Japan has moved to relax restrictions on drone flights. Owners are now allowed to operate drones beyond their line of sight in populated areas if they meet certain requirements.

The revised civil aeronautics law came into effect on Monday. It allows drones to carry out so-called level four flights, the least restricted category in Japan.

Japan's Cabinet has approved a bill to support domestic firms investing in 5G communication networks and drones. Commercial 5G services are scheduled to start in Japan this spring.

The approval came at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.