Lead

Japan has acknowledged the need to strengthen its counterintelligence capabilities after a recent investigation by The New York Times described the country as a "den of spies" and a key source of weapons components for Russia's war in Ukraine. Chief government spokesperson Minoru Kihara said on Monday that Tokyo "must address this issue with even greater rigour," while stopping short of commenting directly on the report.

"We recognise that in a rapidly changing security environment there is a growing need to counter foreign intelligence activities – such as the acquisition of critical information – that threaten Japan's national security," Kihara told reporters.

Coverage Comparison

The New York Times investigation, published on Sunday, reported that Russia has been using Japan as a hub for intelligence gathering and procurement of dual-use technology, facilitated by what it described as "weak espionage laws." The report cited Ukrainian government estimates that 90% of Russian missiles and drones contain Japanese components. It also alleged that Russia's operations in Japan were run by an intelligence operative working undercover at the Tokyo office of Aeroflot, the majority state-owned Russian airline. The report noted that hundreds of Russian spies expelled by Western countries after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine ended up in Japan, attracted by its technology industry and perceived legal loopholes.

Al Jazeera's coverage focused on Japan's legislative response, reporting that the country is establishing its first centralized intelligence agency since World War II. According to Al Jazeera, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the law as "a first step" toward strengthening Japan's espionage capabilities. The outlet also reported that the United States, Germany, and Australia are advising Japan on the new agency.

Key Claims

  • Japan's parliament approved legislation to create a new national body to coordinate intelligence activities, as reported by both Al Jazeera and The Guardian.
  • The new agency will consist of a National Intelligence Council and a National Intelligence Bureau, replacing the existing Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office.
  • Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the legislation "a first step" toward strengthening the country's espionage capabilities.
  • Japan lacks an antiespionage law, which experts say makes it easier for foreign intelligence activities to go unpunished.
  • Russia is using Japan as a hub for intelligence gathering and procurement of dual-use technology, according to The New York Times investigation.
  • Ukrainian government estimates suggest 90% of Russian missiles and drones contain Japanese components.
  • Hundreds of Russian spies expelled from Western countries have relocated to Japan, taking advantage of its tech industry and legal environment.
  • The US, Germany, and Australia are advising Japan on establishing the new spy agency.

Perspectives

Japanese government

Chief government spokesperson Minoru Kihara acknowledged the growing need to counter foreign intelligence activities, stating that Tokyo must address the issue "with even greater rigour." He noted that parliament had approved legislation to create a new national body to coordinate intelligence activities.

Japanese lawmakers and experts

Akihisa Shiozaki, a lawmaker in the governing Liberal Democratic Party and a former defence official, expressed a "sense of crisis" about the situation. Ken Kotani, a professor at Nihon University, said he believes Japan's new intelligence model will be original to the country. Sanshiro Hosaka, a research fellow at the International Centre for Defence and Security, said the reform is aimed at improving intelligence abilities "by strengthening coordination, reducing interagency barriers and ensuring that intelligence products better meet policymakers' requirements."