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The Straits Times (27 July 2026)

Japan’s Cabinet on July 24 approved the launch of a new National Intelligence Bureau on July 31 and the appointment of its director, as it ramps up counter-espionage moves after a May law established new bodies amid growing overseas threats.

Government sources said the first meeting of the National Intelligence Council, chaired by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is planned for that same day, with discussions on the country’s first national intelligence strategy expected to begin.

The launch, part of a push to strengthen intelligence capabilities championed by Takaichi, is expected to pave the way for further counter-espionage legislation. The Cabinet approved Kazuya Hara, the director of Cabinet intelligence since June 2023, as the bureau’s first director. Hara had previously held senior positions at the National Police Agency, including as head of its security bureau.

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