Former Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani is calling on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to take a firmer stance against U.S. sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Japanese president, Tomoko Akane. Nakatani has criticized the sanctions as a threat to the rules-based international order, urging the Japanese government to pressure Washington to repeal these measures.
Nakatani emphasized the importance of Japan balancing its strong security alliance with the United States while also 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 U.S. as well. This appeal comes amidst Takaichi’s anticipated trip to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, where she is expected to meet with President Donald Trump. A coalition of Japanese lawmakers, led by Nakatani, plans to formally present their demands to the government.
Although Takaichi has previously expressed disappointment with the U.S. sanctions, labeling them as unfortunate and contradictory to Japan’s policy, Nakatani is urging Tokyo to issue a stronger protest. He wants the government to explicitly call for the withdrawal of the sanctions against Akane and the court. The United States, accusing the ICC of overstepping its authority, imposed these sanctions in response to the court’s investigations involving Israeli officials and U.S. military personnel. The sanctions include restrictions on assets under U.S. jurisdiction and entry bans into the United States.
Despite the sanctions, Akane has remained resolute, stating that they have not deterred her commitment to her work. She has called on Japan and other member states of the ICC to stand in defense of the court and to persuade Washington against further escalating the situation.
