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Drones are small, unmanned aerial vehicles that can capture immersive footage from the air.
In recent years, its use has expanded beyond hobbies, leisure, and video production to include industrial sectors in Japan such as infrastructure inspection, agriculture, and disaster surveys.
So, I went to check out the "Japan Drone 2026" exhibition!
Japan Drone 2026, the largest domestic exhibition specializing in drones.
"Japan Drone 2026" is the largest domestic specialized exhibition focusing on drones, and this year marked its 11th edition since its inception in 2016. It was held at Makuhari Messe from June 3rd to June 5th, 2026.
Although the opening hours were shortened on the first day of the exhibition due to a major typhoon, the venue was bustling with many people. Government officials and members of the press were also seen. Drone demos and videos were on display at the booths, and there were scenes of exhibitors and visitors engaging in enthusiastic discussions.
A record number of exhibitors from both Japan and abroad participated, with "dual-use drones" attracting particular attention.
According to the organizer, the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association (JUIDA), despite the inclement weather, a total of 20,000 people from both Japan and abroad visited the event over three days, and a record-breaking 331 companies exhibited (compared to 285 the previous year). Of these, 66 were from overseas. Asian countries, particularly Taiwan and Vietnam, set up booths for each country and actively engaged with visitors, demonstrating their strong interest in entering the Japanese market.
One of the most talked-about products at this year's exhibition was the "dual-use drone."
Dual-use refers to technologies and services that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
Drones are becoming increasingly important from the perspectives of national security and economic security. The Japanese government is promoting investment and mass production in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector, including domestically produced attack drones, as part of its efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities.
Military applications demand sophisticated and high-quality technology, and while strict legal regulations and compliance pose barriers to market entry, they also present business opportunities. Therefore, building a domestic supply chain and securing talent, including engineers, is crucial.
Some domestic companies were seen exhibiting products with a focus on the "Made in Japan" aspect.
One of the exhibiting companies, Prodrone Co., Ltd., is a specialist manufacturer of industrial drones headquartered in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. It is known as one of the few companies in Japan that handles everything from aircraft design and manufacturing to control software development in-house. In April 2025, it was selected by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for a project aimed at the social implementation of landmine detection drones in Ukraine.
President and CEO Totani stated, "We want to combine Japan's proud technological capabilities and passion for manufacturing to deliver safe and reliable 'Made in Japan' products to Japan and the world," expressing his determination to expand market share both domestically and internationally. A working drone was on display at the booth, attracting many visitors who stopped to take a look.
*The photos were taken with permission from the organizers and exhibitors.
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(J-Tradeshow Connect Editorial Team)
