1. MIC ICT Policy
  2. Press Release
  3. July
  4. Revision of the method of Public Inspection of Radio Propagation Blockage Prevention Area Maps

July 31, 2026 Revision of the method of Public Inspection of Radio Propagation Blockage Prevention Area Maps

– Abolition of Public Inspection at the Offices of Relevant Local Public Entities –

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will abolish the provision and public inspection of maps showing Radio Propagation Blockage Prevention Areas at the offices of relevant local public entities on September 3, 2026, based on the partial amendment of the Radio Act under the 16th Consolidative Act on Decentralization.

1．Background and Overview

　The System for the Prevention of Radio Propagation Blockage under the Radio Act (Act No. 131 of May 2, 1950) is intended to avoid sudden communications blockages caused by the construction of high-rise buildings and other structures. Under the System, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications designates, to the extent necessary, specific areas (Radio Propagation Blockage Prevention Areas) for the prevention of radio propagation blockage with regard to important radio communications*1 used for telecommunications services, the protection of lives or property, the maintenance of public peace and order, and other purposes, and requires the owners of such buildings and structures within such areas to submit a notification before commencing construction.

　Under the System, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications has so far maintained maps showing Radio Propagation Blockage Prevention Areas (hereinafter referred to as “Radio Propagation Blockage Prevention Area Maps”) at the offices of MIC and relevant local public entities, and made them available for public inspection through the “Radio Propagation Blockage Prevention Area Map Viewing System” on the Internet.

　At the 221st session of the Diet, the Act on the Revision, etc. of Related Acts to Promote Reform for Increasing Independence and Autonomy of Local Communities (Act No. 27 of 2026; hereinafter referred to as the “16th Consolidative Act on Decentralization”) was enacted, and the Radio Act was partially amended to reduce the administrative burden on relevant local public entities. Accordingly, on September 3, 2026, when the amendment comes into effect, MIC will abolish the provision and public inspection of Radio Propagation Blockage Prevention Area Maps at the offices of relevant local public entities.

*1 Important radio communications: radio communications relating to six categories of services, namely telecommunications services, broadcasting services, the protection of lives or property or the maintenance of public peace and order, meteorological services, electric power supply activities for the electricity business, and operation of trains for the railway business.

2．Effective Date

　September 3, 2026 (the date three months after the date of promulgation of the 16th Consolidative Act on Decentralization)

3．For Those Considering the Construction of High-Rise Buildings and Structures

　Following the effective date, you can check the Radio Propagation Blockage Prevention Area Map by using the “Radio Propagation Blockage Prevention Area Map Viewing System”*2 or by visiting the offices*3 of the Telecommunications Bureau and the Regional Bureaus of Telecommunications (including the Okinawa Office of Telecommunications) of MIC. If you have any questions, please contact us at the contact information below.