Former Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani has called on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to adopt a firmer position against US sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Japanese president, Tomoko Akane. Nakatani has criticized these sanctions as a challenge to the rules-based international order and urged the Japanese government to press Washington for their withdrawal. He emphasized that Japan should continue to uphold its strong security alliance with the United States while also championing the rule of law and supporting the ICC’s mission.
Nakatani’s appeal comes as Takaichi is set to visit the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, where she may have the opportunity to engage with President Donald Trump. In anticipation of this visit, a bipartisan group of Japanese lawmakers, led by Nakatani, intends to formally present their concerns to the government. Takaichi has previously voiced her view that the US sanctions against the ICC are regrettable and misaligned with Japan’s policy; however, Nakatani is advocating for a more forceful protest from Tokyo, specifically urging for the removal of measures against Akane and the court.
The United States has justified its sanctions by accusing the ICC of overstepping its authority, particularly in investigations involving Israeli officials and US military personnel. These sanctions include asset freezes within US jurisdiction and travel bans to the United States. Despite the pressure, Akane has remained undeterred in her commitment to her responsibilities at the ICC, calling upon Japan and other member states to safeguard the court’s integrity and encourage the US to de-escalate the situation.
Nakatani has cautioned that Japan’s silence on this issue could damage its credibility with both international partners and the United States. His remarks underscore the delicate balance Japan seeks to maintain between its longstanding alliance with the US and its principles supporting international legal frameworks. As the situation unfolds, the response from Japan’s leadership will be closely watched, particularly in the context of Takaichi’s upcoming diplomatic engagements in the United States.