Plans Emerge for Japanese MI6-style Agency by Fiscal 2027

Japan is considering creation of a dedicated foreign intelligence service modeled partly on Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, with establishment targeted for fiscal 2027. The proposed organization would strengthen overseas human-intelligence collection and analysis, functions now divided among the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, police, foreign ministry, and defense bodies. Key issues still include legal authorities, parliamentary oversight, recruitment, protection of sources, and coordination with existing agencies, meaning the initiative is a developing institutional plan rather than an approved service with a finalized structure or operating mandate.