Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s dedication to the rule of law and support for international judicial institutions during her speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 22. Emphasizing the importance of a free and open international order, Takaichi highlighted Japan’s ongoing contributions to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other judicial bodies, even as she avoided direct mention of the recent U.S. sanctions against ICC President Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national.
Takaichi’s address underscored Japan’s consistent backing of international courts, which includes the participation of Japanese judges. She also advocated for the removal of outdated “enemy state” clauses from the UN Charter, aligning with a 2005 UN General Assembly resolution that recommended their deletion.
In addition to judicial matters, Takaichi called for reforms to the UN Security Council to better reflect current global realities. She suggested expanding both permanent and non-permanent membership to enhance the council’s representation and effectiveness.
The Japanese Prime Minister also touched on pressing economic and security issues, emphasizing the need to reinforce supply-chain resilience and cautioning against arbitrary restrictions on the export of critical resources and minerals. On the topic of artificial intelligence, Takaichi acknowledged both the opportunities and security challenges posed by the technology, announcing Japan’s intention to host an AI summit to explore associated risks.
Takaichi’s speech positioned Japan as a proponent of multilateral cooperation, UN reform, and strategic responses to emerging technological and security challenges, all within the framework of the rule of law.
