Japan has taken a measured approach in response to the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on Tomoko Akane, the president of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the sanctions as “very unfortunate” and indicated that Japan plans to continue dialogues with the United States and other involved nations. Japanese officials have stressed the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the US, given its status as Japan’s sole treaty ally.
As the largest financial supporter of the ICC, Japan has also contributed significantly in terms of personnel to the court. Akane, a former Japanese prosecutor, became an ICC judge in 2018 and was elected as the court’s president in 2024, marking the first time a Japanese citizen has held this prestigious position. Despite Japan’s measured public stance, the government has expressed its support for Akane and the ICC in the past. In January, Takaichi met with Akane during her visit to Japan and reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to the ICC’s role.
The US has taken a progressively adversarial stance toward the ICC. In February 2025, then-President Donald Trump authorized sanctions against ICC personnel, a move later reiterated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized Washington’s intent to weaken the court and encourage allies to oppose it. Despite these developments, Japan opted not to join an international statement condemning the US sanctions, citing its relationship with Washington as a reason for its abstention.
Akane criticized Japan’s choice to refrain from condemning the US actions, urging the country to adopt a stronger stance in support of the ICC and uphold the rule of law. Despite these criticisms, Japan remains steadfast in its backing of the court, highlighting the complex balancing act the nation faces in navigating its foreign relations.