A senior opposition lawmaker has warned that Japan’s push toward a new anti-spy law and intelligence agency could reshape daily life in ways many citizens do not expect. In particular, she warns that the law could spell an end to oshikatsu (推し活), fan activities that support one’s favorite idol or entertainer.
Spy vs. oshikatsu
Speaking at a press conference on the 7th, Social Democratic Party leader Fukushima Mizuho strongly opposed plans backed by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party to introduce a new spy prevention law and establish a National Intelligence Agency. She described the initiative as a step toward a surveillance state and a preparation for war.
“This would create a society under constant watch,” Fukushima said. “It would be a law where you can’t even do oshikatsu, and where you can’t say ‘I oppose war.’”
Oshikatsu, or support for one’s fan favorite, is a booming business in Japan. It’s become so popular that even traditional businesses, such as death altar companies, are selling oshikatsu support goods. Some bus companies are even evolving their services to better support fans who flock to big cities for concerts.
Fukushima linked the proposal to long-standing efforts by the former Unification Church to push similar legislation. She warned that vague definitions of espionage could allow authorities to monitor ordinary political expression, fan communities, and civil society movements.
She also criticized plans to create a new National Intelligence Agency or a Foreign Intelligence Office, arguing such bodies could be used in ways that go far beyond countering espionage. Referring to the role of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency in overseas operations, she said Japan risked creating a similarly powerful institution without adequate safeguards.
Fukushima said she intends to organize efforts to block the bill from even being submitted to the Diet.
Government push for the anti-spy law gains momentum under PM Takaichi
The renewed push for a spy prevention law reflects Prime Minister Takaichi’s long-held position on intelligence reform. During a party leaders’ debate on November 26, she stated that the government would begin consideration of spy-related legislation within the year and move swiftly toward drafting a bill.
The ruling LDP and the Japan Innovation Party have included the rapid enactment of such laws in their coalition agreement. Cabinet officials argue the measures are necessary to counter foreign interference, espionage, and disinformation amid a worsening regional security environment.
Several opposition parties have also joined the effort. The Democratic Party for the People submitted a bill titled the “Intelligence System Development Promotion Act,” which calls for stronger intelligence institutions and a registration system for activities conducted on behalf of foreign interests. The party says the goal is to make foreign interference visible and has not included criminal penalties.
Sanseito, by contrast, has proposed legislation that includes penalties and calls for establishing a domestic intelligence agency. Party leader Kamiya Sohei said the aim is to stop actions that steal national information and wealth. Prime Minister Takaichi responded positively, reinforcing the government’s commitment to move ahead.
Want more news and views from Japan? Donate $5/month ($60 one-time donation) to the Unseen Japan Journalism Fund to join Unseen Japan Insider. You'll get our Insider newsletter with more news and deep dives, a chance to get your burning Japan questions answered, and a voice in our future editorial direction.
Supporters of the legislation argue that existing frameworks, including the 2014 State Secrets Protection Law, remain insufficient. They say Japan lacks the legal tools to identify individuals operating under foreign influence or spreading disinformation.
Still, concerns persist even within the government. Officials acknowledge that enforcing such a law could require expanded wiretapping and surveillance, raising constitutional questions over the secrecy of communications and freedom of expression.
Japan has faced this debate before. In 1985, the LDP introduced a spy prevention bill with extremely broad definitions and severe penalties, including the death penalty. The proposal collapsed after widespread criticism that it threatened press freedom and civil liberties. The current effort, while different in form, has revived memories of that earlier failure.
Different organizations sound alarm over potential human rights violations
Human rights concerns sit at the center of opposition to the proposed law.
Shimbun Akahata, the newspaper published by the Japanese Communist Party, has published several opinion articles stating that the legislation would expand state surveillance while suppressing dissent. In addition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan has urged caution. Its policy chief, Honjo Tomofumi, warned that a hastily enacted spy prevention law carries “the risk of causing serious human rights violations.”
Legal experts and civil rights advocates argue that the broad scope of espionage-related activities could criminalize journalism, academic research, activism, and even everyday conversations. They point to language in past proposals that covered acts such as “collecting,” “communicating,” or “leaking” information, without clear limits.
The Japan Federation of Bar Associations has long opposed similar legislation. In a formal resolution, the federation warned that vague definitions of “state secrets” would allow administrative authorities to act arbitrarily. It argued that ordinary citizens could unknowingly come into contact with classified information and face severe punishment.
The federation also criticized proposals that included conspiracy and preparatory offenses, saying they violate fundamental principles of criminal law. The inclusion of the death penalty in earlier drafts, it said, lacked rational justification and represented a dangerous reversal of legal norms.
Human Rights Watch has also raised concerns that a new spy law could conflict with international human rights standards, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The organization warns that national security laws must be narrowly defined and strictly necessary. Using them to suppress legitimate public interest information would violate international obligations.
Critics stress that whistleblowers, journalists, researchers, and activists require explicit protection. Without such safeguards, they argue, the law could chill free expression and weaken democratic oversight.
"Noah [at Unseen Japan] put together an itinerary that didn’t lock us in and we could travel at our own pace. In Tokyo, he guided us personally on a walking tour. Overall, he made our Japan trip an experience not to forget." - Kate and Simon S., Australia
A surveillance state: Fears of being watched
Beyond legal arguments, critics say the proposed law could alter social behavior in subtle but lasting ways, as shared in an opinion piece in the Shimbun Akahata by Ogasawara Midori. (Ogasawara interviewed whistleblower Edward Snowden back in 2016.) Fukushima’s reference to oshikatsu resonated because it highlights how deeply surveillance can reach into everyday life.
Oshikatsu often involves online communication, fundraising, international exchanges, and even political expression. Under a strict spy prevention regime, activities involving foreign artists, overseas donations, or international fan communities could attract scrutiny.
Opponents fear a return to an atmosphere where people avoid speaking openly, organizing events, or sharing information. Journalists warn that reporting on defense, diplomacy, or military activity could become legally risky, even when done in the public interest.
As the government prepares to advance discussions, the clash between security policy and civil liberties appears set to deepen. Whether lawmakers can reconcile those tensions remains uncertain.
Get More UJ
What to read next
If the coalition gets its way, defacing the Hi no Maru flag – an act currently considered protected speech – could become a crime.
The woman who may be Japan’s first prime minister is under fire for her “fossil-like thinking” on women’s rights.
The lawmaker later backtracked on the statement, saying that he only meant they didn’t have “the same rights” as Japanese citizens.
Sources
「推し活もできなくなる」社民・福島氏、スパイ防止法制定に反対 国家情報局創設にも反発 産経新聞
「スパイ防止法」に高市首相「年内に検討開始」と前向き、国民民主党と参政党が法案…課題は山積み 読売新聞
政府、スパイ防止法の検討着手 監視強化・情報統制に懸念 JIJI.com
「スパイ防止」の名に隠された真実 ジャーナリスト・社会学者小笠原みどりさん 米国に奉仕する諜報機関の創設会話も盗聴 物言えぬ社会許すな しんぶん赤旗
新たなスパイ防止法は人権を尊重すべき Human Rights Watch
「国家機密に係るスパイ行為等の防止に関する法律案」に反対する決議 日本弁護士連合会
