February 3, 2026 Results of the Solicitation for Opinions on the Draft Ministerial Ordinance Partially Amending the Essential Standards for Establishing Radio Stations, Excluding Basic Broadcast Stations (hereinafter the "Draft Ministerial Ordinance") and Another Regulatory Document, and the Report from the Radio Regulatory Council

- Development of a Regulatory Framework for Radio Systems for Use on High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) -

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) solicited opinions on the Draft Ministerial Ordinance partially amending the Essential Standards (Radio Regulatory Commission Rules No. 12 of 1950) and another regulatory document, from Friday, December 12, 2025, to Thursday, January 15, 2026. As a result, nine opinions were received. The opinions submitted, along with the MIC's position on them, will be made available.
　Based on the results of the opinion solicitation, the MIC consulted the Radio Regulatory Council, chaired by SASASE Iwao, professor emeritus at Keio University, regarding the Draft Ministerial Ordinance and a draft notice partially amending the frequency allocation plan (hereinafter referred to as the "Draft Notice"). Today, the MIC received a report stating that amending both documents in line with the content of the drafts is appropriate.
　Based on the results of the opinion solicitation and the report from the Radio Regulatory Council, the MIC will promptly amend the related regulations.

Note: The published materials are in Japanese only.

1. Background and summary of the amendments

　HAPS operate in the stratosphere at altitudes of 20 to 50 km, and the introduction of radio systems for use on HAPS is expected to provide efficient communication coverage, including remote islands, maritime areas, and mountainous regions. In addition, these systems will ensure communication during the early stages of a disaster.
　Under these circumstances, the Information and Communications Council has been studying technical requirements for HAPS since July 2025. In November 2025, the MIC received a partial report from the Council on these requirements.
In response, the MIC solicited opinions on the Draft Ministerial Ordinance, with the aim of developing the regulatory framework for the introduction of radio systems operating on HAPS. The opinion solicitation was held from Friday, December 12, 2025, to Thursday, January 15, 2026.

2. Report from the Radio Regulatory Council

　Based on the results of the opinion solicitation, the MIC consulted the Radio Regulatory Council on matters under the Radio Act (Act No. 131 of 1950) set forth in the Draft Ministerial Ordinance and the Draft Notice. Today, the MIC received a report indicating that it is appropriate to amend these regulatory documents in line with the content of the drafts.

3. Future plans

　Based on the report from the Radio Regulatory Council and the results of the opinion solicitation, the MIC will promptly amend the relevant Ministerial Ordinance and Notice.