Disaster Location Sharing App 'Kokodayo' Supports Satellite-Smartphone Direct Communication 'SoftBank Starlink Direct'
Key facts
- Disaster Location Sharing App 'Kokodayo' Supports Satellite-Smartphone Direct Communication 'SoftBank Starlink Direct'
- Genetec Inc.'s disaster location sharing app 'Kokodayo' now supports SoftBank Corp.'s satellite-smartphone direct communication service 'SoftBank Starlink Direct'. This brings compatibility with the satellite communication services of all three major domestic carriers, enabling location sharing and safety checks even outside of cellular coverage areas.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 11, 2026
Direct answer
Genetec Inc.'s disaster location sharing app 'Kokodayo' now supports SoftBank Corp.'s satellite-smartphone direct communication service 'SoftBank Starlink Direct'. This brings compatibility with the satellite communication services of all three major domestic carriers, enabling location sharing and safety checks even outside of cellular coverage areas.
- Citation
- Disaster Location Sharing App 'Kokodayo' Supports Satellite-Smartphone Direct Communication 'SoftBank Starlink Direct' (June 11, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 11, 2026
Genetec Inc.'s disaster location sharing app 'Kokodayo' now supports SoftBank Corp.'s satellite-smartphone direct communication service 'SoftBank Starlink Direct'. This brings compatibility with the satellite communication services of all three major domestic carriers, enabling location sharing and safety checks even outside of cellular coverage areas.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 11, 2026 at 21:04
- 🔍 Collected: June 11, 2026 at 12:21
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 16:52 (28h 31m after Collected)
Genetec Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kenji Ueno; hereinafter referred to as "the Company") is pleased to announce that its disaster location sharing app 'Kokodayo' now supports "SoftBank Starlink Direct," a satellite-to-smartphone direct communication service provided by SoftBank Corp. (hereinafter referred to as "SoftBank").
This support, in addition to KDDI Corporation's "au Starlink Direct" and NTT Docomo, Inc.'s "docomo Starlink Direct," means that 'Kokodayo' is now compatible with the satellite-to-smartphone direct communication services of all three major domestic carriers.
Expanding User Convenience
"SoftBank Starlink Direct" is a satellite-to-smartphone direct communication service provided by SoftBank utilizing "Starlink."
With 'Kokodayo' supporting this service, users can enhance the reachability of basic functions (currently, map display, PUSH notifications, chatbot, and billing procedures are limited during satellite communication) in areas without SoftBank 5G/4G LTE/4G coverage within Japan (including territorial waters), such as mountainous regions and at sea, provided there is a clear view of the sky and a compatible smartphone is used. This expands the means to support situational awareness and initial decision-making in environments where radio waves do not reach, such as during mountain climbing, camping, or activities on remote islands or the open sea.
Significance of the Initiative
By supporting the satellite-to-smartphone direct communication services "au Starlink Direct," "docomo Starlink Direct," and "SoftBank Starlink Direct" from the three major domestic carriers, an environment has been established where 'Kokodayo' users can utilize these services as a means of disaster preparedness and safety confirmation when outside of communication coverage.
Future Developments
The Company will continue to enhance the disaster preparedness and monitoring functions of 'Kokodayo,' evolving it into a service that contributes to peace of mind not only during disasters but also in daily life.
Terms of Use and Precautions
"SoftBank Starlink Direct" mentioned in this announcement is a service of SoftBank Corp. Use requires a compatible smartphone and is limited to locations with a clear view of the sky where SoftBank 5G/4G LTE/4G signals cannot be received within Japan's territory, territorial waters, and parts of its exclusive economic zone. Due to factors such as satellite acquisition status, transmission and reception may take time, and immediate or continuous connection is not guaranteed.
Supported models and usage conditions are subject to change, so please refer to the latest official information from SoftBank Corp.
For features, pricing, and usage of 'Kokodayo,' please refer to the product website.
About 'Kokodayo'
'Kokodayo' is a disaster preparedness smartphone app that automatically notifies family and loved ones of their location during a disaster. Its key feature is the ability to automatically share the most recent location before communication becomes difficult, providing strong support for safety confirmation in emergencies.
Since its release, continuous efforts to improve usability have led to over 1.93 million cumulative downloads (as of the end of April 2026) and a high user retention rate of approximately 98%.
Furthermore, the technology underlying 'Kokodayo' is based on the Company's proprietary patents, with a total of 37 patents acquired domestically and internationally. The Company plans to consider overseas expansion in the future to meet the needs of a wider audience.
Product Website:
URL: https://www.cocodayo.jp/
About SoftBank Starlink Direct
For details, please refer here.
About Genetec
Company Name: Genetec Inc.
Established: July 1, 1985
Representative: Kenji Ueno, President and CEO
Head Office Location: Shinjuku Island Tower 25F, 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-1325
Business Activities:
- System Solution Business: Providing systems that fuse software and hardware.
- Engineering Solution Business: Contributing to efficiency, productivity improvement, and overall optimization in manufacturing sites by utilizing 3D-CAD/CAM system "Mastercam," 3D simulation software "FlexSim," product lifecycle management software "Windchill," and application lifecycle management software "Codebeamer."
