Japan Establishes National Cybersecurity Office on July 1 to Lead Active Cyber Defense Under Prime Minister-Led Headquarters

Japan has established the National Cybersecurity Office as the central command for active cyber defense, marking a key development in the country's cybersecurity framework. The office was inaugurated on July 1, 2025, coinciding with the partial enforcement of the Active Cyber Defense Act. The government held the first meeting of the reorganized Cybersecurity Strategy Headquarters, led by the Prime Minister, at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. This new structure aims to enhance coordination between the public and private sectors and to formulate a new cybersecurity strategy by the end of the year. The initiative reflects Japan's emphasis on proactive measures to counter cyber threats, with calls for increased corporate involvement. The U.S. Embassy in Japan acknowledged the establishment as a major milestone in protecting cyberspace, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity as a frontline defense in the 21st century.