Japan faces ‘nightmare scenario’ as it struggles to defend ICC judge

Japan finds itself in a difficult position after its closest ally, the United States, sanctioned Tomoko Akane, the Japanese president of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This action creates a dilemma for Tokyo, as defending Akane could antagonize the US, while remaining silent might undermine Japan's commitment to the ICC and its rule-of-law diplomacy. The US sanctions, announced on Tuesday, have drawn criticism from the EU, several European governments, and human rights groups, with the UN Secretary General expressing serious concern. Japan has historically supported the ICC as a key institution in the rules-based international order.