Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi reaffirmed Japan’s support for international courts, including the ICC, the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, according to a statement published by the Japanese Foreign Ministry on Friday, Anadolu Agency reported.
“The measures are incompatible with Japan’s consistent position, and Japan is deeply concerned about them,” Motegi said.
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He stressed the importance of ensuring that the ICC and its member states address the challenges facing the court so it can function appropriately.
According to the statement, Motegi exchanged views on the issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Japan said it would continue engaging with Washington, ICC President Tomoko Akane and other countries to strengthen the rule of law internationally.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also voiced concern over the sanctions, reaffirming Tokyo’s support for the court and its role in upholding international law.
“We will continue to reach out to the United States and extend necessary support to the ICC so that the Court can fulfill its role and functions as originally envisaged,” Takaichi said.
The statements came after Rubio threatened to “end the ICC” unless it stopped what he described as its “threats,” while calling on US allies to pressure the court.
Washington has previously imposed sanctions on several ICC officials, including Akane, a Japanese national, following the court’s November 2024 arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Japan is a member of the ICC, while the United States and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute, which established the court.
The latest statements highlight differences between Tokyo and Washington over the sanctions, with Japan emphasizing continued diplomatic engagement and support for international judicial institutions.
