Key points

On October 23, 2026, Minister Furukawa, responsible for Cybersecurity, received a proposal on cyberattack countermeasures compiled by the LDP's National Cybersecurity Strategy Headquarters. On the same day, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also received the proposal and declared a strengthening of countermeasures led by the Prime Minister's Office. The proposal calls for utilizing AI technology and enhancing information sharing with allied countries, emphasizing the importance of improving defense capabilities through international cooperation. The government plans to expedite system improvements to prepare for cyberattacks. [1] [3]

Receipt of LDP's Cyberattack Countermeasure Proposal

On October 23, 2026, Minister Furukawa, responsible for Cybersecurity, received a proposal on cyberattack countermeasures compiled by the LDP's National Cybersecurity Strategy Headquarters. On the same day, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also received the LDP's proposal and indicated a policy to organize necessary systems under the leadership of the Prime Minister's Office and accelerate countermeasures by relevant ministries and agencies. This concretizes efforts to strengthen government-wide responses to cyberattacks. The LDP's proposal characterizes the current situation of repeated cyberattacks on companies and others as a serious crisis that could be called the "eve of a cyber emergency" shaking national security to its core. Based on this, the government is urged to establish a rapid response system. [1] [3] [4]

In a meeting, Prime Minister Takaichi stated that the situation is "urgent," pointing out that public anxiety is intensifying. The Prime Minister emphasized the intention to strengthen cybersecurity under the leadership of the Prime Minister's Office, with the National Cybersecurity Coordination Office serving as the command center. This clarifies the government's command function and is expected to accelerate countermeasures. These government actions are regarded as an important step to respond to the increasing sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks. [3] [4]

Main Contents and Background of the Proposal

The LDP's proposal calls for establishing a cyber response headquarters led by the Prime Minister's Office, utilizing AI technology to detect vulnerabilities, and strengthening information sharing with allied countries. In particular, strengthening defense systems using AI is emphasized, with a policy aiming to shift to an AI-versus-AI structure. The proposal is linked to the Cyber Response Capability Enhancement Act enacted in October 2026 and also calls for legal and institutional foundation improvements, which are expected to enhance the effectiveness of government cybersecurity measures. [1] [2] [4]

The proposal also describes the current situation as the "eve of a cyber emergency," pointing out the realistic threat of AI-driven cyber saturation attacks. It stresses the need to expedite budget measures and legal considerations, proposing concrete measures such as securing white-hat hackers, establishing liaison offices with advanced AI companies, and considering mandatory acquisition of My Number cards. These measures are positioned as comprehensive efforts to respond to the sophistication of cyberattacks and protect national security. [3] [4]

Minister Furukawa Emphasizes Importance of International Cooperation

Minister Furukawa, responsible for Cybersecurity, emphasized the importance of international cooperation upon receiving the LDP's proposal. The minister stated, "Including international cooperation, we want to share various wisdom and knowledge and strengthen defenses together with like-minded countries," expressing an intention to improve defense capabilities through international collaboration. This statement reflects the need to strengthen cooperation with allied countries and the international community, considering that cyberattacks are threats crossing national borders. Minister Furukawa is also advancing AI safety verification, with technical cooperation in view. [1] [2]

Masaki Taira, head of the LDP's National Cybersecurity Strategy Headquarters, also expressed the intention to shift from AI-versus-human battles to an AI-versus-AI structure, emphasizing the urgent need to build new defense systems utilizing technological innovation. This clarifies the stance to counter cyberattacks from both international cooperation and technological innovation perspectives. Going forward, the policy is to further strengthen defense capabilities against cyberattacks through international information sharing and technical cooperation. [1] [2]