Japan PM Backs International Criminal Court

Published: 23 September 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reaffirmed her country’s “consistent support” for the International Criminal Court (ICC), following renewed criticism of the institution by US President Donald Trump and growing pressure within Japan for the government to defend the court more publicly.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Takaichi linked Japan’s support for the ICC to the country’s postwar commitment to international law and multilateral cooperation. She said Japan had placed particular emphasis on the rule of law in resolving international conflicts and that this approach was reflected in its backing for international organisations, including the ICC.

Her remarks came at a politically sensitive moment for Japan and the court. The ICC has faced increasingly hostile rhetoric from the Trump administration, which has imposed sanctions against the institution and targeted individuals associated with its work. The pressure has intensified as the court continues investigations and legal proceedings involving alleged international crimes.

Trump used his own address to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday to launch another direct attack on the ICC. He described the court as an “out-of-control institution” and called on countries that are members of the organisation to withdraw from it.

“The United States is equally opposed to the out-of-control institution known as the international criminal court,” Trump said. He urged ICC member states to leave what he described as a “rogue institution”.

The US administration’s position has been reinforced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has argued that the ICC should be dismantled and described the court as an unacceptable threat to US sovereignty.

The confrontation has placed Japan in a particularly delicate position because Tomoko Akane, the current president of the ICC, is Japanese. Akane has headed the court since 2024 and has become a prominent figure in the institution’s response to growing political pressure.

Japanese lawmakers from across the political spectrum have urged Takaichi’s government to take a stronger public position in support of the ICC. Their calls followed the US decision to impose sanctions against the court and came amid criticism that Japan had initially responded too cautiously.

A cross-party group of Japanese MPs has called on the prime minister to press Washington to withdraw its sanctions. The group has also urged the Japanese government to use international forums to defend the role of the court.

Former Japanese defence minister Gen Nakatani was among those calling for a stronger response. He argued that the UN General Assembly provides an important platform for countries to communicate their positions to the international community. He said Japan should use Takaichi’s address and diplomatic contacts with other countries to protect the ICC.

The court has been targeted by Washington partly because of its investigations and actions involving matters connected with Israel and the United States. The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while it has also continued an investigation into alleged war crimes involving US troops in Afghanistan.

The developments have created a complicated diplomatic environment for Tokyo. Japan is a close US ally and depends heavily on its security relationship with Washington, particularly as tensions rise across the Asia-Pacific region. At the same time, Tokyo has repeatedly emphasised the importance of international rules and multilateral institutions in maintaining global stability.

Takaichi’s latest comments appear to reflect an attempt to maintain that position without turning the issue into a direct confrontation with the Trump administration. Although she expressed support for the ICC, she did not directly criticise the US president during her UN speech.

The cautious approach is particularly significant because Japan is simultaneously seeking close cooperation with Washington on security issues involving China and Taiwan. Tensions have increased around the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas, where Chinese military activity remains a major concern for Japanese policymakers.

Takaichi has reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to democratic Taiwan while also raising concerns about Chinese military activity in waters and areas surrounding Japan. Tokyo is closely watching the relationship between Washington and Beijing, particularly as Trump prepares to discuss trade and other issues with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Japanese officials are reportedly concerned that Taiwan could become part of wider negotiations between Washington and Beijing. The United States is legally committed to providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself, while China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly stated that it seeks reunification, including through force if necessary.

Against this wider strategic background, Takaichi’s decision to publicly reaffirm support for the ICC carries diplomatic significance. Japan must balance its alliance with the United States against its stated commitment to the international rules-based order.

The prime minister also revealed that she had discussed the ICC directly with Trump during conversations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. According to Takaichi, the two leaders had a “candid exchange” on the issue.

Her latest position marks a shift from some of her earlier comments. When Washington initially announced its sanctions against the ICC in August, Takaichi described the measures as “very unfortunate”. She subsequently went further, saying that the sanctions were incompatible with Japan’s position regarding the court’s work.

The pressure on Japan has been particularly visible because of Akane’s position as ICC president. Her leadership has made the issue more closely connected to Japan’s own international image and its commitment to international justice.

Akane herself has rejected suggestions that sanctions could force the court to abandon its work. Following the announcement of the US measures in August, she said the ICC would not be intimidated and maintained that the pursuit of justice should continue.

The dispute highlights a broader disagreement over the role and authority of international criminal justice. Supporters of the ICC argue that international institutions are necessary for investigating and prosecuting serious crimes when national legal systems are unwilling or unable to act. Critics, including the Trump administration, have raised concerns about jurisdiction, national sovereignty and the potential for the court to interfere in the affairs of states that do not accept its authority.

Japan’s position is therefore being closely watched not only because of its alliance with the United States but also because of its broader role in international diplomacy. Tokyo has sought to present itself as a supporter of international law and multilateral institutions while maintaining strong strategic and economic ties with Washington.

Takaichi’s UN remarks indicate that Japan intends to continue supporting the ICC, although her government has so far avoided turning the disagreement into an open dispute with the United States.

The prime minister’s comments also demonstrate the difficult diplomatic calculations facing Japan as global tensions deepen. The country is attempting to strengthen cooperation with the United States over regional security while simultaneously maintaining its commitment to international institutions and legal mechanisms designed to address alleged violations of international law.

For the ICC, Japan’s continued support carries particular symbolic importance. The court is facing pressure from Washington at a time when its authority and independence are being debated internationally. With a Japanese national at its helm, Tokyo’s public position is being examined closely both inside Japan and abroad.

Takaichi’s reaffirmation does not resolve the wider dispute between Washington and the ICC, but it establishes a clearer position for Japan. Her government appears intent on preserving its support for the court while avoiding direct confrontation with the United States on an issue that has become increasingly contentious in international diplomacy.

As the debate continues, Japan’s approach could remain an important test of how countries attempt to balance strategic alliances with commitments to international law. The issue is likely to remain prominent as governments assess the future role of the ICC and the wider international system for addressing allegations of war crimes and other serious violations.