Japan’s opposition Democratic Party for the People (DPP) has released a draft interim report proposing a comprehensive anti-espionage law aimed at regulating foreign influence and strengthening the country’s intelligence network. While supporters say the initiative will bolster transparency and safeguard democracy, critics warn it may raise human rights concerns.
The proposed legislation includes measures such as requiring foreign entities operating in Japan to register and disclose parts of their activities and funding. The plan also calls for the creation of an independent agency dedicated to intelligence collection and analysis. The DPP intends to finalise the bills internally and push for bipartisan discussions, aiming to submit them during the extraordinary Diet session this fall.
The draft report states that the law aims “to defend democracy from opaque activities by hostile forces and to preserve Japan’s freedom of decision-making.” One bill within the package — the foreign influence transparency law — would mandate foreign entities engaged in lobbying in Japan to register details of their activities, funding sources, and assets, with some disclosures made public. Oversight of the system would be entrusted to a new independent body reporting to the Diet.
Another bill — the national strategy capability enhancement and community reform law — proposes a government-published intelligence strategy and the establishment of a politically neutral, independent intelligence agency separate from existing entities like the National Police Agency.
The report acknowledges potential risks, including suppression of freedom of expression and political activity, and warns of possible political influence over intelligence work. It stresses that “broad and deep public understanding is essential” before the laws are enacted.