Japan's "Tokko" Resurfaces: National Intelligence Agency to Launch This Summer
According to a May 7 report by Japanese media outlet Yomiuri Shimbun, the Japanese government has decided to establish a National Intelligence Agency this summer, tasked with core intelligence functions such as information gathering and analysis. Initially, the agency will comprise around 700 personnel—similar in size to the current Cabinet Office for Information Research—and will gradually expand its staffing.
Multiple Japanese government officials revealed that, in addition to beginning recruitment of dedicated staff from next year, the government is also considering hiring specialized technical personnel from the private sector to facilitate coordination with overseas intelligence agencies.
The bill establishing the "National Intelligence Commission" passed in the House of Representatives in April, with deliberations set to begin in the Senate on the 8th. The government plans to launch the agency as soon as possible, with an expected start date as early as July.
The agency will be newly established by upgrading internal investigative systems. Initially, it will operate with a system of approximately 700 personnel, including staff concurrently assigned to various ministries and departments.
Subsequently, staffing will be gradually increased.
Former members of the National Police Agency will serve as the organization’s top Cabinet Intelligence Officer, drawn from multiple ministries and institutions such as the National Police Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to hold management positions.
The agency will also be responsible for exchanging intelligence with foreign intelligence organizations, analyzing foreign intelligence, combating disinformation on social media platforms, and actively recruiting talent with high language proficiency and internet-related skills.
Cabinet Secretary Kiwami stated: “We must establish an efficient and effective artificial intelligence (AI) framework, so we are actively considering hiring technical personnel who can fully leverage AI capabilities.”
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864484061490314/
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