US sanctions on ICC director and Putin's visit to the Northern Territories, criticizes government's response as ``weak''

The administration has been criticized for being ``weak'' in response to the United States' sanctions against International Criminal Court (ICC) Director Tomoko Akane and Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Northern Territories. Regarding the ICC issue, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi did not bother criticizing or protesting against Japan's only ally, only calling it ``regrettable.'' This is because diplomacy with Russia has not been able to come up with countermeasures due to concerns about the impact on energy supplies.

A joint meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee and other groups was held on the 21st at the Liberal Democratic Party headquarters. Attendees continued to complain about the government, saying, ``We should ask the United States to lift sanctions'' and ``We need to protect Mr. Akane.''

Japan, which emphasizes the "rule of law," is the largest contributor to the ICC. In January, the prime minister met with Akane, the first Japanese director of the center, at the prime minister's office and promised "strong support."

However, even though reports circulated early on the 19th that Akane had been designated as subject to sanctions, the government's actions were slow. It was after 6pm when the prime minister finally spoke. ``I feel very sorry,'' he said, making no mention of his support for the ICC or his protest against the United States. This is in contrast to European countries that have repeatedly announced their support for Akane and others.

A former cabinet minister pointed out, ``The prime minister's message is completely lacking.'' Callamard, secretary-general of the international human rights organization Amnesty International, lamented on X (formerly Twitter) that the Japanese government's message was "pretty weak."

When Mr. Putin visited the Northern Territories, the prime minister immediately objected, saying that he had made it difficult to restore relations in the medium to long term. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the ambassador to Japan to protest.

The government is considering tightening economic sanctions and temporarily repatriating Ambassador Muto to Russia as its next steps, but even after a week has passed, no decision has been made. This is because it could affect imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia's Sakhalin. Some within the government are saying, ``We have no choice but to consider energy issues.''

Asked about countermeasures at a press conference on the 20th, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Mogi said, ``We will respond appropriately while comprehensively considering what is necessary for Japan's national interests.'' Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara also told reporters that the matter is being considered within the government.