Sanctioning the International Criminal Court: The view from Tokyo

In response to the Trump administration’s Aug. 18 announcement that it would impose sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and others, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Aug. 25 that the move was “not consistent with Japan’s position” and that Japan viewed it “with great concern.” But she rejected criticism that her government’s response was “weak-kneed.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the sanctions, calling the ICC “a corrupt and fatally politicized supranational court that has maliciously abused its authority and exceeded its mandate.”

In the Japanese press, however, the sanctions have drawn widespread criticism. Editorials in the country’s leading national newspapers were nearly unanimous in opposing Washington’s action and urging Tokyo to take a stronger stand.