ICC Chief Urges Japan to Counter US Pressure Against the Court
International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane urged Japan on Wednesday to counter an aggressive U.S. diplomatic campaign aimed at pressuring member states to quit the tribunal. The appeal follows a decision by the Trump administration last week to sanction Akane and a senior trial lawyer at the Hague-based court.
Akane Issues Urgent Plea to Tokyo
Washington Targets the Hague Over Israel and Afghanistan
The move follows the court’s decision to seek an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside a past probe into U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Although the United States is not an ICC member, Washington has stated it will step up efforts to persuade other nations to withdraw from the institution.
Five Nations Yield to U.S. Pressure
Speaking via a video link to reporters in Tokyo in an event organized by the Japan National Press Club, Akane stated that at least five countries have already heeded Washington’s call to leave.
As the ICC’s biggest financial backer, Japan holds a critical role in ensuring the court’s survival.
“Japan has long made the rule of law a cornerstone of its diplomacy. Consequently, both I and the international community hold high expectations for Japan,” Akane said.
She added that Tokyo should use its close ties with the United States to dissuade Washington from taking further escalatory measures and help neighboring ICC member countries resist withdrawal.
Takaichi Faces Domestic Blowback
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi initially described the sanctions against court officials as “very unfortunate.” However, Takaichi has faced criticism from domestic opposition parties, human rights groups, and some lawmakers within her own party for not offering a more forceful defense of the court.
A Defining Test for Japanese Foreign Policy
During her briefing, Akane rejected U.S. allegations that the tribunal had infringed upon the sovereignty of countries that do not accept its jurisdiction.
“I can state categorically that there is absolutely no reason for me to be sanctioned,” Akane said, calling the move a crisis for the rule of law.
Akane emphasized that countries and the media view this moment as a litmus test for Japan’s foreign policy commitments. Japan officially joined the ICC in 2007.