Japan to launch national intelligence bureau amid security push

The first meeting of the National Intelligence Council chaired by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is planned for the same day, government sources said, with discussions on the country's first national intelligence strategy expected to begin.

Its launch, part of a push to strengthen intelligence capabilities championed by Takaichi, is expected to pave the way for further counterespionage legislation.

The Cabinet approved Kazuya Hara, the director of Cabinet intelligence since June 2023, as the bureau's first director. Hara held senior positions at the National Police Agency, including as head of its security bureau.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a press conference the launch is "significant in today's increasingly challenging international environment" as 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 center for strengthened intelligence activities. In addition to the prime minister, it will comprise nine other Cabinet members with responsibilities related to intelligence.