Gen Nakatani, Japan’s former Defense Minister, has called on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to adopt a more assertive approach concerning US sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Japanese president, Tomoko Akane. Nakatani has criticized these sanctions, viewing them as a threat to the rules-based international order. He has urged the Japanese government to pressure Washington to retract these measures. He emphasized the importance of Japan balancing its strong security ties with the United States while upholding the rule of law and supporting the ICC.
Nakatani has expressed concerns that Japan’s silence on this issue could harm its credibility with both international allies and the United States. His appeal comes in the lead-up to Takaichi’s anticipated visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, where a meeting with President Donald Trump is also a possibility. In support of Nakatani’s stance, a cross-party coalition of Japanese lawmakers is preparing to formally present their demands to the government.
Previously, Takaichi has described the US sanctions against the ICC as regrettable and misaligned with Japan’s policy. However, Nakatani is urging Tokyo to issue a more forceful protest and to specifically call for the withdrawal of the measures targeting Akane and the court. The United States has imposed these sanctions in response to the ICC’s investigations involving Israeli officials and US military personnel, arguing that the court has overstepped its mandate. These sanctions include restrictions on assets within US jurisdictions and entry bans into the country.
Despite the sanctions, Akane has remained resolute in her commitment to her work. She has called on Japan and other ICC member states to support the court and encourage the United States to refrain from further escalations. Akane’s stance highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining international legal norms and navigating diplomatic relations with key allies.
