Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is seeking to step up Japan’s intelligence capabilities, and earlier this month Japanese media reported that her administration is aiming to submit legislation next year to create a National Intelligence Bureau.
If created, the bureau will operate alongside the existing National Security Secretariat.
Ultimately, this is an evolutionary measure that seeks to break down government intelligence silos and improve the information being provided to the highest levels of government. The action was already signaled in the coalition agreement between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party two months ago, and while the plan will likely draw some criticism from left-leaning media and opposition, the bill will probably pass parliament without too much fuss.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.