Russian intelligence has been active in Tokyo for several years. A recent investigation revealed that Japan is being used as a route for purchasing weapon parts, allowing Russia to bypass Western sanctions and transport supplies connected to the conflict in Ukraine.
The stakes are high: roughly 90% of Russia’s missiles and drones contain components made in Japan, according to Ukrainian government assessments.
Following the investigation, a military intelligence unit, referred to as the “20th Directorate,” was pinpointed as the organization behind these operations. It appears their Tokyo office operates from the premises of Aeroflot, which is conveniently located near Japan’s National Police Agency headquarters.
The person in charge, Maxim Filchenkov, is a seasoned Russian intelligence officer posing as an employee of Aeroflot—a strategy that’s been around since the Soviet era.
Even as public sentiment in Japan leans toward supporting Ukraine, the government’s action has been minimal. Akihisa Shiozaki, a member of Japan’s ruling party, expressed that there is a sense of crisis regarding the situation.
After World War II, Japan lacked a specialized foreign intelligence agency for over 80 years, as responsibilities were split among various entities like the police and military. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, an ally of President Trump, is currently pushing for centralized management of the intelligence network. There are concerns too about China’s efforts to establish fake news websites that masquerade as Japanese-language news outlets to push pro-Beijing narratives.
The investigation also indicated that the U.S. and Australia had been discreetly advising Tokyo on intelligence matters. Germany is similarly reinvesting in military capabilities, leveraging decades of experience in counteracting Russian activities throughout Europe.
Reports indicate that Japan’s government hasn’t directly confirmed any such meetings, but it did mention it maintains regular cooperation with various countries’ officials.
Some opposition lawmakers are skeptical, worrying that the new intelligence agency might resemble Japan’s wartime secret police, potentially infringing on privacy rights.
