Japan Post and KDDI have begun a demonstration using post offices as drone-port hubs, installing a drone port on the rooftop of Suzu Post Office to test routine monitoring and disaster response in emergencies. The demonstration will run from 28 September 2026 to 4 October 2026.
Japan Post and KDDI announced that, as a first step under the memorandum of understanding signed in 2026, they will conduct a drone-port demonstration based at Suzu Post Office from 28 September 2026 to 4 October 2026. The demonstration is part of testing aimed at the future nationwide rollout of drone ports.
As part of the demonstration, the companies will install a drone port, “Skydio Dock for X10,” on the rooftop of Suzu Post Office. During normal operations, it will be used to check the safety of school routes, while during disasters, the companies will test its potential use in assessing delivery-route conditions and damage. They will also remotely operate multiple AI-powered drones in coordination with existing drone ports in Suzu, expanding the areas available for monitoring and inspection.
Through testing an operating model designed for disaster response, the companies will assess the effectiveness of using community-based post offices as drone-port hubs. Going forward, they will consider the permanent installation and real-world deployment of drone ports using post offices nationwide.