The President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Tomoko Akane, has called on Japan to resist attempts by the United States to pressure member states to leave the organization. She emphasized that Tokyo’s support is essential for the court’s future.
Speaking to journalists in Tokyo via video link, Akane urged Japan, the largest financial donor to the ICC, to back the court during this challenging period. “Japan has long regarded the rule of law as the cornerstone of its diplomacy. That is why both I and the international community place great hopes on Japan,” said Akane, who is herself a citizen of Japan.
She also asked Japan to concentrate on helping neighboring ICC member states so they do not succumb to the new US campaign and consider exiting the court.
US Campaign and Its Consequences
The administration of US President Donald Trump last week intensified its campaign against the court in The Hague, imposing sanctions on Akane and a senior ICC lawyer. Washington said it would also increase efforts to persuade other countries to leave the institution. At least five countries have already taken that step.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi initially described the decision as “very regrettable,” but faced criticism from the opposition, human‑rights groups, and some members of her own party for not defending the court more resolutely.
The ICC was established by the international community in 2002 to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. The United States is not a member of the court. Meanwhile, the ICC’s request for an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a close ally of the US, and a prior investigation into American personnel in Afghanistan have angered Washington.
“Litmus Test” for Japan
Akane said that Japan, which joined the ICC in 2007, should use its close ties with the US to persuade Washington not to pursue further escalatory measures.
“Countries, people and the media say this is a litmus test for their expectations of Japan… Japan’s active support for the ICC will significantly contribute to its survival,” she emphasized. “This is where the real challenge begins,” added Akane.
