Former Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani is calling on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to adopt a firmer position against U.S. sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Japanese president, Tomoko Akane. Nakatani criticized the sanctions as an assault on the rules-based international order and urged the Japanese government to demand their withdrawal by Washington. He emphasized that Japan should be able to uphold its strong security alliance with the U.S. while also advocating for the rule of law and supporting the ICC.
Nakatani’s call for action comes as Takaichi prepares for her upcoming visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, where a meeting with President Donald Trump may take place. A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers, with Nakatani at the helm, plans to formally present their demands to the government. Takaichi has previously expressed that the U.S. sanctions against the ICC are unfortunate and inconsistent with Japan’s policy, but Nakatani is pushing for a more forceful protest and a clear call for the sanctions against Akane and the court to be lifted.
The U.S. has imposed these sanctions on ICC officials, accusing the court of overstepping its authority, particularly in investigations involving Israeli officials and U.S. military personnel. The sanctions include restrictions on assets within U.S. jurisdiction and entry into the United States. Nakatani warned that Japan’s silence on the matter could weaken its credibility with international partners and the U.S.
Despite the sanctions, Akane has remained resolute in her commitment to her work and has encouraged Japan and other ICC member states to defend the court. She has called on them to persuade Washington to refrain from further escalation. Nakatani argues that Japan should strike a balance between maintaining its alliance with the U.S. and standing up for international norms and the ICC.
