The Japan Multicopter Association (official name: Japan Multicopter Association, General Incorporated Association; headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture) announces a change in its executive leadership structure following its annual general meeting held in April 2026, marking the beginning of a new organizational era.
Under the new structure, Masanobu Kudo, who previously served as Chairman, has transitioned to the role of President, while Kaneyuki Uedaka has been appointed as the new Chairman.
【New Leadership Structure】
President: Masanobu Kudo
Chairman: Kaneyuki Uedaka
JMA, as a training institution registered with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), conducts qualification training programs for the national certification of “Class 1 and Class 2 Unmanned Aircraft Pilots” at 28 locations nationwide, and also provides renewal training. Under the new leadership, JMA will further enhance its educational initiatives.
Additionally, JMA develops and sells e-learning materials and training textbooks aligned with national certification requirements. These resources are used not only within JMA’s own drone schools but are also provided to drone schools and training providers across Japan, expanding access to high-quality educational content.
By establishing a seamless learning environment—from initial certification to renewal training—JMA aims to reduce learners’ burdens while supporting training schools in improving operational efficiency and educational quality.
【Expansion of Educational Materials for Institutions】
JMA’s nationally certified training textbooks, developed and supervised by the association, have been adopted since last year by high schools, vocational schools, and other educational institutions, and are now being used in formal education settings.
Furthermore, JMA creates drone and programming-based educational materials and provides instructor support for elementary, junior high, high, and vocational schools.
Moving forward, JMA will continue to build a comprehensive education system that supports certification, renewal training, school education, and next-generation talent development, contributing to workforce growth and the promotion of safe drone operations in the industry.
【Background of the Leadership Transition】
With the national certification system becoming firmly established, the importance of ongoing education and renewal training for drone operators—beyond initial certification—has increased significantly.
To further strengthen educational services, expand the nationwide training network, and enhance its textbook and e-learning businesses, JMA has transitioned to this new leadership model.
【Masanobu Kudo’s Future Role】
Masanobu Kudo will continue to support JMA in his role as President, while focusing on research and development of marine drones—including the “Marine Drone”—and other aquatic unmanned mobility solutions at Japan Disaster Rescue Boat Research Institute Co., Ltd.
MARINEDRONE (Marine Drone): https://marinedrone.jp/marine-drone/
【Future Outlook】
Under the leadership of Chairman Kaneyuki Uedaka, JMA will further strengthen its educational programs—including national certification training, renewal training, textbook development, sales of training materials, and e-learning content—while expanding its nationwide training network to deliver high-quality education to more learners.
Going forward, the development and sales of e-learning materials, training textbooks, and renewal training content will be positioned as core pillars of JMA’s educational business, driving organizational restructuring and growth under the new leadership.
【Comment from Chairman Kaneyuki Uedaka】
“As the national certification system becomes fully established, we are committed to providing higher-quality educational environments for trainees and partner schools across Japan.
Building on JMA’s strength in its nationwide training network, we will further develop our offerings of e-learning materials, training textbooks, and educational content for institutions, contributing to talent development and safe drone operations in the industry.”
【About JMA】
JMA, as a training institution registered with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, conducts national certification training for “Class 1 and Class 2 Unmanned Aircraft Pilots” at 28 locations nationwide and supports renewal training.
Through the development and sale of e-learning materials and training textbooks, JMA provides end-to-end educational services from certification to renewal. Its nationally certified textbooks are adopted by high schools and vocational schools, and are actively used in educational settings.
Additionally, JMA develops educational materials and provides instructor support for schools, promoting safe drone use and technological understanding among the next generation of talent.
Organization Name
Japan Multicopter Association, General Incorporated Association (Japan Multicopter Association)
Abbreviation: JMA
Representative
Chairman: Kaneyuki Uedaka
Headquarters
2-8-15, Hōkan-machi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 700-0026
TEL
03-4500-5416
info@jma.world
Business Activities
- Management and operation of JMA Drone Schools
- Management of MLIT-registered training and renewal training institutions
- Implementation of national certification, renewal, and private license training
- Development and sales of e-learning materials and training textbooks
- Provision of educational content to drone schools and training providers nationwide
- Supply of educational materials to high schools, vocational schools, and other institutions
- Development of drone and programming educational materials for institutions and instructor support
- Promotion of safe drone operations through public awareness initiatives
【Related Websites】
National Certification Training for “Class 1 and Class 2 Unmanned Aircraft Pilots” (New Certification)
https://jma-drone.or.jp/
National Certification Renewal Training
https://koushin.jma-drone.or.jp/
Free Consultation and Seminar Booking for National Certification Training
https://jma-drone.jp/
Sales of National Certification Training Textbooks (Amazon)
https://amzn.asia/d/03tEqkpU
MARINEDRONE (Marine Drone)
https://marinedrone.jp/marine-drone/
【Inquiries】
JMA (Japan Multicopter Association, General Incorporated Association) Secretariat
TEL: 03-4500-5416
E-Mail: info@jma.world
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: 人事