⚠️ Japan Accelerates Preparation of Anti-Espionage Law and New Foreign Intelligence System

ℹ️ Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaiti stated on September 28 the need to strengthen the country's intelligence capabilities in the face of growing competition from China, North Korea, and Russia. At the first meeting of the expert committee under the Prime Minister's Office, she emphasized the need to enact an anti-espionage law, strengthen measures against foreign interference, and expand the capabilities of foreign intelligence. The government also intends to develop and present a National Intelligence Strategy for the first time, which should define the general principles of operation for Japanese intelligence agencies

ℹ️ The committee consists of 17 representatives from academia, business, and the media. Among the initiatives being considered are the introduction of legislation similar to the Foreign Agent Registration Act, requiring individuals representing foreign states in lobbying activities in Japan to register, as well as a possible expansion of powers to monitor communications for national security purposes. A separate discussion focuses on the organizational model of the future foreign intelligence agency, including a possible expansion of the unit for collecting information on international terrorism within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the legislative authorization for intelligence officers to use cover documents

ℹ️ According to ChosunBiz, the government plans to present the relevant draft laws based on the committee's work at the next parliamentary session in 2027. The creation of a foreign intelligence service was previously included in the coalition agreement between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party and is considered the next stage after the enactment of the anti-espionage law. In parallel, the LDP is promoting a separate bill to prevent foreign interference, which provides for liability for manipulating public opinion by foreign forces

ℹ️ Takaiti cited the leakage of advanced technologies involving foreign intelligence agencies, cyberattacks on government and private information systems, and the spread of disinformation as the reasons for the reform. At the same time, the government acknowledges the need to consider the risks of excessive expansion of state control: the National Intelligence Strategy is planned to include provisions aimed at minimizing interference with privacy. Thus, the reform under discussion involves both expanding the capabilities of Japanese intelligence agencies and establishing legal restrictions on their application
https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-international/2026/09/28/G3TYT3FZSFCTLEQKZJ2RNNA3DI

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