Japan to launch new intelligence bureau on July 31 in counter spy push

Japan is set to launch a new National Intelligence Bureau on July 31, following a Cabinet approval on July 24. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance the nation's counter-espionage capabilities in response to escalating overseas threats. The establishment of the bureau comes after a new law in May created bodies to address these growing concerns.

Kazuya Hara, who has served as the director of Cabinet intelligence since June 2023 and previously held senior positions at the National Police Agency, has been appointed as the bureau's first director. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara highlighted the significance of this launch in the current challenging international environment, stating it will "enable the government to make sound policy decisions based on higher-quality, more timely intelligence."

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significant in today’s increasingly challenging international environment

The new National Intelligence Bureau will function as the secretariat for the National Intelligence Council. This council, chaired by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, will convene its first meeting on the same day as the bureau's launch. The council will comprise the prime minister and nine other Cabinet members responsible for intelligence matters. Discussions are expected to focus on developing Japan's first national intelligence strategy.

Following the council's establishment, an expert panel will be convened this summer. The government aims to submit relevant legislative bills to the next ordinary parliamentary session, potentially including a system for registering foreign government agents engaged in lobbying activities. This initiative represents a significant step in strengthening Japan's intelligence infrastructure and its ability to respond to complex global security challenges.

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enable the government to make sound policy decisions based on higher-quality, more timely intelligence