Did Tokyo pull its punches when protesting U.S. sanctions on ICC chief?

The wording of Japan's protest this week against U.S. sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane has drawn attention for its apparent restraint, spurring curiosity over whether Tokyo deliberately softened its language to avoid a confrontation with its closest ally.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the sanctions on senior ICC officials as "very unfortunate," adding that Japan would continue to communicate with relevant countries.

The Foreign Ministry had used the same expression in its statement earlier the same day, also noting that Japan had consistently supported the ICC and would "remain committed to strengthening the rule of law in the international community."

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