Japan Underwater Drone Association to Exhibit at Sea Japan 2026, Announcing New Collaboration in Ship Inspection Field

The Japan Underwater Drone Association (Secretariat: Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yasuhiro Kobayashi; Operated by: Space One Co., Ltd.) will exhibit at "Sea Japan 2026," to be held at Tokyo Big Sight from Wednesday, April 22 to Friday, April 24, 2026. At this exhibition, the association will co-exhibit with its corporate supporting members, Kunimori Co., Ltd. and Space One Co., Ltd., to announce new initiatives for the shipbuilding and shipping industries, introduce underwater drones, and offer consultations on their introduction to promote their utilization.

This exhibition will also feature a joint display with Kunimori Co., Ltd. and Space One Co., Ltd., corporate supporting members of the Japan Underwater Drone Association.

Leveraging Kunimori Co., Ltd.'s on-site expertise in the maritime industry as a specialized trading company for marine parts, and Space One Co., Ltd.'s track record in underwater drone sales, operational support, and training, we will propose underwater drones that can be utilized in ships and ports, and announce new initiatives by the association and Kunimori.

・Announcement of new collaboration for ship inspection (planned)
・Consultations on introduction, education, and operational systems for companies and organizations

・Consultations on the utilization of underwater drones
・Introduction to the Underwater Drone Safe Piloting Certification Course
・Information on the Certified School System, etc.

The introduction of underwater drones requires not only selecting the right equipment but also establishing operational systems, safety management, pilot training, and developing an educational environment. At this booth, visitors will be welcomed to consult on both introduction and operation.

In recent years, underwater drones have shown increasing potential for utilization in the shipping and marine-related fields, from the perspectives of replacing/supplementing diving operations, improving safety, enhancing work efficiency, and visualizing through video records.

Against this backdrop, the Japan Underwater Drone Association plans to announce a new collaboration for the ship inspection field at Sea Japan 2026. This will include disseminating ideas for safe and effective on-site utilization, human resource development, and directions for institutional arrangements.

Exhibition Name: Sea Japan 2026
Dates: April 22 (Wed) - 24 (Fri), 2026, 10:00 - 17:00
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Booth Number: 1C-24
Official Website: https://www.seajapan.ne.jp/

【Japan Underwater Drone Association】

Representative: Representative Director Yasuhiro Kobayashi
Location: 1-20-1-5F Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
URL: https://japan-underwaterdrone.com/

Business Overview: An organization dedicated to establishing operational environments, promoting awareness, fostering human resources, and accelerating the social implementation of underwater drones and underwater robots. Through a licensing system based on safe operation, certified school development, various training courses, events, information dissemination, and collaboration with public and private sectors, the association aims to expand the market for underwater drones and develop the industry's foundation.

【Kunimori Co., Ltd.】

Representative: President & CEO Toshiki Ishihara
Location: 2-2-15 Meiwa-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
URL: https://www.kunimori.co.jp/

Business Overview: As a specialized trading company for marine parts, it sells essential components for safe ship operation and supplies parts to ships sailing worldwide. It also provides engineering services as a technical trading company. In recent years, it has been working to create new value in the maritime sector by utilizing advanced technologies such as drones.

【Space One Co., Ltd.】

Representative: Representative Director Yasuhiro Kobayashi
Location: 1-17-3 Kaguyachike, Koriyama-shi, Fukushima
URL: https://spacexone.com/

Business Overview: Based in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, and Taito-ku, Tokyo, the company operates sales planning, drone, and creative businesses. In its drone business, it supports on-site introduction and expanded utilization through sales of aerial and underwater drones, operational support, training, and information dissemination.