Japan to launch new intelligence bureau on July 31 in counter-spy push
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The launch of the bureau is part of a push to strengthen intelligence capabilities championed by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
- Japan will launch a new National Intelligence Bureau on July 31 to strengthen counter-espionage efforts amid rising international threats.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will chair the National Intelligence Council, which will discuss Japan's first national intelligence strategy.
- The bureau's launch aims to improve intelligence quality for policy decisions and prepare new legislation, including foreign agent registration laws.
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TOKYO – Japan’s Cabinet on July 24 approved the launch of a new National Intelligence Bureau on July 31 and the appointment of its director, as it ramps up counter-espionage moves after a May law established new bodies amid growing overseas threats.
Government sources said the first meeting of the National Intelligence Council, chaired by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is planned for that same day, with discussions on the country’s first national intelligence strategy expected to begin.
The launch, part of a push to strengthen intelligence capabilities championed by Takaichi, is expected to pave the way for further counter-espionage legislation. The Cabinet approved Kazuya Hara, the director of Cabinet intelligence since June 2023, as the bureau’s first director. Hara had previously held senior positions at the National Police Agency, including as head of its security bureau.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told the media the launch is “significant in today’s increasingly challenging international environment”. It will “enable the government to make sound policy decisions based on higher-quality, more timely intelligence”.
The council intends to serve as a central command centre for strengthened intelligence activities. In addition to the Prime Minister, it will comprise nine other Cabinet members with responsibilities related to intelligence.
The National Intelligence Bureau, an upgrade to the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, will serve as its secretariat.
After establishing the council, the government is expected to convene an expert panel in the summer, with an aim to submit relevant Bills to the 2027 ordinary parliamentary session. Its agenda is expected to include debate on a system for registering agents of foreign governments engaged in lobbying activities. KYODO NEWS
