The Sankei Shimbun 
Sanae Takaichi speaks to the press. May 27, the Prime Minister’s Office.
On May 27, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba received a formal policy proposal calling for the creation of a spy prevention law. The measure aims to strengthen protections for classified information. Sanae Takaichi, a former Minister for Economic Security, presented the proposal. Takaichi now chairs the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) Research Commission on Public Safety, Counter-Terrorism, and Anti-Cybercrime Measures.
In addition, the document urges the government to introduce "a spy prevention law that aligns with international standards." Furthermore, it recommends drafting a national intelligence strategy to serve as a foundation for Japan's intelligence-gathering operations. The ruling LDP is reportedly considering incorporating the proposal into its campaign platform for the upcoming House of Councillors election this summer.
Takaichi Urges Action
Following the meeting at the Prime Minister's Office, Sanae Takaichi told reporters:
"I got the sense that the Prime Minister shares a strong sense of urgency on this issue. He said, ‘I'd like to study this carefully,' so I hope the government will begin taking concrete steps."
At a separate press conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi underscored the need to bolster counterintelligence efforts, stating: "We recognize that foreign intelligence agencies are conducting operations in Japan, and we are responding with appropriate measures."
He added that the government remains committed to further strengthening its capabilities in this area.
Earlier in May, Prime Minister Ishiba had also addressed the issue in the Diet, declaring: "We must assess whether our current human intelligence capabilities are sufficient. While protecting human rights, I recognize that further measures may still be needed to protect Japan's national interests."
Iwaya Downplays Urgency
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya struck a more reluctant tone during a June 12 session of the House of Councillors Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense. In response to a question from Hirofumi Yanagase of the Nippon Ishin no Kai, Iwaya stated bluntly: "I am cautious regarding the enactment of what is commonly referred to as a spy prevention law."
Referring to Takaichi's proposal submitted on May 27, Yanagase urged the government to act:
"I really hope this moves forward. But for 40 years, nothing has progressed. Minister Iwaya has consistently expressed negative views on the matter."
In response, Iwaya repeated the need for caution:
"Regarding the necessity of such a law, I believe it must be carefully considered from multiple perspectives, including respect for fundamental human rights such as the right to know. It's not that I oppose it, but I believe it requires a prudent approach."
Old Debates, New Excuses
He went on to say:
"We must seriously consider what measures are necessary to safeguard our national interests while also ensuring proper respect for human rights."
Pressed on why he remains cautious, Iwaya pointed to the heated controversy that surrounded the Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets:
"There was intense debate in the Diet at the time. The core of the discussion was whether adequate consideration was given to the public's right to know and basic human rights. The exact contents of a prospective spy prevention law remain unclear, but legislation of this kind must be approached with similar caution."
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(Read a related article in Japanese)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
