# Japan intelligence capability reform

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-intelligence-capability-reform
> Updated: 2026-10-05T13:55:11.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Japan has initiated a significant reform of its national intelligence capabilities to address modern threats such as cyberattacks, technology leaks, and foreign disinformation. The process began with the convening of an expert panel consisting of 17 specialists to discuss long-term guidelines, anti-espionage legislation, and the potential creation of a “National Intelligence Agency”.

Following these discussions, the government moved to establish a new National Intelligence Office. This agency is designed to centralize intelligence operations, replacing a fragmented system previously managed by the Intelligence Cabinet and the Research Office. With a budget of 360 million euros, the office will oversee all relevant departments and report directly to the government. To bolster its technical and operational capacity, the office plans to recruit cybersecurity analysts, computer engineers, and foreign liaisons. The United States is currently providing advisory support in areas such as industrial espionage and cyber defense to assist with this transition.

## Claims

- Intelligence strengthening is essential for national security and protecting interests. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Japan is establishing a new National Intelligence Office to centralize intelligence operations. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The new National Intelligence Office has a budget of 360 million euros. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The new agency will recruit computer engineers, cybersecurity analysts, and foreign liaisons next year. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The new office will replace the Intelligence Cabinet and the Research Office. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The United States is providing advisory support on cyber defense, industrial espionage, and spy detection. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Japan to centralize intelligence with new National Intelligence Office

Japan is launching a new National Intelligence Office with a 360 million euro budget to centralize intelligence and combat cyber threats, disinformation, and industrial espionage.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-to-centralize-intelligence-with-new-national-intelligence-office

### 2026-09-28: Japan convenes expert panel to strengthen intelligence functions

Japan has launched an expert panel to strengthen its intelligence functions, discussing new anti-espionage laws and the potential creation of a National Intelligence Agency to protect national interests.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-convenes-expert-panel-to-strengthen-intelligence-functions

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Cite as: Japan intelligence capability reform. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-intelligence-capability-reform