August 4, 2026

On July 31, a new national intelligence apparatus began operating in Tokyo.

Established by the government of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) serves as the executive arm of the newly established National Intelligence Council, chaired by the prime minister. Japanese media have described it as a "Japanese CIA."

The intelligence overhaul is seen as a key step in Japan's efforts to strengthen its intelligence capabilities and further break from its postwar security framework. It has also raised concerns over whether Japan could be reviving the specter of the notorious Tokko, or Special Higher Police, which was infamous for suppressing dissent and enforcing ideological control before and during World War II.

Read more:

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-08-04/Japan-s-new-intelligence-agency-fuels-fears-of-a-return-to-militarism-1PkXLibPZsI/p.html