Japan to establish first dedicated spy agency with $407M budget and 33,000 assets

Japan is moving to create its first-ever domestic intelligence agency, a historic shift for a country that has operated under strict security limitations since World War II. The agency is set to manage approximately 33,000 assets and operate on a budget of around $407 million. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is the driving force behind the initiative, viewing it as a key pillar of her broader national security agenda. Takaichi aims to loosen the post-war constraints that have long restricted Japan's intelligence and defense capabilities. The move signals a significant transformation in Japan's approach to national security on both domestic and international fronts.