TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT :

Transmitting equipment is defined as any device that emits a wireless radio frequency signal. This includes, but is not limited to, the specific equipment/devices described in the subparagraphs below. Transmitting devices designed and manufactured to be used in the U.S. operate in frequency bands authorized for their use in the U.S. Many of those same devices cannot be used in Japan because of different Japanese allocations for frequency bands. Any questions concerning the operation of personal wireless devices or radio transmitting equipment should be directed to the appropriate base frequency manager or the U.S. Forces Joint Frequency Management Office (JFMO) at Yokota AB, Japan (DSN) 315-225-4613, (CML from U.S.) 011-81-311-755-4613, (CML from Japan) 042-552-2510 x54613.

Note: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF ANY TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT IN JAPAN COULD RESULT IN SEVERE PENALTIES, INCLUDING MONETARY FINES AND IMPRISONMENT.

a.  CITIZEN BAND (CB) RADIO EQUIPMENT:
The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) prohibits the use of Citizen Band (CB) equipment in Japan by U.S. Forces personnel. CB equipment typically is available in the form of small 'walkie-talkie' type radios that transmit and receive in the citizens radio service band. These radios are normally known in the U.S. as Family Radio Service (FRS) or General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS).

b.  AMATEUR/HAM RADIOS:
Amateur/HAM radio use on U.S. bases and facilities in Japan must be approved by the appropriate base frequency manager and base commander. In addition the foreign (non-Japanese) operator must submit an application to the Japanese government, regardless of the location of the transmitting equipment. More information about foreigners using amateur radio in Japan is available at:

http://www.jarl.or.jp/English/3_Application/A-3.htm#guest

c.  BABY MONITORS:
The use of baby monitors or baby alarms is permitted in Japan with the provision that the device operates in the 2.4 Gigahertz (GHz) band. MANY TYPES OF BABY MONITORING DEVICES MADE FOR USE IN THE U.S. CANNOT BE USED IN JAPAN BECAUSE THEY OPERATE IN THE 900 MHZ BAND, which is used for a different purpose in Japan. Use of these 900 MHz monitors causes extensive interference to Japanese emergency and cell phone networks. U.S. FORCES USING THESE 900 MHz BABY MONITORS IN JAPAN ARE SUBJECT TO MONETARY FINES AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION. Any questions about whether a particular baby monitor is authorized or not should be directed to the base frequency manager or the USFJ JFMO.

d.  WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN) TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT:
The use of wireless LAN equipment is authorized in Japan as long as it transmits in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The use of amplifiers, boosters, or any other device that alters the transmitted power or the transmitted signal characteristics is strictly prohibited.

e.  CORDLESS TELEPHONES:
Cordless home telephones may be used in Japan but must operate in one of the following frequency bands:
2.4 GHz (Gigahertz) 5.8 GHz

Specifically prohibited are cordless telephones with base stations and/or remote units that transmit in the 900 MHz (Megahertz) band. These 900 MHz phones cause extensive interference to Japanese emergency and cell networks. In addition, any other cordless telephone use (other than 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz) must be approved by the appropriate base frequency manager.

f.  RADIO CONTROLLED MODEL EQUIPMENT (RCME):
RCME is defined as scale model aircraft, boats, vehicles, etc. remotely controlled using radio frequencies. Use of RCME is authorized per the following guidance:

1.  Operator, controlling transmitter, and controlled device must be entirely within the confines of U.S. facilities and areas.

2.  Japan-wide: Remote control transmitter must operate on one of the following frequencies at no more than 2 watts of power:
26.995, 27.045, 27.095, and 27.255 Megahertz (MHz).

3.  Japan-wide: Remote control transmitter must operate on one of the following frequencies at no more than 1 watt of power:
72.24, 72.4, 75.64 MHz.

4.  Additional frequencies in these same bands have been approved for specific Japan U.S. base locations and can be provided upon request by the appropriate base frequency manager or the USFJ JFMO.

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Please check all cordless/wireless electronic devices including (but not limited to) Cordless telephones, Baby Monitors, Wireless CCTV cameras, Wireless Stereo Headphones, etc to see if they are manufactured for use in Japan.

Cordless/wireless devices approved for use in Japan will have a Japanese label affixed that includes the "NTT" certification.

Items not labeled with the "NTT" certification are not approved for use in Japan and are very likely to cause Radio Frequency Interference with Japanese emergency response units, Japanese cellular telephone service, and other RF communications systems.

Items manufactured for use in USA will have a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) label with a FCC ID number.

With the exception of those devices used for wireless PC networks, cordless/wireless electronics that have a FCC label ARE NOT approved for use within Japan and should not be brought over.

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This video provides information about restrictions on radio, wireless and other telecommunication device restrictions in Japan.

Certain U.S. devices such as cordless phones and baby monitors emit on a frequency that does not conform to technical regulations under Japanese law.

Violating this law can lead to fines up to 1,000,000 yen ($12,000) or penalties up to 1 year imprisonment.

More information can be found on Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication website: http://www.tele.soumu.go.jp/e/index.htm

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