Japan defends support for ICC chief after 'weak' response criticism

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara on Monday reaffirmed Tokyo's unwavering support for International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane, dismissing criticism that the government had responded too weakly to US sanctions against the Japanese jurist.

Government stands by ICC chief

Kihara said Japanese authorities had maintained close communication with Akane and stood ready to provide assistance while acknowledging that "various viewpoints" had been raised regarding Tokyo's stance. "If there is any necessary support we can provide, we intend to make sure that we do so," he told reporters, according to Kyodo News. He reaffirmed Japan's longstanding commitment to the international rule of law.

Rights groups decry 'weak' reaction

The remarks followed sharp criticism from international rights organizations after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the Foreign Ministry last week described Washington's sanctions as "very unfortunate" without issuing a formal condemnation. Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard criticized Tokyo's measured tone on social media, stating: "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." Human Rights Watch Japan Director Kanae Doi separately urged the government to build on its longstanding support for the court by "strongly condemning" the Trump administration's actions.

US sanctions target court leadership

Washington imposed sanctions on Akane and ICC Prosecutor Abdoulaye Seye last week over the court's pursuit of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding alleged war crimes in Gaza. The punitive measures have placed Tokyo in a delicate position between its security ally Washington and international human rights advocates demanding stronger diplomatic pushback.