April 23, 2026

A set of related bills aimed at strengthening the Japanese government's intelligence (information gathering and analysis) functions was approved by a majority of both ruling and opposition parties at a plenary session of the House of Representatives on Thursday, the Asahi Shimbun reported on Thursday. 

In Japan, worries are mounting that the bill could erode privacy rights and freedom of expression. A Chinese expert said that the move reflects a broader push to centralize power under the Japanese prime minister and carries potential risks of expanded surveillance and a continued rightward shift in Japan's political landscape. 

With support from some opposition parties, the bills are expected to pass the House of Councillors as well, where the ruling bloc is in the minority, according to the Asahi Shimbun. 

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