- GPS Solution Business: Providing safety and security through location information, including the disaster location sharing app 'Kokodayo.'
URL: https://www.genetec.co.jp/
Inquiries Regarding This Matter:
Genetec Inc., GPS Division
Email: cocodayo@genetec.co.jp
Inquiries from Media:
Genetec Inc., Marketing Division
Email: PR@genetec.co.jp
*Company names and product names mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.
Keywords:
This support, in addition to KDDI Corporation's "au Starlink Direct" and NTT Docomo, Inc.'s "docomo Starlink Direct," means that 'Kokodayo' is now compatible with the satellite-to-smartphone direct communication services of all three major domestic carriers.
Expanding User Convenience
"SoftBank Starlink Direct" is a satellite-to-smartphone direct communication service provided by SoftBank utilizing "Starlink."
With 'Kokodayo' supporting this service, users can enhance the reachability of basic functions (currently, map display, PUSH notifications, chatbot, and billing procedures are limited during satellite communication) in areas without SoftBank 5G/4G LTE/4G coverage within Japan (including territorial waters), such as mountainous regions and at sea, provided there is a clear view of the sky and a compatible smartphone is used. This expands the means to support situational awareness and initial decision-making in environments where radio waves do not reach, such as during mountain climbing, camping, or activities on remote islands or the open sea.
Significance of the Initiative
By supporting the satellite-to-smartphone direct communication services "au Starlink Direct," "docomo Starlink Direct," and "SoftBank Starlink Direct" from the three major domestic carriers, an environment has been established where 'Kokodayo' users can utilize these services as a means of disaster preparedness and safety confirmation when outside of communication coverage.
Future Developments
The Company will continue to enhance the disaster preparedness and monitoring functions of 'Kokodayo,' evolving it into a service that contributes to peace of mind not only during disasters but also in daily life.
Terms of Use and Precautions
"SoftBank Starlink Direct" mentioned in this announcement is a service of SoftBank Corp. Use requires a compatible smartphone and is limited to locations with a clear view of the sky where SoftBank 5G/4G LTE/4G signals cannot be received within Japan's territory, territorial waters, and parts of its exclusive economic zone. Due to factors such as satellite acquisition status, transmission and reception may take time, and immediate or continuous connection is not guaranteed.
Supported models and usage conditions are subject to change, so please refer to the latest official information from SoftBank Corp.
For features, pricing, and usage of 'Kokodayo,' please refer to the product website.
About 'Kokodayo'
'Kokodayo' is a disaster preparedness smartphone app that automatically notifies family and loved ones of their location during a disaster. Its key feature is the ability to automatically share the most recent location before communication becomes difficult, providing strong support for safety confirmation in emergencies.
Since its release, continuous efforts to improve usability have led to over 1.93 million cumulative downloads (as of the end of April 2026) and a high user retention rate of approximately 98%.
Furthermore, the technology underlying 'Kokodayo' is based on the Company's proprietary patents, with a total of 37 patents acquired domestically and internationally. The Company plans to consider overseas expansion in the future to meet the needs of a wider audience.
Product Website:
URL: https://www.cocodayo.jp/
About SoftBank Starlink Direct
For details, please refer here.
About Genetec
Company Name: Genetec Inc.
Established: July 1, 1985
Representative: Kenji Ueno, President and CEO
Head Office Location: Shinjuku Island Tower 25F, 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-1325
Business Activities:
- System Solution Business: Providing systems that fuse software and hardware.
- Engineering Solution Business: Contributing to efficiency, productivity improvement, and overall optimization in manufacturing sites by utilizing 3D-CAD/CAM system "Mastercam," 3D simulation software "FlexSim," product lifecycle management software "Windchill," and application lifecycle management software "Codebeamer."
- GPS Solution Business: Providing safety and security through location information, including the disaster location sharing app 'Kokodayo.'
URL: https://www.genetec.co.jp/
Inquiries Regarding This Matter:
Genetec Inc., GPS Division
Email: cocodayo@genetec.co.jp
Inquiries from Media:
Genetec Inc., Marketing Division
Email: PR@genetec.co.jp
*Company names and product names mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.
Keywords:
FAQ
Can 'Kokodayo' be used in areas with no signal?
Yes, with compatibility for satellite communication services like SoftBank Starlink Direct, it enables location sharing and safety checks even in areas without cellular coverage, such as mountains and at sea, provided there's a view of the sky.
Can it be used with carriers other than SoftBank?
Yes, it also supports KDDI and NTT Docomo's satellite communication services, making it compatible with all three major domestic carriers.
Are there any functional limitations during satellite communication?
Yes, currently, map display, push notifications, chatbot, and billing procedures are limited. Furthermore, communication speed and immediacy are not guaranteed.
What is the download count for the 'Kokodayo' app?
As of the end of April 2026, cumulative downloads exceeded 1.93 million, with a user retention rate of approximately 98%, receiving high praise.
What technology is this app based on?
It is based on proprietary patented technology, with a total of 37 patents acquired domestically and internationally, ensuring high reliability in disaster location sharing.