The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing increased pressure from the United States, with sanctions imposed on its Japanese president, Tomoko Akane, and a senior trial lawyer last week. ICC President Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national, has called upon Japan – the court's largest financial supporter – to counteract this U.S. campaign and support neighboring countries that are members of the ICC to prevent them from withdrawing. Established in 2002, the ICC prosecutes war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. The U.S., which is not a member, has criticized the court's decision to seek an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a past probe into US troops in Afghanistan. Akane emphasizes that Japan, as a close ally of the U.S., can leverage its relationship to discourage further escalatory measures from Washington. She believes Japan's strong support for the ICC will significantly contribute to its future survival, as countries, people, and media are closely watching Japan's response in this critical juncture.