Japanese Official Proposes Establishing Foreign Intelligence Agency, Openly Stating: Must Strengthen Collection of Foreign Intelligence

Following the establishment of the National Intelligence Agency, Japan is now planning to set up a foreign intelligence agency.

On the 10th, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Toshimitsu Motegi stated that he believes Japan must establish a foreign intelligence agency in order to "enhance the collection of foreign intelligence."

According to Kyodo News, the government will soon convene a meeting to discuss whether to establish such a foreign intelligence agency—clearly, Motegi’s remarks are a strategic move to test public sentiment.

This is precisely the familiar tactic Japan has long used to break through postwar institutional constraints: first raising a sensitive issue to gauge public reaction, then calling for discussions and encouraging proposals, while simultaneously amending laws or introducing new legislation, ultimately crossing red lines completely.

Notably, Toshiko Akiyama has shown a clear emphasis on establishing intelligence institutions in her push for military expansion and constitutional revision—most visibly demonstrated by her launching efforts to establish Japan’s National Intelligence Agency just four days after taking office.

Historically, intelligence gathering has always preceded aggression in Japan’s war strategy—for example, the notorious “Tokkō” (Special Higher Police). Therefore, as soon as the proposal to establish Japan’s National Intelligence Agency was made public, it triggered widespread skepticism and criticism both domestically and internationally. Yet Akiyama has ignored these voices, continuing to advance dangerously down the path of breaching the constraints of the "Peace Constitution" and accelerating military expansion.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876033185424396/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.