In response to US sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Japanese president, Tomoko Akane, former Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani has called on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to adopt a firmer position. Nakatani views these sanctions as a threat to the rules-based international order and insists that Japan should push the United States to retract them.
Nakatani argues that Japan should balance its critical security ties with the United States while also upholding the rule of law and supporting the ICC. He cautions that Japan’s silence on the matter could damage its credibility with global partners and the US. This appeal comes as Takaichi prepares for an anticipated visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, where she is likely to meet President Donald Trump. A bipartisan group of Japanese lawmakers, led by Nakatani, intends to formally present their demands to the government.
Previously, Takaichi referred to the US sanctions against the ICC as unfortunate and contradictory to Japan’s policy. However, Nakatani is pressing for a more robust protest from Tokyo, urging the government to explicitly call for the revocation of the sanctions against Akane and the court.
The United States has implemented these sanctions, accusing the ICC of overstepping its authority, particularly in cases involving Israeli officials and US military personnel. These measures include asset restrictions under US jurisdiction and barring entry into the United States for certain court officials.
Despite these sanctions, Akane remains resolute in her commitment to her role. She has called on Japan and other member states of the ICC to support the court and encourage the United States to refrain from additional escalation.