Japan is one of the few major powers without a dedicated foreign intelligence agency. That may be about to change, and here is why it matters.

On October 1, the government launched an expert panel to draft Japan's first national intelligence strategy. The panel follows the July 31 creation of the National Intelligence Bureau, which centralised existing intelligence functions.

The gap: Japan collects signals and satellite intelligence, but has no standalone service for human intelligence abroad, unlike America's CIA or Britain's MI6. It relies heavily on allies, particularly the United States, for foreign human intelligence.

The case for an agency: supporters say rising regional tensions, economic security threats and cyber espionage demand independent collection capabilities. A dedicated service would give Tokyo its own sources and more weight in allied intelligence sharing.

The concerns: critics point to legal hurdles, the need for strong democratic oversight, and Japan's post-war aversion to state intelligence organs. The panel's recommendations will show how far the Takaichi government is willing to go.