Japan convenes expert panel to enhance intelligence capabilities

Japan: Japan is a constitutional monarchy in East Asia with a parliamentary democracy led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The country is actively enhancing its national security framework in response to regional threats. In this news, Japan convened the inaugural session of an expert panel to advance intelligence gathering and counter-espionage capabilities. Takaichi: Sanae Takaichi is the Prime Minister of Japan and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, serving since October 2025 as the nation's first female head of government. She has prioritized intelligence reforms as a core element of her security agenda. In this news, she launched and attended the first meeting of the expert panel on national intelligence and anti-espionage measures. Reform Context: This panel follows the earlier establishment of Japan's National Intelligence Council and National Intelligence Bureau as part of broader efforts to centralize and upgrade intelligence operations. Policy Development: The expert panel discussions are expected to inform draft legislation for counter-espionage measures and potentially support the creation of a standalone foreign intelligence agency. Security Initiative: Prime Minister Takaichi has framed intelligence strengthening as an urgent priority to counter foreign threats amid ongoing regional tensions.