Japan launches new intelligence bureau amid counter-espionage push

Japan launched its new National Intelligence Bureau on July 31, marking the establishment of the country's first centralized national intelligence system since World War II. The launch represents another step in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's efforts to strengthen Japan's intelligence capabilities and is expected to pave the way for additional counter-espionage legislation.

The bureau's creation follows the enactment of a law in May that established it alongside the National Intelligence Council, a central command body headed by the prime minister and nine other Cabinet ministers.

According to Kyodo News, National Intelligence Council was scheduled to hold its first meeting on the same day, with discussions on the country's first national intelligence strategy expected to begin.

The National Intelligence Bureau, an expanded version of the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, will serve as its secretariat, with about 700 personnel, the same staffing level as its predecessor.

Kazuya Hara, who has served as director of Cabinet intelligence since June 2023, has assumed the role of bureau director. He previously held senior positions at the National Police Agency, including head of its Security Bureau, and served as an executive secretary to then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

houjunjie@chinadaily.com.cn