Democrats · Japan · Nation Thailand
Japan's Takaichi slammed for weak responses to US and Russia
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The government did not criticise or protest the sanctions on Akane in order not to upset Japan's sole formal ally, with Takaichi saying only that the measure was "regrettable." It was also unable to take measures after Putin's trip last week to Etorofu, one of the four islands that are called the Northern Territories in Japan and are claimed by Tokyo but controlled by Moscow, due to concerns about the potential fallout on energy supply.
Key facts
- On Friday (August 21), participants in a meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party voiced frustration over the government's response to the US sanctions
- One member said Japan should demand that the United States withdraw the sanctions, while another said that Tokyo must protect Akane
- Japan, which regards the rule of law as a key pillar of its diplomatic policy, is the largest financial contributor to the ICC
- Takaichi met Akane, the first Japanese head of the ICC, at the prime minister's office in January and pledged Tokyo's "strong support."
- Still, the government was slow to respond amid news reports early Wednesday morning that Akane had been placed under US sanctions
- that day that Takaichi commented on the matter, saying only that she found the sanctions "deeply regrettable,"
Summary
On Friday (August 21), participants in a meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party voiced frustration over the government's response to the US sanctions. One member said Japan should demand that the United States withdraw the sanctions, while another said that Tokyo must protect Akane. Japan, which regards the rule of law as a key pillar of its diplomatic policy, is the largest financial contributor to the ICC.
In contrast, several European countries have publicly pledged support for Akane and the ICC. "The prime minister's communication is completely inadequate," a former cabinet minister argued. Agnes Callamard, secretary-general of international human rights group Amnesty International, posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Japan's response was "rather weak."