Takaichi says Japan ‘deeply concerned’ by US sanctions on ICC

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said US sanctions against the International Criminal Court are incompatible with her country’s position and expressed deep concern over the move, after the Trump administration escalated its campaign against the organization.

Japan will continue to press the US over the issue and provide necessary support so the ICC can fulfill its role and functions, Takaichi said in a post on X Friday. Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US secretary of state Marco Rubio will remain in close communication, she said.

Takaichi’s statement follows the US announcement of sweeping sanctions on the ICC, escalating pressure that had previously targeted individual officials including ICC president Tomoko Akane. Akane had already been sanctioned following accusations that her work as ICC chief has unfairly targeted the US and Israel in the wake of its investigation into the conflict in Gaza.

The incident represented a rare public point of friction between Japan and the US, with Takaichi initially coming under fire for not condemning the action beyond calling it “regrettable.”

Japan joined Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK in a statement, saying they “regret and strongly oppose” Washington’s decision. The countries reaffirmed their continued and unwavering support for the ICC’s independence, impartiality and integrity.

Takaichi had raised the issue of US pressure on the court with president Donald Trump during a meeting held in September.