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Legal and Compliance in Japan

Using radio equipment in Japan is regulated by the Radio Law (電波法). Any device that transmits radio signals must be certified before it can be legally used. This page explains what you need to know to use Meshtastic in Japan with confidence.

Giteki certification (技適マーク)​

The Giteki mark (技術基準適合証明, often shortened to 技適) is Japan's certification system for radio equipment. It confirms that a device meets Japan's technical standards for radio emissions, power output, and frequency use.

A device with a valid Giteki mark displays a small logo like this:

Close-up of a Giteki mark on a certified radio device

The mark is usually printed on the device, its packaging, or shown in the device's electronic display.

Using a radio transmitting device without Giteki certification in Japan is illegal, even if the device is technically capable of operating on the correct frequencies. This applies to all LoRa devices, including Meshtastic hardware.

The 920 MHz band​

Meshtastic devices operate on different frequency bands depending on the region:

RegionFrequency band
United States915 MHz
Europe868 MHz
Japan920 MHz
Australia915 MHz

Japan's 920 MHz band (specifically 920.6 - 923.4 MHz) is allocated for low-power radio devices. Meshtastic devices certified for Japan use this band.

Devices designed for US or European frequencies cannot be legally used in Japan, even if you change the software settings to select the Japan region. The hardware must be physically certified for the 920 MHz band.

What this means in practice​

Buying devices​

  • Buy from a seller who explicitly confirms Giteki certification and Japan 920 MHz support
  • All devices in the Karida shop meet these requirements
  • Be cautious with devices from international sellers (Amazon, AliExpress, etc.) - most Meshtastic devices sold globally are for US or EU frequencies

Using devices​

  • Make sure the frequency region is set to Japan (JP) before use. Devices from Karida are certified for Japan, and our setup guide covers how to verify this.
  • Do not modify the hardware or antenna in ways that could affect radio emissions
  • Do not use the device at power levels above what is permitted by the certification

Traveling​

  • Your Japan-certified device is legal in Japan. If you travel abroad, check the local regulations at your destination.
  • Devices certified for other countries are generally not legal to use in Japan, even temporarily.

Do I need a license?​

No. Meshtastic devices operating on the 920 MHz band in Japan fall under the category of low-power radio stations (特定小電力無線局). These do not require an individual radio license. The Giteki certification on the device itself is sufficient.

This is different from amateur (ham) radio, which requires a personal operator license. Meshtastic in Japan is simpler: if the device is certified, you are allowed to use it.

Further reading​