Japan has announced an emergency cybersecurity package worth approximately ¥10 billion ($63 million) to strengthen its defences against cyberattacks following a wave of data breaches affecting major companies and government agencies.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the measures, calling for a stronger national response to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, including attacks generated or enhanced by artificial intelligence.

Addressing a ministerial meeting, Takaichi said rapid action was essential as unauthorised access to computer systems and the exposure of sensitive information continued to disrupt businesses and people’s daily lives.

“At this very moment, cases of unauthorized access and data breaches are occurring, causing a major impact on daily lives of the people and corporate activities.

“Let us increase the response capability across Japan by devoting all government resources.”
Sanae Takaichi

The emergency package is intended to strengthen cooperation between public institutions and private companies, improve the speed of assistance to organisations affected by cyberattacks and support recovery efforts.

The government says the measures are aimed at building a more resilient society and raising Japan’s cybersecurity capabilities to among the highest levels globally.

AI And Specialist Teams

One of the key measures is the establishment of a specialist team of cybersecurity experts, described as a “top gun” unit, by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry by the end of November.

The team will use artificial intelligence to counter cyber threats, identify vulnerabilities in network systems and improve the country’s ability to detect and respond to attacks.

It will also cooperate with technology companies and advanced AI developers in partner countries to ensure that Japan’s cybersecurity expertise keeps pace with emerging threats.

The package also provides for the creation of a cyber rescue team comprising specialists from the public and private sectors.

The team will offer initial assistance to companies affected by cyberattacks, while a separate group will help vulnerable businesses strengthen their digital defences and reduce the risk of further breaches.

The government is also seeking to improve its ability to identify and investigate cyber threats before they cause serious damage.

Active Cyber Defence And Faster Intelligence Sharing

Japan plans to strengthen its active cyber defence capabilities, including its ability to access servers used by hackers as a preventive measure.

The approach was made possible by legislation legalising active cyber defence in October, according to the information provided.

Where a potential threat to national security is identified, the government plans to deploy a support team involving officials from the Defence Ministry, the National Police Agency and the National Cybersecurity Office.

In a statement posted on X, Takaichi outlined four main pillars of the emergency package: stronger basic cybersecurity measures, including AI; improved information gathering and analysis; strategic responses to cyberattacks; and expanded support for victims to prevent further harm.

She stated that the government would work with private companies to strengthen Japan’s overall ability to withstand cyber threats.

Takaichi also indicated that the government would consider amending the Cyber Response Capability Enhancement Act to improve its access to information about attacks targeting the country.

One proposed change would significantly reduce the time required to consolidate cyber threat information within the National Cybersecurity Office.

The government wants reports from operators of critical infrastructure to reach the office within a few hours where possible, and at least on the same day that an attack is detected.

It is also considering a system that would allow the cybersecurity office to identify and analyse suspicious communications involving private companies, drawing on approaches used by other major countries.

Government Considers Wider Cybersecurity Reforms

Beyond the immediate emergency measures, Japan is considering longer-term institutional and organisational changes to strengthen its national cybersecurity framework.

Takaichi said that the government would continue examining the financial requirements needed to implement the full package, while working with businesses and other organisations to improve national preparedness.

The administration also intends to address supply chain vulnerabilities associated with information technology systems and equipment.

With the National Security Secretariat taking the lead, the government will consider measures to reduce risks across both public and private sector systems while continuing inspections of government networks.

The initial ¥10 billion allocation was drawn from the government’s contingency reserve to fund measures requiring immediate implementation. Further financial and institutional arrangements for the wider package remain under consideration.

The announcement reflects growing concern in Japan over the impact of cyberattacks on essential services, businesses and public institutions. By combining AI-assisted threat detection, specialist response teams and closer information-sharing, the government is seeking to improve its ability to prevent attacks and limit their consequences.