Japan is building a new intelligence agency with help from the West

Japan is taking steps to establish a new, centralized intelligence agency, according to a report that cites the New York Times. The effort is described as part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s broader push to strengthen Japan’s national security architecture as Tokyo faces increasing pressures from China, Russia, and North Korea.

The report says Japanese officials have privately consulted partners in recent months on areas such as technology, staffing, and the agency’s operational priorities. It adds that U.S. intelligence officials have provided input on topics including cyber defence systems, countering industrial espionage, and improving scrutiny of foreign investments and potential agents operating in Japan.

Germany has also been involved: the head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service (BND) is reported to have visited Tokyo to discuss the planned agency and ways to enhance intelligence-sharing. Australia is also said to have advised Japan, including on technology and approaches to improve coordination across government ministries and encourage intelligence sharing.

The report notes that Japan’s intelligence system has historically been fragmented, with different institutions—such as defence, diplomacy, and police—collecting and analysing information separately. This has limited coordination and left the country more exposed to espionage and foreign interference.

The new centralized agency is also linked to additional policy moves by Takaichi’s government, including lifting restrictions on weapons exports and advancing Japan’s post-war defence build-up. The government is said to be trying to bolster protections for state secrets and critical technologies, while also countering foreign influence operations—particularly those attributed to China.