Japan started a new secret team on Tuesday, Dec 8, 2015. The team is called the Counterterrorism Unit‑Japan. It works inside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo. The team was made to keep the upcoming G‑7 summit and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games safe.
Why Japan Created a New Unit
Japan felt scared after five Japanese citizens were killed by Islamic militants this year. The attacks in Paris also made the fear bigger. Those events showed that Japan needed stronger security. The government wanted to be ready for the G‑7 leaders who will visit Japan in one year. It also wanted to protect the athletes and fans who will come for the 2020 Olympics.
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said the new unit will help collect and study terrorism data. He gave guidelines to people who will work with the unit. The goal is to stop any danger before it reaches Japan.
What the Unit Does
The Counterterrorism Unit‑Japan is a data‑gathering unit. It looks at information about terrorist groups around the world. It also watches for health‑related threats that could affect public safety. The unit shares what it learns with other parts of the government.
- Collect data: The team gathers reports from many sources.
- Analyze threats: Experts study the data to see if a danger is real.
- Share warnings: If a risk is found, the unit tells police, intelligence agencies, and health officials.
- Help plan events: The unit advises on security for the G‑7 summit and the Olympics.
Who Works in the Unit
The unit is made of people from several agencies. It includes staff from the foreign and security services. It also has members of the National Police Agency. The Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, which is Japan’s version of the CIA, also sends people to the unit.
In total, 24 people work in the secret unit. Their names are not made public. The government says the secrecy helps protect the team’s work.
How It Helps the G‑7 Summit and 2020 Olympics
The G‑7 summit will bring leaders from seven major countries. They will talk about trade, climate, and security. Any terrorist attack at the summit would be a big problem. The new unit will watch for any signs of danger and warn the police.
The Tokyo Olympics will have athletes from many nations. Millions of visitors will come to watch. The unit will help the organizers plan safe venues, transport routes, and crowd control. It will also look at health data, such as disease outbreaks, to keep the public safe.
By having a single team that knows both terrorism and public‑health data, Japan hopes to act faster than before. Faster action means a safer event for everyone.
FAQ
What is the Counterterrorism Unit‑Japan?
It is a secret team inside the Foreign Ministry that studies terrorism and health data to protect big events like the G‑7 summit and the Olympics.
Why was the unit created in 2015?
Because five Japanese citizens were killed by Islamic militants and the Paris attacks raised worries about future threats.
How many people are in the unit?
There are 24 members. Their identities are kept private for security reasons.
Which agencies provide staff to the unit?
Staff come from the foreign and security services, the National Police Agency, and the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office.
Conclusion
The launch of the Counterterrorism Unit‑Japan shows that Japan is taking security seriously. By bringing together experts from many agencies, the unit aims to protect the G‑7 summit and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The secret nature of the team helps it work quickly and keep Japan safe.