Politics
Japan creates first centralized intelligence agency since WWII
July 13, 2026 at 08:03 PM
Coverage
2 reports · 1 in Arabic, 1 in English · over 24 hours
Japan’s parliament has passed legislation to establish a National Intelligence Council and Bureau, creating the country’s first centralized spy agency since World War II.
- Legislation to establish the new agency passed the lower house in April 2026 and the upper house in May 2026.
- The reform creates a National Intelligence Council and a National Intelligence Bureau, replacing the existing Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office.
- Western allies including the United States, Germany and Australia are advising Japan on building the new intelligence body.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the legislation as “a first step” towards strengthening Japan’s espionage capabilities.