In present article the author opens some features of activity of the Russian and Japanese secret and security services during the ending of the Russian-Japanese war of 1904-1905. Despite of attempts made by the Russian secret service to counteract the Japanese espionage, representatives of Japanese reconnaissance body actively directed secret agents to the Russian rear. Languid and unsystematic conducting espionage and counter-espionage work by Russian bodies promoted successful activity of Japanese reconnaissance bodies. Russia underestimated the potential opponent. Taking into account sad experience of the Russian-Japanese war Russian secret and security services in the next years were more effective and better organized.

Key words: secret service, Russia, Japan, Russian-Japanese war, espionage.