Sanae Takaichi made clear Friday that Washington's move against the ICC runs against Japan's stance, adding she is deeply concerned. In her X post, she said Tokyo will keep pressing the US over the issue and will provide the backing the court needs to fulfill its role. She also noted that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi intend to maintain frequent contact.
Her remarks came after Washington unveiled sweeping sanctions on the ICC, a step up from earlier measures that hit specific figures. Those earlier steps targeted several individuals, among them ICC President Tomoko Akane, who had already been sanctioned after accusations that her leadership unfairly targeted the US and Israel following the court's investigation into the conflict in Gaza.
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This has turned into a rare public rift between close allies. Takaichi initially drew criticism for stopping at calling the move "regrettable." Since then, Japan, together with Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK, issued a joint statement that said they "regret and strongly oppose" the US action and reaffirmed "continued and unwavering support for the ICC's independence, impartiality and integrity." Takaichi also conveyed her worries about US pressure on the court directly to President Donald Trump when they met in September.
Public splits between allies can ripple into currency moves, defense supply chains and trade ties. The sharper tone from Tokyo, coordinated pushback from Europe and Canada, and a steady line between Motegi and Rubio all signal this story has legs. For everyday investors, it is a cue to watch how political risk tied to international law and Middle East tensions could filter into markets you already hold.
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