#Japan #JMA #Tamano #Marine Drone #Ichifuji

Unveiling of the 'Marine Drone' During Escort Ship Ceremony

On June 19, 2025, at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems plant in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture, a significant event took place as Ichifuji Honkan Co., Ltd. and Japan Multicopter Association (JMA) showcased their jointly developed water drone, the 'Marine Drone'. This demonstration occurred during the delivery ceremony of the escort ship 'Yubetsu', underscoring the collaboration aimed at enhancing Japan's disaster response and security capabilities.

About the Marine Drone

The 'Marine Drone' is designed to undertake a wide range of tasks including water rescue, infrastructure inspection, and surveillance. This versatile drone is expected to aid not just in disaster response but also contribute to national security efforts. The initiative reflects a proactive approach to tackling Japan's current challenges, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters and labor shortages.

Overview of the Demonstration

• - Date: June 19, 2025
• - Location: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems Co., Ltd., Tamano City, Okayama
• - Activities: Performance explanation and demonstration flight of the 'Marine Drone' during the escort ship 'Yubetsu' delivery ceremony.

In a notable demonstration highlighting its advanced features, representatives from the Ministry of Defense praised the drone's ability to provide real-time data from otherwise inaccessible areas, enhancing immediate response efforts. They also recognized the cost-efficiency of using commercial products, enabling safer and more precise rescue and survey operations.

A Vision for the Future

Kudo Masanobu, the CEO of Ichifuji Honkan and the Chairman of the JMA, expressed pride in presenting the 'Marine Drone' at such a prestigious event. He emphasized its potential to address Japan's pressing issues related to water disasters and labor shortages. With applications in water rescue, infrastructure maintenance, and maritime safety, the possibilities for utilizing the 'Marine Drone' are immense. Kudo highlighted the importance of continuous improvement based on feedback to realize early social implementation in cooperation with relevant parties.

Future Prospects

The introduction of the 'Marine Drone' aims to support various government bodies including the self-defense forces, the Ministry of Defense, and local emergency service units. There are ongoing efforts to utilize the drone in several applications such as assessing conditions at dam bottoms and rivers during disasters, assisting in rescue operations, and reinforcing anti-poaching and monitoring efforts in the fishing industry. Furthermore, the drone could aid in the inspection of aquaculture netting and the monitoring of harmful algae blooms, thereby contributing to efficiency and labor reduction in fisheries.

About Ichifuji Honkan Co., Ltd.

• - Company Name: Ichifuji Honkan Co., Ltd.
• - CEO: Kudo Masanobu
• - Headquarters: 543-4 Tomihara, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
• - Phone: 086-252-5872
• - Website: Marine Drone
• - Business Activities:

- Planning, development, design, manufacturing, sales, licensing, maintenance, and management related to systems, software, hardware, and drone operations across land, sea, underwater and aerial environments.

About Japan Multicopter Association (JMA)

• - Name: Japan Multicopter Association (JMA)
• - Chairman: Kudo Masanobu
• - Headquarters: 6-20-4-103 Shimomura, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo
• - Phone: 03-4500-5416
• - Website: JMA
• - Activities:

- Management of drone schools and training institutions, promotion of private licenses, organization of activities to solve industry challenges, and conducting nationwide tiny drone races.

Contact Information for Media Inquiries

• - Company: Ichifuji Honkan Co., Ltd.
• - Contact Person: Kudo Masanobu
• - Phone: 086-252-5872
• - Email: kudo@jma.world