What is Japan’s new intelligence agency, and why is Tokyo building it?
Summary
Japan is creating its first central intelligence agency since World War II to improve its ability to detect and respond to foreign threats like spying and interference. The new agency will centralize intelligence work and aims to reduce reliance on U.S. support amid growing concerns about nearby countries such as China, Russia, and North Korea.Key Facts
- Japan’s National Diet passed laws in May to create a National Intelligence Council and a National Intelligence Bureau.
- These new bodies will take over and expand the work of the current Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office (CIRO).
- The reform seeks to improve cooperation among intelligence agencies and make intelligence more useful to policymakers.
- Japan has traditionally depended on U.S. intelligence support but wants to gather intelligence independently now.
- The move follows concerns about threats from North Korea, Russia, and China.
- Japan currently lacks laws against spying and foreign influence, making foreign intelligence work easier in the country.
- Experts say Japan’s current decentralized intelligence agencies cannot effectively share information or force cooperation.
- Allies like the U.S., Germany, and Australia are advising Japan on creating this new agency.
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