Japan Targets 50,000 Cybersecurity Experts by 2030 to Strengthen Digital Defence
The Japanese government has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its cybersecurity workforce to 50,000 professionals by 2030, aiming to close the current skills gap and boost national defences against rising cyber threats.
As of April 2025, Japan has about 24,000 certified professionals holding the Registered Information Security Specialist (RISS) license, a national certification introduced in 2016 to ensure standardized cybersecurity expertise across industries.
To double that number within the next five years, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has launched a strategic initiative focused on improving training programs, advancing cybersecurity education, and offering incentives for professionals to pursue RISS certification.
Financial Reforms and Incentives
Currently, RISS holders are required to pay over ¥100,000 every three years for renewal through mandatory courses. Acknowledging the financial burden on active professionals, a government-appointed panel has proposed exemptions from certain renewal requirements starting in fiscal year 2026, easing the cost for those contributing significantly to the sector.
A Growing Market
Japan’s cybersecurity market continues to expand. Valued at USD 8.65 billion in 2024, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is fueled by government investment, rapid digitalization, and the rising frequency of cyber incidents.
Strengthening Global Partnerships: EU-Japan Digital Alliance
Japan is also reinforcing its global cybersecurity posture through strategic partnerships, particularly with the European Union. During the third EU-Japan Digital Partnership Council meeting in Tokyo on May 12, 2025, both parties reaffirmed their collaboration.
Highlights include:
- Cybersecurity Collaboration: Renewed commitment to information sharing, joint training exercises, and common security standards. The sixth EU-Japan Cyber Dialogue in November 2024 further advanced efforts to protect critical infrastructure and improve product security.
- Joint Innovation: Collaborative research in AI, 5G/6G, and quantum computing is underway, focusing on boosting innovation, competitiveness, and the resilience of digital infrastructure.
- Trusted Data Governance: The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, in effect since July 1, 2024, supports secure cross-border data flows and strengthens data protection standards, reinforcing mutual trust in digital trade.
Cybersecurity Strategy Goals for 2030
Japan’s comprehensive cybersecurity roadmap includes:
- Workforce Development: Achieving the 50,000 expert goal through intensive education and certification initiatives.
- Technology Adoption: Integrating AI and machine learning to enhance threat detection and response.
- International Engagement: Deepening cooperation with global partners to collectively tackle cyber threats.
- Policy Support: Introducing regulatory changes to support and retain cybersecurity professionals, including easing certification renewal requirements.
Through these measures, Japan aims to build a robust, future-ready cybersecurity ecosystem capable of navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape.
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