Washington escalated its campaign against the International Criminal Court last week by sanctioning its president and a senior trial lawyer.
The president of the International Criminal Court, Tomoko Akane, stated categorically that there is absolutely no reason for her to be sanctioned.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan would defend the ICC as it comes under increasing pressure from the U.S. Takaichi told reporters that the government's response to the sanctions is not weak, following criticism from lawmakers after she described the U.S. action as very unfortunate.