Japan to launch new national intelligence agency with AI specialists

Japan is preparing to launch a new centralised intelligence agency modelled in part on major Western services, with the future National Intelligence Agency expected to begin operations around July, according to a report by Yomiuri Shimbun.

The agency is expected to start with roughly 700 employees before undergoing further expansion. Recruitment exams for additional specialists, including experts in artificial intelligence, are planned for 2027.

At the initial stage, much of the personnel will come from Japan’s existing Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, which analyses information from open sources, government agencies, US intelligence and satellite data. The office is currently staffed largely by former police and Foreign Ministry officials.

Japan plans to strengthen the new structure by adding regional specialists and experts in computer technologies. Authorities also intend to expand intelligence cooperation and exchanges with several foreign intelligence services.

Until now, Japan has not operated a single unified intelligence agency. Intelligence and counterintelligence functions have traditionally been divided among separate units within the police, the Foreign Ministry and the Defence Ministry.

In April, the lower house of Japan’s parliament approved legislation establishing both the National Intelligence Agency and a new National Intelligence Council led by the prime minister.

The council will include senior cabinet officials, among them the chief cabinet secretary and the ministers of foreign affairs, defence, justice and finance. The body will oversee key intelligence and counterintelligence decisions, while the National Intelligence Agency will be responsible for carrying out those policies.

The head of the agency will hold ministerial status under the new structure.

By Tamilla Hasanova