Yuji Iwasawa and the ICJ are stepping into a critical moment for global justice, marked by instability and rising legal disputes. Elected president of the International Court of Justice in March, Iwasawa replaces Lebanon’s Nawaf Salam, who resigned to lead his country. Born in Tokyo, Iwasawa has served as an ICJ judge since 2018 and brings decades of legal expertise. In a recent interview, he stressed the need for international law to guide conflict resolution peacefully. According to Iwasawa, the ICJ must uphold global trust by remaining impartial and authoritative.
Today, the court handles 25 cases—far more than in past decades when only one or two emerged every few years. Yuji Iwasawa and the ICJ now deal with disputes ranging from territorial boundaries to human rights and environmental issues. This shift, Iwasawa said, reflects growing confidence in the court’s ability to resolve complex global conflicts. He welcomed this trend but acknowledged the rising pressure to deliver fair, timely judgments. Nevertheless, he believes that law must guide peace, especially in uncertain times.
The ICJ, based in The Hague, recently ruled on high-profile conflicts involving Ukraine and Gaza, despite its lack of enforcement powers. Still, Iwasawa insists that countries must respect rulings, which remain legally binding under international law. He argued that legal authority matters even without military strength or police mechanisms. Countries, he said, hold moral and legal responsibilities to uphold ICJ judgments. Yuji Iwasawa and the ICJ aim to serve as guardians of law amid political turbulence.
Beyond his judicial role, Iwasawa has built a distinguished academic and diplomatic career in international law. He taught at the University of Tokyo and chaired the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Although both he and Tomoko Akane now lead major international courts, he emphasized their independence from national politics. He noted that ICJ judges act as individuals—not national representatives—in all rulings. Despite that, he still encourages more Japanese participation in global institutions and legal careers.
Looking ahead, Iwasawa hopes younger generations in Japan embrace global engagement through legal education and language skills. He believes that strong English fluency and open-mindedness can expand career horizons worldwide. He encouraged students to stay ambitious and curious about global legal systems. Yuji Iwasawa and the ICJ may shape the future of law, but they also aim to inspire future generations. As legal challenges grow, Iwasawa believes the rule of law must remain the cornerstone of international peace.
