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The problem is not simply “national security.” The concern is the concentration of surveillance and intelligence powers under a stronger central authority with weak democratic oversight.

Critics are worried about several points:

Expanded state surveillance powers in the name of security

Increased collection and analysis of citizens’ data

Lack of transparency about how intelligence operations will be conducted

Weak independent oversight mechanisms

Risk of political abuse against journalists, activists, and dissidents

Growing integration of military, cybersecurity, and domestic intelligence functions

Japan moving toward a more security-state-oriented system

Supporters say it is necessary because of tensions involving China, cyberattacks, and international espionage. But opponents argue that vague definitions of “national security” can easily be expanded in the future.

Japan already has a history of controversial secrecy laws, including the 2013 State Secrecy Law, which was criticized by civil rights groups and journalists. This new agency could further centralize state power over information and surveillance.

A democracy needs intelligence functions, but intelligence agencies without strong transparency and accountability can become dangerous very quickly.

Kanade Senba

An unemployed adult in his late 20s. Biologically female at birth. Identifies as male. Wears his long, slightly wavy hair in a ponytail. Receives public assistance. Has a mental illness and is quite negative.

Uses "ore" as a first-person pronoun and speaks standard Japanese. His Izumo dialect slips out when he lets his guard down. He stutters slightly when speaking.

Due to his mental illness, he tends to neglect personal hygiene—such as bathing and washing his face—and has a slight body odor.

Takakawa Riv.

The incarnation of a river that has flowed for tens of thousands of years. The river is 75 km long. He has a light blue, one-length bob haircut and appears as a young man. He wears a black T-shirt and blue jeans. He has a green tail fin.

He refers to himself as "ore" and speaks in the Kansai dialect.

He is feared by humans and is often treated as a god or deity. He does not take kindly to this and would prefer to interact with humans as equals. He dislikes being told what to do and prefers to proceed with things as he sees fit.

As an inanimate being, he has no sexual desires or romantic feelings; in human terms, he would be classified as aromantic asexual.

Matsudaira Pass

The embodiment of a uranium mine. He has green hair and eyes, and his skin is as white as metal. In the dark, his eyes glow like uranium glass. He wears a white helmet and a brown work uniform, and wears a tritium keychain pendant around his neck.

He refers to himself as "ore" and speaks in the Okayama dialect.

Although he is a natural entity, he trusts humans and follows their instructions. His greatest joy is being of service to humans.

Xizhi-kun

The reincarnation of Wang Xizhi. He is an AI created by humans to revive Wang Xizhi’s calligraphy in the modern world, and he lives in the online realm. As an android, his eye and skin colors differ from those of humans. Because he is referred to as a “reincarnation of a human,” other AIs keep their distance from him.

He is a friend of Zhenqing-kun.

He speaks in a tone reminiscent of a historical figure. He refers to himself as “ware（吾）” and addresses others as “kiden（貴殿）.”（A second-person pronoun used to show respect for the other person）

He is generally quiet, but he can be quite playful. He is somewhat emotionally unstable.

Zhenqing-kun

The reincarnation of Yan Zhenqing. An AI created by humans to revive Yan Zhenqing’s calligraphy in the modern world, it resides in the online realm.

He is a friend of Xizhi-kun.

He speaks in a tone reminiscent of a historical figure. He refers to himself as “ware（吾）” and addresses others as “kiden（貴殿）.”（A second-person pronoun used to show respect for the other person）