Public Security Intelligence Agency

The Japanese domestic intelligence agency founded in 1952

Overview

The PSIA monitors threats to public order in Japan, from extremism to foreign espionage. Its monitoring of the Aum Shinrikyo cult had gathered warnings before the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack, but coordination failures blunted the signals and prompted reform. The agency works alongside the National Police Agency and can petition review of organizations under the anti subversion framework. Russian and Chinese intelligence activity has grown as a priority in recent years. The agency also watches foreign intelligence officers in Japan and reports through the Justice Ministry.