The Japanese government has announced its intention to equip the newly proposed National Intelligence Agency with 'comprehensive coordination authority,' enabling it to centralize the gathering of intelligence from various ministries. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s intelligence capabilities and ensure a more efficacious decision-making process regarding national security. The agency's authority would be outlined in a legislative proposal for the establishment of the 'National Intelligence Council,' which is set to be presented in the current Diet session. The Prime Minister will lead this council, with the National Intelligence Agency functioning as its secretariat.

Disparate governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the National Police Agency, and the Public Security Intelligence Agency, currently manage their intelligence operations independently. By granting comprehensive coordination authority to the National Intelligence Agency, the government aims to streamline the collection and analysis of vital information. This initiative is seen as critical for enhancing the decision-making capabilities surrounding various policies pertinent to national security and intelligence.

Additionally, in relation to this strengthening of intelligence functions, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations issued an opinion statement on February 20, suggesting concerns and considerations regarding the balance between national security and civil liberties. The forthcoming legislative proposals and their implications for privacy rights and information sharing in Japan will likely be a focal point in upcoming discussions within the Diet.