‘Den of spies’: why has Japan been easy prey for Russian espionage, and what is Tokyo doing about it?

Japan has acknowledged growing concerns over Russian espionage activity, with reports describing the country as a 'den of spies' for expelled Russian operatives. Coverage highlights how Moscow has allegedly exploited Japan’s open society and weak counterintelligence measures to recruit spies and acquire technology relevant to the Ukraine war. The government is now reviewing its security protocols, though specifics of new measures remain unclear.

Major outlets including *The New York Times*, *The Guardian*, *The Telegraph*, *The Moscow Times*, and *The Hill* are focusing on Japan’s perceived laxity in monitoring foreign intelligence operations. The narrative emphasizes Japan’s historical reluctance to prioritize espionage defense compared to military threats. Attention will likely shift to whether Japan’s announced countermeasures—such as tighter visa controls or intelligence-sharing agreements—will be sufficient to curb Russian activity.

Coverage may also explore how Japan’s stance on Ukraine and its economic ties to Russia could influence future security policies. The trend underscores broader concerns about global espionage in an era of heightened geopolitical tensions.