We Talk: Tokyo residents fear 'National Intelligence Bureau' could violate personal privacy

August 15 marks 81 years since Japan announced its surrender in World War II. Just two weeks ago, Japan established its National Intelligence Bureau, creating the country's first centralized intelligence command since WWII. The government says it is essential to address today's increasingly complex security challenges. However, critics argue that it is accelerating military expansion and remilitarization under the guise of intelligence integration.

A CGTN stringer recently conducted street interviews with Tokyo residents on the issue. Many residents voiced concern that the bureau's establishment, along with increased intelligence gathering and surveillance, could affect their privacy and civil liberties. Resident Masayuki Nabekura said he cannot trust the Sanae Takaichi administration and therefore opposes the move. "I think they'll forcibly use the newly renewed legal authority as a way to further suppress this kind of activism." Another resident, Nanako, expressed deep aversion to the policy because she doesn't know what her information will be used for, "and this isn't a government I can trust."