Wave of AI-Powered Cyberattacks Hits Japan, Prompting Government Intervention

Japanese companies face a cascade of sophisticated cyberattacks fueled by artificial intelligence, with the government urging urgent security overhauls. Over 500 confirmed cyberattacks struck Japan in 2026, exceeding the previous year's count of 473, with a single day in September recording 13 major breaches—the highest daily toll of the year. High-profile targets have included SoftBank Corp., Daiwa Securities, convenience chain Lawson, and car-sharing service Times Car, which reported 6.6 million customer accounts compromised.