Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Japan Criticizes U.S. Sanctions on ICC, President Akane
Japan criticized the United States for placing sanctions on the International Criminal Court and its president, Tomoko Akane.
Japan called the action “very unfortunate.”
Another person targeted was Abdoulaye Seye, a lawyer working with the court’s prosecutors.
Japan said the court helps punish very serious crimes, such as war crimes and genocide.
Japan also said the court supports international rules and laws.
The United States has criticized the court over arrest warrants involving Israeli leaders and an investigation into U.S. troops.
The sanctions can block the targeted people from using U.S. financial services.
The disagreement has created tension between the United States, Japan and some European countries.
Japan called U.S. sanctions on the International Criminal Court and its president, Tomoko Akane, “very unfortunate.”
The latest measures also target Abdoulaye Seye, a Senegalese lawyer on the ICC prosecution team.
Japan said it consistently supports the ICC’s work prosecuting the gravest international crimes and upholding the rule of law.
The sanctions deepen disagreements between Washington and Tokyo, as well as between the United States and European allies.
The United States previously cited ICC arrest warrants involving Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, and an investigation into U.S. troops in Afghanistan, when sanctioning ICC officials.
- Who
- Japan’s foreign ministry, the United States, the International Criminal Court, President Tomoko Akane and lawyer Abdoulaye Seye.
- What
- The United States imposed sanctions targeting the ICC, Akane and Seye, prompting Japan to criticize the decision.
- When
- Wednesday, August 19; the year is not specified.
- Where
- The statement was issued in Tokyo; the ICC is based in The Hague.
- Why
- Japan supports the ICC’s prosecution of serious international crimes and its role in upholding the rule of law. The United States has cited ICC arrest warrants involving Israeli leaders and an Afghanistan investigation when sanctioning ICC officials.
Japan and ICC Supporters
United States
Value of the ICC
Japan and ICC Supporters
Japan says the ICC should continue prosecuting the most serious international crimes and strengthening the international rule of law.
United States
The United States has opposed the court’s actions and imposed sanctions on officials connected with its proceedings.
Arrest warrants and investigations
Japan and ICC Supporters
Japan and other supporters maintain that the court’s work should proceed as part of international justice efforts.
United States
Washington has cited arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, as well as an investigation into U.S. troops in Afghanistan, when sanctioning ICC officials.
Effect of sanctions
Japan and ICC Supporters
Tomoko Akane warned that U.S. sanctions could undermine the court’s operations and jeopardize its existence; the Netherlands also opposed the measures.
United States
The United States imposed measures that freeze U.S. assets and largely shut sanctioned individuals out of the U.S. financial system.
- Japan’s assessment
- Japan described the sanctions as “very unfortunate.”
- Latest targets
- ICC President Tomoko Akane and Abdoulaye Seye, a Senegalese lawyer on the prosecution team.
- ICC role
- The court was established to prosecute war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.
- Japan and the ICC
- Japan joined the court in 2007 and says it has consistently supported its work.
- U.S. rationale cited
- Washington previously cited ICC arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, along with an investigation into U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
- Sanctions’ effects
- The measures freeze U.S. assets held by sanctioned people and largely exclude them from the U.S. financial system.
- European response
- Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said the Netherlands opposed the sanctions and invited Akane to discuss continued support.