Spy chief Hiroaki Takizawa, who is in charge of the Naicho (Naikaku Joho Cjhosashitsu), known internationally as the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, looks to be the main mover in Japan's return to the intelligence alliances that are being formed in the Indo-Pacific region to counter perceived Chinese expansionism.

Takizawa, who has been at his post since 2019 and has the clearly affirmed support of prime minister Fumio Kishida, has been working to reactivate his country's traditional channels