Japan has acknowledged the growing need to counter foreign intelligence activities after a New York Times report revealed that Russia has turned the country into a key hub for intelligence gathering and procurement of dual-use technology needed for its war in Ukraine. According to the report, Moscow is taking advantage of Japan’s weak espionage laws to acquire critical information and components for its military operations. The report cited Ukrainian government estimates that 90% of Russian missiles and drones contain Japanese components, which are often procured through intermediary companies and third countries due to direct export restrictions.
Chief government spokesperson Minoru Kihara stated that Japan recognizes the need to counter foreign intelligence activities that threaten its national security, and that the government must address this issue with greater rigour. Kihara added that Japan’s parliament has approved legislation to create a new national body to coordinate its fragmented intelligence activities. The report also alleged that Russia’s operations in Japan are being run by a Russian intelligence operative working under cover at the Tokyo office of Aeroflot, a majority state-owned Russian airline.
Hundreds of Russian spies who were expelled by western countries in 2022 have reportedly ended up in Japan, taking advantage of its flourishing tech industry and weak espionage laws. Akihisa Shiozaki, a lawmaker in the governing Liberal Democratic party and a former lawyer who prosecuted industrial espionage cases, expressed a sense of crisis about the situation, highlighting the need for Japan to take action to counter foreign intelligence activities.
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