Revival of Japan's Intelligence Network: Tokyo Transitions from Intelligence Consumer to Intelligence Donor in the Pacific Confrontation

On April 23, 2026, the lower house of Japan’s parliament approved legislation to establish a National Intelligence Council (a collegial body chaired by the Prime Minister) and a National Intelligence Bureau (an operational headquarters).

The measure was supported by all parliamentary parties except the Japanese Communist Party. Following approval by the upper house, the new intelligence system is expected to become operational by the end of summer 2026.

The legislation was adopted soon after the government of Sanae Takaichi eased arms export restrictions. Japan dropped the rule limiting exports to five non-lethal categories and allowed the sale of lethal weapons to partner countries, with National Security Council approval—bringing its policy closer to other democratic arms exporters.