ICC chief Akane's book gets boost after US slaps sanctions

A book authored by International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane has experienced a surge in sales following the United States' imposition of sanctions against her and the tribunal itself. Senso hanzai to tatakau, or Fighting war crimes, chronicles Akane's journey from her origins to her position within the ICC, exploring the responsibilities and importance of the tribunal.

As of Tuesday, the book had sold 85,000 copies, according to publisher Bungeishunju Ltd., which also reported receiving inquiries about alternative methods to support the ICC. Akane, the first Japanese individual to helm the ICC, was among the ICC judges under U.S. sanctions in August, facing a freeze on her assets within the United States.

Washington has accused the ICC of overstepping its bounds by infringing on state sovereignty. On Friday, the U.S. escalated its efforts to dismantle the tribunal by announcing sanctions against the court as a whole, following the Nobel Peace Prize award to a former ICC judge, Navanethem Pillay, in the same year. In her book, published prior to the sanctions, Akane foresaw the ICC facing opposition and affirmed the court's commitment to upholding the rule of law.

The book has been republished five times since August, with the publisher reporting it is now on its ninth printing. Readers may be empathizing with the situation more deeply, given that Akane is a Japanese national, and not viewing the issue purely as an international conflict, according to editor Nanami Torishima, 44. Many individuals appear to be supporting and standing in solidarity with Akane, she added.

Following a discussion with the judge, Bungeishunju introduced the Trust Fund for Victims as an option for those seeking additional ways to support the ICC.