A Japanese judge is heading the ICC. Can Tokyo build on that to host tribunal’s Asia office?

It also hopes to reinforce its reputation as a nation that promotes the rule of law internationally and to play a larger role in regional diplomacy

The ICC plans to set up branches in Eastern Europe, South America, Africa and Asia and will release an overview of its plan by the end of the month

3-MIN READ3-MIN

Visitors look out the Tokyo Tower from the observatory at the Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower in Tokyo. Japan is one of the largest financial contributors to the ICC. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 5:05pm, 3 Apr 2024

Japan hopes to build on the recent elevation of one of its judges to the presidency of the International Criminal Court (ICC) at its headquarters in The Hague, by having Tokyo host the proposed Asia branch of the court.

The East Asian nation hopes to reinforce its reputation as a nation that promotes the rule of law in international disputes and to play a larger role in regional diplomacy, analysts told This Week in Asia.

“This is in line with Tokyo’s vision of an international order based on an adherence to international law,” said Stephen Nagy, a professor of international relations at Tokyo’s International Christian University.

“Japan fundamentally sees itself as a leader in Asia when it comes to abiding by the transparent rule of law and hosting the court would further reinforce that,” he added.

Buildings and houses are seen from an observation deck in Tokyo. Japan hopes to reinforce its reputation as a nation that promotes the rule of law in international disputes and to play a larger role in regional diplomacy, analysts said. Photo: EPA-EFE

Japan is one of the largest financial contributors to the ICC, earmarking 3 billion yen (US$20 million) in the 2022 financial year budget, as well as contributing to its operations and staffing, such as by dispatching prosecutors to assist on cases.