Japan’s Diplomatic Dance: A Test of Principle

The United States’ sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) president Tomoko Akane, a Japanese citizen, have put Tokyo in an awkward position. On one hand, Japan has long championed the “rules-based order” and the importance of upholding international law. On the other hand, its strategic partnership with the US makes it difficult to speak out against Washington’s actions.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces a delicate balancing act as she navigates Japan’s relationship with the US while also addressing domestic pressure from lawmakers and media to take a stronger stance against the US. The initial response from Tokyo was cautious, with Takaichi describing the sanctions as “very unfortunate.” After intense criticism, she adjusted her tone, calling the sanctions “incompatible with Japan’s position.”

The US has been targeting ICC officials for years, demonstrating its disinterest in being held accountable for its actions. The sanctions on Akane serve as a stark reminder of this reality. According to Ryo Sahashi, a University of Tokyo international relations scholar, “Many people in Japan sometimes forget that the challenge created by the US is also very big.” This strategic dilemma is evident – Japan must balance its commitment to the rules-based order with its alliance with the US.

The sanctions have directly affected Akane’s personal life, rendering her credit cards, which rely on American payment systems like Visa, unusable. She has been shut out of international banking, a symbolic blow to Japan’s credibility as a champion of the rule of law. This situation adds an extra layer of complexity to the already delicate diplomatic dance.

Japan’s cautious approach risks undermining its reputation as a neutral leader committed to upholding international principles. As Heng Yee Kuang, who heads the Security Studies Unit at the University of Tokyo, noted, “Japan must demonstrate that its underlying principles do not change according to the identity of the country involved.” Ken Jimbo, a foreign policy expert at Keio University, added that Japan’s credibility as an honest broker rests on consistency in defending rules, rather than neutrality between countries.

The domestic media and lawmakers have been scathing in their criticism. The Yomiuri newspaper lamented that Takaichi’s government was unable to demonstrate even the resolve to protect a Japanese citizen’s right to continue performing her duties, let alone uphold the rule of law. The Asahi newspaper warned that Tokyo’s kowtowing to the US was “dangerously flimsy diplomacy.”

The situation highlights the challenges Japan faces in its relationship with the US. The US is not a member of the ICC and maintains that the court has no jurisdiction over American citizens. Washington’s actions are a direct challenge to the rule of law, and Japan’s response must reflect its commitment to this principle.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Tokyo will take a stronger stance against the US or continue with its cautious diplomacy. One thing is certain – Japan’s credibility as a champion of the rule of law hangs in the balance.