Ministerial Meeting on Cybersecurity

On October 26, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi held the first Ministerial Meeting on Cybersecurity at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the meeting, the participants discussed information leaks and other damage caused by cyberattacks.

Based on the discussions, the Prime Minister said:

(Prime Minister Takaichi) 
Thank you all for your hard work.

A series of cyberattacks against Japanese companies and other organizations has resulted in numerous incidents involving large-scale information leaks and other damage.

The situation has become serious, with growing concerns about secondary damage arising from the misuse of leaked information. We must urgently strengthen our countermeasures.

With regard to support for affected companies and other organizations, I ask that you enhance the consultation services provided by the Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA) and the police, strengthen cooperation with private-sector organizations and local governments, and establish a framework under which those seeking assistance can obtain the support they need, regardless of where they turn for advice.

I also ask the National Cybersecurity Office, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, to develop a framework for utilizing advanced expertise from the private sector throughout the process, from initial response to recovery.

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa, please promptly consider expanding the operational framework and support measures for the Cybersecurity Supporters Service so that small and medium-sized enterprises and small businesses can make full use of its services.

It is also important to strengthen our information-gathering capabilities, investigative and analytical capabilities, and the timely and appropriate dissemination of information.

Minister Furukawa, who is responsible for cybersecurity, please enhance our information-gathering capabilities by encouraging greater participation by cybersecurity vendors and other companies in the Cybersecurity Council.

I also ask all ministers to ensure that information is promptly collected from affected companies in the industries under their respective jurisdictions, not only in core and critical infrastructure sectors, and that such information is systematically consolidated at the National Cybersecurity Office.

The National Cybersecurity Office should then analyze the information collected and strengthen targeted communications tailored to anticipated threats and risks, clearly identifying the intended audiences, including corporate executives, specialists, and the general public.

Minister Akazawa, please proactively provide information to small and medium-sized enterprises and small businesses, while fundamentally expanding consultation services and other support channels.

In responding to cyberattacks whose circumstances have been established through investigation, we will strategically select and implement every available response option, including access and neutralization measures.

Under Minister Furukawa's coordination, please work closely with our allies and like-minded countries, as well as relevant overseas organizations, to advance coordinated efforts with the international community, including the identification of those responsible for cyberattacks.

Verifying system vulnerabilities is also essential to preventing damage before it occurs.

Minister Akazawa, please draw on the expertise and personnel of the IPA to accelerate the following initiatives:

- Identifying and addressing system vulnerabilities through simulated attack testing conducted by highly skilled specialists capable of detecting vulnerabilities, including through the use of advanced AI; and 
- Establishing a network for monitoring cyberattacks across entire supply chains, enabling swift countermeasures, including among small and medium-sized enterprises.

Minister Furukawa, please consider measures to extend these initiatives more broadly.

Ensuring cybersecurity is also essential for the Government's own systems.

I ask all ministers, under the leadership of Minister Furukawa and drawing on the expertise of the AI Safety Institute (AISI), to accelerate vulnerability assessments using advanced AI and once again take thorough steps to ensure the security of systems operated by their respective ministries and agencies.

We will compile a package of emergency measures as a Government by around the end of next week.

I ask all ministers to urgently examine and coordinate the necessary measures, including fiscal measures.

Above all, let us mobilize the full resources of the Government to accelerate these efforts.

That is all. Thank you.