Japan Announces First National Intelligence Agency, Eyes CIA-Like Structure

Japan unveils plan for first national intelligence agency, aiming to bolster security and counter foreign espionage.

October 1, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Tokyo, Japan — Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has unveiled a new national intelligence strategy that could lead to the establishment of an external intelligence agency similar to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The initiative follows a proposal from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to modernize Japan’s intelligence infrastructure.

The prime minister emphasized the need to enhance intelligence capabilities to safeguard public safety and national interests during a meeting with an expert panel on intelligence reforms. She stated that her government will provide guidance for changes in the intelligence sector before officially announcing the strategy.

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Recent concerns about foreign interference have fueled calls for reform, with allegations that countries like the U.S., Russia, and China have used Japan for intelligence operations. The move is part of broader security reforms in Japan, including updates to national defense and military policy documents. An expert panel, led by Toshiya Watanabe, is evaluating the potential creation of a centralized intelligence body while considering international and public input.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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