In brief
ICC President Tomoko Akane met a delegation of Japanese lawmakers in The Hague on Friday, emphasizing Japan’s role as the court’s largest financial contributor. The lawmakers pledged support for the tribunal, while Akane urged Japan to lead efforts to lift U.S. sanctions against the court and its staff. The meeting highlighted tensions between the United States and the International Criminal Court, as Washington has placed sanctions on the ICC’s leadership, including Akane.
At the ICC headquarters in The Hague on Friday, President Tomoko Akane met a cross‑party delegation of Japanese lawmakers and called for continued backing of the tribunal amid United States sanctions.
The meeting confirmed that Akane is on the U.S. sanctions list, with Washington announcing measures in August that target her and several ICC officials. Akane also highlighted that Japan is the court’s largest financial contributor and has deployed judges, including herself, to the organization.
After the discussion, Yasue Funayama, co‑head of the parliamentary group, said:
I felt anew that Japan should take the lead in taking action (toward the removal of the sanctions) with a strong determination that our country should say what must be said to the United States because we are allies.
She added that the delegation had requested the government to communicate with Washington and to consider additional financial assistance for the ICC.
Japanese lawmakers have publicly pledged support for the court. The NHK source reports that a bipartisan group visited the ICC and pledged their backing of the institution.
While the delegation’s statements confirm Japan’s commitment to the tribunal, it remains unconfirmed whether Japan will actively lead the effort to lift U.S. sanctions or how that initiative will unfold.
Akane’s appeal comes at a time of heightened debate over the ICC’s legitimacy and its relationship with major member states, as Washington’s policies aim to limit the court’s authority. The ongoing dialogue underscores the complex balance between national sovereignty and international judicial accountability.
