In a significant development, former Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani has called on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to adopt a more assertive position against the United States’ sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Japanese president, Tomoko Akane. Nakatani criticized these sanctions as an assault on the international rule-based order and urged the Japanese government to request their withdrawal from Washington.
Nakatani emphasized that Japan should balance its strong security alliance with the U.S. while upholding the rule of law and supporting the ICC. He cautioned that Japan’s failure to address the issue could damage its credibility with both international allies and the United States. This appeal comes ahead of Prime Minister Takaichi’s anticipated visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, where she might also have a meeting with President Donald Trump. A coalition of Japanese lawmakers, led by Nakatani, is preparing to formally present their demands to the government.
Prime Minister Takaichi has previously expressed that the U.S. sanctions against the ICC are unfortunate and contradict Japan’s policy. However, Nakatani is urging Tokyo to issue a stronger protest and explicitly call for the sanctions against Akane and the court to be lifted. The U.S. has accused the ICC of overstepping its authority, imposing sanctions on court officials due to investigations involving Israeli and U.S. military personnel. These measures include limitations on assets under U.S. jurisdiction and restrictions on entry into the United States.
Despite these challenges, Akane has stated that the sanctions have not deterred her from her responsibilities. She has called on Japan and other ICC member states to defend the court’s integrity and persuade Washington to prevent any further tensions. This situation places Japan in a complex diplomatic position as it seeks to navigate its alliances and commitment to international legal standards.