Tomoko Akane, the newly elected president of the International Criminal Court (ICC) headquartered in The Hague, embodies a steadfast commitment to justice with a clear mandate: “Villains must be punished.”
Having embarked on a career in prosecution during her college years, Akane, now 67, was motivated by a desire to administer justice grounded in law and evidence. Facing limited job opportunities for women, particularly in her field, she pursued legal studies at the University of Tokyo, laying the foundation for her professional journey.
The majority of Akane’s judicial career unfolded in Japan until her pivotal appointment as a judge at the ICC in 2018. This international role expanded her purview to cases concerning human rights violations, including discussions on the accountability of global figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin in conflicts such as the war against Ukraine.
Despite challenges in communication—given her colleagues’ proficiency in English and French—Akane employed meticulous debate and evidence-based arguments to advocate her positions. Her persistence, coupled with a reputation for fairness, garnered consideration for her eventual elevation to the presidency of the tribunal.
While initially apprehensive about assuming such a significant role, Akane was motivated by her unwavering commitment to prosecuting criminals and addressing the escalating global incidence of war crimes. Furthermore, she saw her presidency as an opportunity to challenge the inward-oriented mindset prevalent in Japan, advocating for broader horizons and international engagement among her compatriots.
Akane’s motto, “one has places to bury bones everywhere,” epitomizes her belief in the importance of embracing new challenges and venturing beyond one’s comfort zone. She hopes her trajectory will inspire young Japanese individuals to pursue opportunities abroad and contribute to global justice initiatives.
As she embarks on this new chapter of her career, Tomoko Akane embodies resilience, determination, and a commitment to upholding the principles of justice on the international stage.