August 21, 2026

The U.S. Trump administration’s decision to impose sanctions on ICC President Akane has drawn criticism even from U.S. allies, including France. Meanwhile, Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi merely stated that the sanctions are “very unfortunate.”

It appears that Japan has no intention of criticizing the sanctions or calling for their withdrawal.

However, in January of this year, after receiving a courtesy visit from Akane, PM Takaichi posted the following on her X account. Takaichi wrote that the rule of law in the international community forms the foundation of peace and prosperity. She described the ICC as an international criminal tribunal to eradicate and prevent serious crimes, and noted that the ICC plays a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law. She added that she sent a heartfelt message to Akane that Japan will continue to provide strong support for the ICC so that the court can fulfill its role.

If that is the case, Takaichi should lodge a firm protest with Trump and demand that the U.S. administration withdraw its sanctions and end its campaign to dismantle the ICC.

Last February, when Trump issued an executive order imposing sanctions on ICC staff and their families, about 80 countries, including major U.S. allies such as Germany, France, and the U.K., issued a joint statement in support of the ICC. However, the Japanese government did not sign onto this statement.

Akane in her book published last year emphasized that it was “extremely regrettable” that Japan did not add its name to such a modest joint statement that did not even name the United States. In the book, she stated that the Japanese government should send a strong message to the world that “Japan will defend the ICC.”

Takaichi’s cowardly attitude toward Trump is tantamount to demonstrating to the international community that Japan chooses on occasion to disregard the “rule of law.”