Japan Passes National Intelligence Law, Sets Up Spy Agency May 28

Japan’s parliament passed the National Intelligence Council law on May 27, creating a new spy agency to coordinate intelligence across government. The law sets up a command center for national security, counterterrorism, and foreign influence operations. Citizens and opposition parties protested, citing risks to privacy and political freedom. The council will begin operations as early as July 2026.

How the New Intelligence System Works

The law creates two new bodies. The National Intelligence Council will be chaired by the Prime Minister and include nine cabinet ministers including the Foreign Minister and Defense Minister. It will coordinate information on security threats, terrorism, and foreign influence operations. The National Intelligence Bureau, reformed from the existing Cabinet Information Investigation Office, will employ 700 people and hold equal rank with the National Security Bureau director.

What Prompted the Law

The government cited rising threats from foreign spies, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns. Currently, police, public security agencies, foreign ministry, and defense ministry collect intelligence separately. The new law consolidates this fragmented system into one command center. Each ministry must now share information with the intelligence bureau. The government also plans to create a foreign intelligence agency and toughen penalties for leaking secrets.

Opposition and Privacy Concerns

The Democratic Party, Communist Party, and civil rights groups opposed the law, citing risks of government surveillance of ordinary citizens. Citizens protested outside parliament, saying the law enables unchecked monitoring. Lawyers noted Japan’s history of illegal surveillance, including monitoring of anti-war activists. The law lacks an independent oversight body with legal power to check abuse. Both houses of parliament passed non-binding resolutions asking the government to protect privacy and ensure political neutrality.

What Comes Next

Prime Minister Ichii Takayoshi called the law the first step in intelligence reform. The government plans to pass additional laws on foreign intelligence, stricter penalties for leaks, and a foreign agent registration law. Experts warn that safeguards should come before expanding powers. The council is expected to launch in July 2026. The government promised to study privacy protections but did not commit to new legal restrictions.

Final Thoughts

Japan’s new intelligence law centralizes spy operations but lacks independent oversight. Citizens face heightened surveillance risks without legal safeguards. The government must act quickly to add privacy protections before expanding powers further.

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