Japan has been continually attempting to strengthen its intelligence capabilities, both domestically and through enhanced cooperation with other countries. For example, the recent joint statement from the 11th Australia-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations has outlined further trilateral intelligence cooperation with the United States. Yet, despite the emergence of cyberspace as a critical intelligence frontier, Japan has been viewed as trailing in the development of its cybersecurity capabilities.  (International Institute of Strategic Studies, 2024). Therefore, this paper will explore the current state of the Japanese intelligence community and its capabilities, along with its position in the regional security architecture and ability to meet present and future intelligence needs.

References

International Institute of Strategic Studies. (2024, July 11). Japan’s intelligence capabilities with Professor Richard J Samuels, Professor Kotani Ken and Hosaka Sanshiro. https://www.iiss.org/podcasts/japan-memo/2024/07/japans-intelligence-capabilities-with-professor-richard-j-samuels-professor-kotani-ken-and-hosaka-sanshiro/.