TOKYO, Japan — The Japanese government is facing an uphill battle in its efforts to persuade Washington to reverse its recent sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), as the Trump administration pushes forward with measures aimed at undermining the tribunal.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has strongly reiterated Tokyo’s backing for the global court, warning that the U.S. move could threaten the international rule of law that Japan has championed since the conclusion of World War II.
Immediately following the U.S. announcement on Friday night, Takaichi took to social media to voice her administration’s stance.
”Incompatible with Japan’s… position, and Japan is deeply concerned about them,” Takaichi wrote.
During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, she reaffirmed that Tokyo will “continue to communicate” with Washington while working alongside partner nations to “support the ICC’s activities in cooperation with countries concerned.”
Swiftly responding to the crisis, Japan joined forces with seven other nations—including France, Germany, and Britain—on Saturday to release a joint declaration stating that they “strongly disagree with the announcement of sanctions.”
Japanese officials have expressed deep alarm over the measures. A Foreign Ministry official described the fallout as “significant,” while another government insider bluntly stated that the penalties effectively “deny the existence of the ICC.”
Despite prior diplomatic efforts, including a September summit where Takaichi personally conveyed her support for the court to U.S. President Donald Trump, Washington proceeded with the penalties. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later reinforced the administration’s hardline stance during a phone call with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Saturday.
Acknowledging the heavy diplomatic hurdles ahead, a senior Foreign Ministry official said Tokyo plans to rally allied nations to press Washington for a reconsideration.
”We have no choice but to continue lobbying at all levels,” the official stated.