Japan reiterates support for US-sanctioned ICC president after backlash over ‘weak’ response

Japan on Monday reiterated its support for International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane after rights groups criticized Tokyo for what they described as a weak response to US sanctions against the Japanese judge, Kyodo News reported.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Tokyo had maintained close communication with Akane and was prepared to provide any necessary support.

“If there is any necessary support we can provide, we intend to make sure that we do so,” Kihara said, according to Kyodo.

The remarks followed criticism from international rights groups after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the Foreign Ministry last week described Washington’s sanctions as “very unfortunate,” but stopped short of condemning the move.

Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard criticized Tokyo’s response on US social media company X.

“This is a rather weak reaction from Japan to the sanctioning of their national and President of the ICC. They ‘note’ the sanction and reaffirm their commitment to the ICC,” she said.

Human Rights Watch Japan Director Kanae Doi also said the government should build on its longstanding support for the ICC by “strongly condemning” the Trump administration’s actions against the court.

Kihara acknowledged that “various viewpoints” had been raised but declined to address them individually, reiterating Japan’s longstanding support for the ICC and the international rule of law.

Washington sanctioned Akane and ICC prosecutor Abdoulaye Seye last week. Seye was involved in seeking an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza.