Japan vows support for US-sanctioned ICC head amid criticism of response

Japan pledged assistance for U.S.-backed ICC chief amid US criticism

The Japanese government pledged any necessary support to International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane on Monday, following her sanction by the United States amid accusations that its response has been inadequate. The government refrained from outright criticism of the U.S. administration that imposed sanctions on Akane, the first Japanese national to lead the ICC, accusing the Hague-based court of overstepping state sovereignty.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated at a press conference in Tokyo that the government has maintained close communication with Akane and will ensure support if required.

The Prime Minister's office and Japanese Foreign Ministry's statements on Wednesday, describing the sanctions as "very unfortunate," have drawn scrutiny from international rights organizations. Amnesty International's Secretary General Agnes Callamard criticized the government's reaction as a "rather weak response" in a post on X. Kanae Doi, Japan director at Human Rights Watch, urged the government to strengthen its longstanding support for the ICC by vigorously condemning the Trump administration's attacks on the court.

The criticism resonated with a bipartisan parliamentary group of lawmakers focused on human rights diplomacy, who stated in a statement that the government's response was "far weaker than that of other countries" and called for an official protest and immediate action to compel the sanctions to be withdrawn.

Kihara acknowledged the variety of viewpoints raised and promised the government would refrain from commenting individually on each one. Japan, the top government spokesman said, has consistently supported the ICC in its efforts to punish and eradicate the most serious crimes concerning the international community and uphold the rule of law.