The Japanese Cabinet, under Prime Minister Sanae Takaiuchi, is accelerating its efforts to introduce a spy prevention law that was previously attempted but failed in the 1980s. According to reports, the Japanese government plans to pass legislation to establish a 'National Intelligence Agency' during the special session of the Diet starting on the 18th. Following this, discussions regarding the details of the spy prevention law are set to begin. There is a possibility that a committee of experts will be formed this summer to further explore the legislation, which aims to create an organization responsible for information collection and analysis.

Sources from the Japanese government indicate that the goal is to submit the spy prevention law as a government-proposed bill to the regular Diet session after the special session, based on discussions from expert meetings and suggestions from coalition parties. However, there are growing concerns that the proposed legislation could infringe upon citizens' privacy and freedom of expression, as the bill may include provisions that could allow for sweeping surveillance and control over political activities. The government's considerations also include the drafting of a 'Foreign Agents Registration Act,' which would require registration for individuals engaged in political activities on behalf of foreign governments or companies within Japan, extending to Japanese citizens as well.

The proposed spy prevention law is being seen as a bold initiative by Prime Minister Takaiuchi, who labeled it as one of the policies that could divide public opinion. This initiative was part of the agreement made during the coalition formation between the Liberal Democratic Party and its ally, Nippon Ishin no Kai, last October. Overall, the proposed legislation resembles the 'State Secrets Law' that was submitted by the ruling party in the 1980s, which was previously rejected due to concerns over its ambiguous definitions and potential impact on personal freedoms, echoing criticisms that it could lead to arbitrary enforcement and violation of citizens' rights.