Prime Minister Takaichi Orders Stronger Cyber Defense and Legal Preparations

On July 31, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi held the 6th Cybersecurity Strategy Headquarters meeting at the Prime Minister's Office. The meeting decided on Cybersecurity 2026, the Unified Standards for Critical Infrastructure, and the Basic Policy on Threat Hunting, among other measures, and received a report on the progress of Project Yata Shield, formulated in May.

Cyberattacks, including those backed by nation-states, are becoming more sophisticated and advanced, increasing threats to the economy, society, and national security. The rapid advancement of AI is expected to make these threats even more serious, requiring stronger and faster responses.

Responding to cyber threats was positioned not only as a means of protecting economic and social stability and national security, but also as a prerequisite for realizing the benefits of domestic investment under the Japan Growth Strategy. The government and private-sector operators will continuously strengthen measures to improve resilience across society.

First, the ministers were instructed to take stronger leadership, centered on Matsumoto, the Minister for Cybersecurity, and to further strengthen information security measures within the government and vulnerability responses by critical infrastructure operators.

Second, the relevant ministers will accelerate preparations for the enforcement of the law concerning the establishment of a council serving as the foundation for public-private cooperation and access and neutralization measures. Those involved include Matsumoto, the Minister for Cybersecurity; Akama, the Chairperson of the National Public Safety Commission; and Koizumi, the Minister of Defense.

Third, each minister will accelerate government and private-sector initiatives in the cyber field to strengthen resilience across society. To respond seamlessly to every threat, the government will continuously strengthen and review these initiatives, aiming to secure world-leading resilience.