Japan Moves to Create First Central Intelligence Agency

Japan's cabinet has approved a plan to establish a new national intelligence agency. This marks a significant shift from the country's current, fragmented system. Currently, over a dozen different ministries and agencies collect intelligence separately. The new body will centralize this effort. Its main goal is to quickly analyze and share information about national security threats. The government cited growing regional tensions and complex cybersecurity risks as key reasons for the change. A single agency, officials argue, will allow for faster decision-making. The plan requires passing a new law in the national parliament, known as the Diet. If approved, the agency could begin operations next year. This move aligns Japan more closely with intelligence structures in allies like the United States and the United Kingdom. The government has pledged to implement strong oversight. It stated the agency will operate under strict legal and parliamentary supervision to protect citizens' rights.