In a move highlighting Japan’s diplomatic balancing act, former Defense Minister Gen Nakatani has called on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to adopt a firmer position against U.S. sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Japanese president, Tomoko Akane. Nakatani criticized the sanctions as undermining the rules-based international order and urged the Japanese government to press Washington for their withdrawal.
Nakatani emphasized that Japan should maintain its strong security alliance with the United States while also upholding international law and supporting the ICC. He warned that Japan’s failure to voice its opposition could damage its credibility both globally and with its U.S. ally. This call for action comes as Takaichi prepares for an anticipated visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, where a meeting with President Donald Trump is possible. A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers, spearheaded by Nakatani, intends to formally present their demands to the government.
Previously, Takaichi had characterized the U.S. sanctions against the ICC as unfortunate and inconsistent with Japan’s policies. However, Nakatani is pushing for a more robust protest from Tokyo, explicitly calling for the removal of the sanctions imposed on Akane and the court. The United States justified its actions by accusing the ICC of overstepping its authority, particularly concerning investigations involving Israeli officials and U.S. military personnel.
The sanctions imposed by the U.S. encompass restrictions on assets within U.S. jurisdiction and limitations on entry into the country. Despite these pressures, Akane has remained resolute, asserting that the sanctions have not deterred her commitment to her duties. She has called on Japan and other ICC member states to stand in defense of the court and to encourage Washington to refrain from any further escalation of the situation.