TOKYO, Japan — The Japanese government is exploring the possibility of arranging a meeting between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced on Thursday.
The consideration comes as Akane, a Japanese national, and the ICC face sanctions from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Kihara disclosed the diplomatic plans after receiving a formal proposal from Gen Nakatani and Yasue Funayama, co-chairs of a suprapartisan parliamentary group dedicated to human rights diplomacy. The lawmakers urged both Prime Minister Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi to meet with Akane upon her return to Japan later this month.
Financial Support for the ICC
During discussions, Kihara also noted that the government is evaluating a proposal to make an advance payment of Japan’s financial contribution to the ICC for 2027 before the end of the year.
However, addressing reporters at a later press conference, Kihara clarified that a final decision regarding the early contribution has not yet been finalized.
”The government will continue to consider what financial measures it can take,” Kihara stated.