Japan officially launched its National Intelligence Bureau on July 31, 2026, upgrading its intelligence capabilities under new legislation passed in May 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The bureau replaces the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office (CIRO) and employs about 730 staff, tasked with coordinating intelligence across the National Police Agency, Foreign Ministry, Defence Ministry, and other entities [1, 2, 3, 4].
Kazuya Hara, former Cabinet Intelligence director since June 2023, was appointed the bureau’s first director on the launch date [1, 2, 3, 4]. Unlike the previous CIRO, the bureau now has authority to require other agencies to share intelligence data, enhancing interagency cooperation [1, 2, 4]. It operates as secretariat to the National Intelligence Council, a 10-member body chaired by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that includes nine other Cabinet ministers [1, 2, 3, 4].
The National Intelligence Council held its inaugural meeting on July 31, confirming operational policies such as safeguarding classified information [1, 3, 4]. Prime Minister Takaichi said, “We have consistently stated that this act represents the first step in reforms to strengthen Japan's intelligence functions” [4]. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara added, “The establishment of this council marks the first step in intelligence reform” and noted the bureau “will enable the government to make sound decisions based on higher-quality, more timely intelligence” [5, 3, 4].
The government plans to establish an expert panel under the council by autumn 2026 to discuss counterespionage legislation, which could include registration for foreign government agents involved in lobbying, creation of a foreign intelligence agency, penalties for foreign influence operations, and expanded communication interception powers [1, 2, 3, 4]. This legislation is expected for submission to the Diet session in early 2027 [1, 2, 3, 4].
Some opposition lawmakers have raised concerns about the political neutrality of the intelligence bodies and privacy implications of the proposed laws [2]. The National Intelligence Bureau’s budget is approximately $407 million [4].
