Japan Caught in Delicate Diplomatic Position as US Sanctions Target ICC Judge Tomoko Akane

Japan has long championed the International Criminal Court as a cornerstone of the rules-based international order. This week, that position became complicated when its closest ally imposed sanctions on the Japanese judge who presides over the Hague-based tribunal.

The development has placed Tokyo in a challenging diplomatic position: publicly defending Judge Tomoko Akane, the court’s president, risks straining relations with the United States under President Donald Trump, while adopting a softer stance could signal weakness in defending an institution central to Japan’s commitment to international law and order.

Washington’s sanctions, announced on Tuesday, drew swift condemnation from the European Union, multiple European governments, and human rights organizations. A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed serious concern regarding the measures.

The Japanese government maintained a measured response. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the sanctions as “deeply regrettable” and emphasized Japan’s intention to continue engaging closely with the United States and other affected parties.

A statement from Japan’s Foreign Ministry noted, “Japan has consistently supported the ICC, a permanent international court, in its efforts to prosecute and punish the most serious crimes of international concern and to uphold the rule of law. From this perspective, the announced measures are profoundly unfortunate.”

The ministry reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening the rule of international law, stating that the country “will remain dedicated to promoting global adherence to legal norms and institutions.”

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