Japan’s former defense chief urges PM to challenge US sanctions on ICC president

Former Japanese defense minister Gen Nakatani criticized the United States' recent decision to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Japanese president, Tomoko Akane. Nakatani called the move an outright attack on the rules-based international order. He urged Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to strongly protest the sanctions and demand their withdrawal, as well as express Japan's continued support for the ICC and Akane.

Nakatani, a senior member of Takaichi's governing Liberal Democratic Party and a national security expert, argued that Japan's adherence to the rule of law should not come at the expense of its alliance with the United States. He warned that being too docile at a crucial time could lead to a loss of trust from the United States.

Takaichi has faced criticism for perceived weakness in balancing Japan's support for the rule of law and its ties with the Trump administration. However, she has described the U.S. sanctions on the ICC as "unfortunate" and incompatible with Japan's policy. Nakatani urged Takaichi to firmly protest and demand the U.S. retract its sanctions against the ICC and Akane, while maintaining Japan's support for the court and its president.