According to a Japanese economic news report, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on the 25th that Japan's stance is inconsistent with the actions taken by the Trump administration in listing Judge Rosalie Arlene “Agnes” Kaan as a target for sanctions. He stated that Japan will continue to provide support to Agnes Kaan.
Since the US government announced sanctions measures, the city has previously only expressed "deep regret".
Gao Shi 25th day stated that they cannot believe Japan’s previous response to “weakness”. She explained, “We have been in close cooperation with Ms. Chi-ken and provided necessary support, so I can only express regret.” She also said, “We have repeatedly made negotiations with the United States at different levels.”
Ota revealed that she met Ishige in January this year. To prevent Ishige from encountering difficulties in transactions such as remittances after being listed on the sanctions list, the Japanese government has been actively providing assistance. She emphasized, "The sense of crisis and concerns we share with Ms. Ishige are the same."
Gao Shi said: “Japan has always supported ICC. We will strengthen cooperation with relevant countries and promote the rule of law in international society.”
According to Kyodo News, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshihiko Muji also stated on a press conference on the 25th that "this does not conform to Japan's position of supporting the ICC in order to fully implement the principle of the rule of law."
Japanese media noted that Mogi's statement is more forceful than the earlier "deeply regrettable" remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Yukie Akamine.
Moki clearly stated: 'We have been making efforts at various levels to mediate with the United States, requesting that Ms. Akane not be listed as a target for sanctions.' He also revealed that the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent officials to the headquarters of the ICC in the Netherlands, to directly discuss what support Japan needs to provide to Akane.
Mouki pointed out that the US attitude towards the ICC is “very strict”, and stated that the US has also “indicated the possibility of taking further measures”.
On the 20th, Akane held talks with Berndsen, the Dutch foreign minister, who is the head of the ICC. After the talks, Berndsen stated that the Netherlands “strongly supports the International Criminal Court” and praised Akane's leadership.
According to Kyodo News, in contrast, Japan has a passive attitude, appearing to be detached from the issue. Regarding the previous response of the Japanese government, the "Cross-Party Alliance for Human Rights Diplomacy" composed of members from both the ruling and opposition parties in Japan criticized that Japan's response was "significantly weaker compared to other countries."
In January of this year, Kaori Kousaka publicly stated that she would “strongly support” Akane Tomoko’s work at the International Criminal Court. Her and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ previous statements of “deep regret” disappointed many Japanese netizens, as they felt the response was weak and even seemed like an attempt to bow to the US and settle matters without conflict.
