Japan’s Foreign Ministry sets up a new Cyber Security Policy Division to fight AI cyber threats and protect international networks.
The Japanese government has officially established a dedicated Cyber Security Policy Division within its Foreign Ministry to strengthen the nation’s digital defenses against dangerous internet threats.
Operating under the Foreign Policy Bureau, the newly launched unit brings together specialized government staff to safeguard vital digital infrastructure, work closely with friendly international partners, and help set global safety standards for the internet.
By building a specialized team focused entirely on online safety, the Asian nation aims to prevent digital espionage, protect government networks, and stop malicious hackers from taking advantage of modern artificial intelligence tools.
The official creation of the Cyber Security Policy Division took effect in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Government officials confirmed the organizational change as part of a nationwide push to upgrade national intelligence and digital safety capabilities across federal ministries.
The new setup brings back a standalone cybersecurity division to the Foreign Ministry, giving technical staff and diplomatic teams a direct command center to handle rising digital risks in real time.
The main reason Japan is launching this dedicated cyber division is that online attacks are becoming far faster, more frequent, and complex due to rapid advances in artificial intelligence.
Bad actors and state sponsored hacker groups are using smart software algorithms to automatically probe network vulnerabilities, run convincing online scams, and disrupt government operations.
Because cyber threats cross international borders instantly, Japanese leaders recognized that traditional security setups were no longer enough.
Building a focused unit allows the country to share threat data with allied nations, help developing countries build their own digital defenses, and push for fair, law-based rules across global internet networks.
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Explaining why creating a dedicated unit is essential to protect the nation from sophisticated digital threats, Japanese Foreign Ministry officials stated that the government decided to set up the specialized office “in response to the growing risk of cyberattacks driven by advances in artificial intelligence”.
Detailing how the new unit will work with partner nations to keep global computer networks safe, Foreign Ministry representatives highlighted that the division will focus on “further strengthening coordination with allied and like minded countries, as well as other partners, while also contributing to international rule making”.
Reaffirming the country’s commitment to building safe, fair, and reliable digital systems worldwide, official government statements confirmed that Japan will continue “promoting the rule of law in cyberspace and taking measures to deter attacks, providing capacity building supports to like minded partners”.
By launching the Cyber Security Policy Division, Japan is taking bold action to stay ahead of modern digital dangers.
Working alongside international allies and deploying advanced computer defenses ensures that national data stays protected, public infrastructure remains secure, and modern technology creates a safe online world for everyone.
About the Author
Jennifer Sakmufuwo Baba is a tech analyst, senior staff, and writer covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity , and emerging technologies at TechRegard. Based in Nigeria, she's passionate about translating complex tech developments into compelling, accessible stories for diverse audiences. Her work focuses on how technology shapes innovation across Africa and globally.
