Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the rule of law and its support for international judicial institutions during her address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 22. Highlighting Japan’s dedication to a free and open international order, Takaichi emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation and the reform of international bodies.
In her speech, Takaichi underscored Japan’s longstanding support for international judicial bodies, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), although she did not mention the recent U.S. sanctions against ICC President Tomoko Akane, who is of Japanese nationality. Japan has consistently contributed to these institutions, notably through the participation of Japanese judges.
Addressing the structure of the United Nations, Takaichi advocated for the removal of the UN Charter’s “enemy state” clauses, aligning with a 2005 UN General Assembly resolution that calls for their deletion. She also proposed reforms to the UN Security Council, suggesting an expansion of both permanent and non-permanent memberships to better reflect the current global landscape.
Takaichi’s address also touched upon economic and security concerns, stressing the need for stronger supply-chain resilience amid arbitrary restrictions on the export of critical resources and minerals. She acknowledged the dual nature of artificial intelligence as both an opportunity and a security challenge, announcing Japan’s intention to host an AI summit to address associated risks.
Through her speech, Takaichi highlighted Japan’s focus on upholding the rule of law, pursuing multilateral cooperation, and addressing emerging challenges in technology and security, reinforcing Japan’s proactive role on the global stage.