Japan proposes ‘foreign agent’ registry to counter interference from abroad
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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (Photo: REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon)
The Japanese
government has proposed requiring people acting in the interests of foreign
countries to register and introducing penalties for such activities. The
government could submit the legislation to parliament in 2027, Japanese news
agency Kyodo reported
on Oct. 26.
The proposal was presented at a meeting of an expert panel
tasked with strengthening Japan’s intelligence capabilities, held at the prime
minister’s official residence. Following the discussions, the government plans
to draft legislative changes.
Japanese authorities also acknowledged that excessive
regulation could restrict citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed rights and
freedoms. They therefore proposed implementing the system under democratic
oversight.
Panel members called for consideration of the potential
impact on academic exchanges and the news media. At future meetings, the panel
plans to determine which activities would constitute malicious foreign
interference and how to prevent risks to those sectors.
Authorities identified several examples of potential
interference, including covert contacts with politicians and government
officials to influence decisions, spreading information to sway public opinion
and elections, and attempts to change government policy by providing material
benefits.
In late July, Japan established the National Intelligence
Bureau, a centralized intelligence agency built on the existing Cabinet
Intelligence and Research Office. The bureau coordinates intelligence gathering
and analysis across the Foreign Ministry, Justice Ministry, Defense Ministry
and police.
Japanese authorities had already planned in December 2025 to
draft legislation establishing a foreign intelligence service and countering
espionage.
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