Japan Establishes Central Intelligence Agency for First Time Since WWII Amid Rising Security Threats

Japan has initiated the establishment of a central intelligence agency for the first time since World War II, with support from Western allies including the United States, Australia, and Germany, according to a report by The New York Times on Monday. This historic move aligns with the security overhaul led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office in 2025 and is known for her hawkish stance against China.

Japanese officials and diplomats have consulted with allied countries in recent months to seek advice on technology, personnel, and prioritization for building the new intelligence body. These discussions had not been previously disclosed. Experts told The New York Times that Japan’s lack of a formal intelligence division has left its defense forces, diplomats, and police collecting and analyzing information independently, without effective inter-agency intelligence sharing, making the country particularly vulnerable to espionage and foreign interference.

The creation of this intelligence agency is a key part of Prime Minister Takaichi’s efforts to lift post-war restrictions on Japan’s defense and security policies, as the nation faces growing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. The report follows revelations that dozens of Russian spies have operated in Japan over the years, with Japan serving as a critical hub for Kremlin efforts to procure weapons components and evade sanctions. Foreign officials have warned Japan about these activities, but the Japanese government has yet to respond to the report.