Tokyo expressed strong dissatisfaction following Washington’s decision to place sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national, labeling the move unacceptable.
Speaking to journalists at her Tokyo office, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the American measures directed at Akane were highly concerning, adding:
”The U.S. sanctions against Akane are “deeply regrettable,” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo.”
”We will respond while continuing to communicate closely with the United States and other countries involved,” the prime minister said.
The Japanese Foreign Ministry also voiced disapproval through Press Secretary Toshihiro Kitamura, who reiterated Tokyo’s backing of the tribunal’s mission:
”Japan has consistently supported the ICC, which is a permanent international criminal court, in its efforts to prosecute and punish the most serious crimes of concern to the international community and to uphold the rule of law,” the statement said.
”Japan will remain committed to strengthening the rule of law in the international community, while maintaining communication with related countries,” it said.
The retaliatory action by President Donald Trump’s administration comes amid escalating friction with the Hague-based court over its inquiries into potential war crimes by U.S. personnel and its decision to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Washington previously pledged to use every available mechanism to undermine the court’s operations.
The move against a prominent Japanese official by Tokyo’s primary treaty ally caught diplomatic circles off guard. An official within the Foreign Ministry noted:
”The United States likely wants to weaken the ICC at any cost,” a senior Foreign Ministry official said.
”The impact of sanctions on the ICC chief is significant.” “Trump may be afraid he will also face prosecution,” a government source said.
As the ICC’s primary financial sponsor, Japan faces growing pressure across the political spectrum to push back. Gen Nakatani, co-leader of a parliamentary group focusing on human rights diplomacy, publicly demanded that the measures be revoked, emphasizing:
The U.S. measure “is a serious violation of the rule of law,” he said. “(Washington) has crossed the line,” an LDP veteran said. “This cannot be overlooked.”
Despite the outcry, diplomatic insiders remain realistic about reversing Washington’s stance, with a Foreign Ministry source noting:
”It’s unrealistic to try to change the Trump administration’s position,” a Foreign Ministry source said. “All we can do is support Akane as much as we can.”
A lawmaker from the governing party also advised caution, noting:
”the Japan-U.S. alliance cannot be described as rock-solid.”