Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has expressed deep concern over the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying the move conflicts with Japan’s longstanding commitment to international law.
Takaichi said Japan would continue supporting the court and engaging with Washington to ensure it could carry out its mandate. She reiterated Tokyo’s position in a statement following the US decision to add the Hague-based tribunal to its sanctions list.
Bloomberg reported that the sanctions mark an escalation in US President Donald Trump’s campaign against the ICC, which Washington has criticised over its investigations and legal actions involving US and Israeli officials.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the measures were incompatible with the country’s position on international justice. He also stressed the importance of the ICC addressing challenges to its administration and maintaining international confidence.
The ICC has condemned the US sanctions as an attack on the rule of law and international legal order, urging member states to help ensure it can continue its work.
Japan is a member of the ICC and has consistently supported international courts. The United States is not a member of the tribunal.
