Awareness-raising and enlightenment using public relations magazines of local governments and related organizations

iv. Posting on YouTube “Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Video Channel” and other SNS

*For details, contact the nearest Regional Bureau of Telecommunications office or Okinawa Office of Telecommunications.

3. Period for strengthening a crackdown on unlicensed and illegal radio stations

(1) Period

Thursday, June 1 through Friday, June 30, 2023

(2) Strengthening activities

i. Strengthening the radio wave monitoring system and monitoring the appearance of illegal and infringing radio stations.

ii. Guidance for proper operation of radio stations by radio control stations

iii. Joint enforcement with investigative agencies to eliminate illegal radio stations

4. Cooperating ministries, government agencies, and organizations (listed in random order)

National Police Agency, Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Tourism Agency, Ministry of the Environment, Japan Coast Guard, Association for Clean Receiving Environment, Zenkoku Rikujo Musen Kyokai, Zenkoku Jidosha Musen Rengokai, Japan Fishing Radio Association, Zenkoku Sempaku Musen Kyokai, Japan Amateur Radio League, Japan Radio Control Safety Association, Motor Sports Radio Association, Japan Trucking Association, Japan Federation of Industrial Waste Management and Recycling Associations, and Japan Post Holdings Co., Ltd.

5. Poster for radio wave use environmental protection activities in 2023