ICC sanctions make it difficult for the U.S. to change its mind, so Japan continues to lobby

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on the 13th that he would "continue to support" the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to the US Trump administration's designation of the organization itself as subject to sanctions. He also expressed his intention to continue reaching out to the United States while cooperating with the international community. However, it will not be easy to get the US to change its mind. This is a situation that threatens to undermine the ``rule of law,'' which Japan has consistently emphasized since the end of the war.

More than 170,000 signatures submitted by students of ICC Director Akane to the country to lift sanctions

At the House of Representatives Budget Committee on the 13th, the prime minister emphasized, ``We will continue to communicate with the United States and work together with related countries to support the ICC's activities.'' On the night of the 9th, immediately after the US announced the sanctions, he posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, ``This is not compatible with Japan's position, and I am deeply concerned.''

When the U.S. government designated ICC Director Tomoko Akane as a sanction target in August, the prime minister said only that it was "very disappointing" and was criticized for being "weak." In response to the latest sanctions, the Japanese government immediately expressed support for the ICC. The United Kingdom, France, Germany and other countries issued a statement saying they "strongly oppose" the move, and on the 10th, as a member of the ICC Conference of States Parties' delegation, they released a statement calling for its immediate withdrawal.

The Japanese government's rapid actions reflect a sense of crisis. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs source said, ``The impact of sanctions will be significant,'' and government officials do not hide their anxiety, saying, ``It denies the existence of the ICC.'' In light of the fact that a 180-day grace period has been set for some of the sanctions, a senior Foreign Ministry official said, ``We will approach countries that have expressed support for the ICC and the United States,'' indicating their intention to take swift action.

However, the US administration is aiming to dismantle the ICC, and there is a wide gap in its position with the Japanese government. Until now, Japan has been urging the US side behind the scenes not to put pressure on the ICC. Prime Minister explained his support for the ICC to President Trump at the Japan-U.S. summit meeting in September. Although it was confirmed that the foreign ministers would communicate regarding the ICC issue, they were unable to stop the latest sanctions.