Joined just to say thank you on the steps.
Just came back from a trip where I took a
Mini 2 (purchased in US). I took it only because I had read somewhere on another forum that certain US Mini
2s (I think built past a certain date) would be enabled for remote ID once the drone detected it was in Japan, so I took the chance.
Either way, here is what will happen once you are in Japan (going off screenshots I took as I did the process).
1. I powered on the controller and connected it to my phone. I also powered on the
Mini 2.
2. I opened the DJI Fly app (US version), and it said the Remote Controller had a firmware update. I installed it.
3. Once updated, I now had an option for Remote ID -> "UAS Remote Identification" under the Safety section.
4. Tapping on that, it gave me the option to Import. Subtext says "Refresh or import your registration number and encryption key to the aircraft".
5. Tapping on the Import opens a window, giving you the option to "Log In to Japan Civil Aviation Bureau". It will list your aircraft SN, along with a Log In button.
6. Tapping log in, my next screenshot is a "Syncing..." popup.
7. Once finished, it looks like it goes back to "UAT Remote Identification" page in the DJI Fly app, and will show "Imported" in green.
8. I don't have a follow up screenshot, but I can see that if you then open the DIPS App, and log in with your DIPS login, you can check that your drone is listed (I think Home -> Write remote ID).
Some caveats:
- The DIPS app has an "Info" section at the bottom that seems to allow you to scan and retrieve a drone's remote ID. I tried to scan mine, but never got past the app scanning and showing "receiving...". I don't know if it was because I didn't wait long enough, if it knew my drone was the same as registered so it didn't pick it up, or if my drone was just not outputting anything.
- I don't 100% know if my
Mini 2 was actually transmitting or not because of the above. In the hotel, even by the window, I could not get a GPS lock, so I wasn't sure if while registering, my drone ever "knew" it was in Japan.
Even when I went to fly out in the open, it was considerably slower in acquiring GPS lock. And, the times it did get a lock, it never prompted for any more firmware updates.
Maybe the process will be different for your guys with a
Mini 3 (which does have built in remoteID capability). Because of the above, I didn't feel 100% comfortable flying too openly, but at least felt a little better having at least something showing my drone was registered and something saying "remote id" was showing as imported (in case I had any run-ins with authorities).
EDIT: To the question above asking about permissions and customs.
No issue with customs. I took the drone and batteries in my carryon/personal item.
I didn't submit any flight plans because I only flew in areas outside densely populated, under 150 meters, and away from any airport or active rescue scene, and at least 30 meters away from any person, vehicle, or building. If I understood their infographic correctly, that is considered recreational and doesn't need pre-approval (aside from having the drone registered).
This is what I'm referring to, section 2:
Civil Aviation Bureau:Flight Rules for Unmanned Aircraft(Drones and Model Aircraft, etc.) - MLIT Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
And here's the map to see they is considered densely populated areas:
地理院地図 / GSI Maps|国土地理院
However, there are two buttons in the DIPS app called "DIPS-FLT-PERMIT" to apply for flight permission, and "DIPS-FLT-PLAN" to notify of a flight plan. Those might be good places to start.