Ep 2. Episode 2

In episode 2 of Tokyo Trial, the tribunal begins to hear the individual testimonies of the accused. The episode opens with the British judge, Sir William Webb, instructing the court bailiffs to bring in the first accused, General Kenji Doihara. Doihara was a high-ranking officer in the Imperial Japanese Army and one of the principal architects of Japan's military aggression in the 1930s. He's charged with conspiracy to wage aggressive war, crimes against peace, and crimes against humanity, including murder, enslavement, and the use of poisonous gas.

As Doihara takes the stand, the court seems to come alive with a flurry of activity. The prosecution team, led by American chief prosecutor Joseph Keenan, begins to question him about the Manchurian Incident of 1931—the event that sparked Japan's invasion of China. Doihara is evasive at first, repeatedly stating that he acted on the orders of his superiors. However, as Keenan and his team begin to dig deeper, it becomes clear that Doihara played a crucial role in planning and executing the invasion.

The episode then shifts to the testimony of the second accused, General Seishirō Itagaki. Itagaki was also a high-ranking officer in the Imperial Japanese Army and one of the leaders of Japan's invasion of China. He's charged with the same crimes as Doihara, as well as with ordering the use of biological weapons against Chinese civilians.

Itagaki's demeanor is markedly different from Doihara's—he's loud, aggressive, and unapologetic. He insists that Japan had no choice but to go to war, citing both economic factors and the supposed threat of Communism. When cross-examined by the Soviet judge, Ivan Nikitchenko, he becomes defensive and hostile.

As the episode progresses, we see brief glimpses of the other accused—such as General Hideki Tojo, who was instrumental in Japan's alliance with Nazi Germany—but the focus remains on the individual testimonies. It's a long and sometimes grueling process, but the tribunal is determined to give each accused a fair hearing.

One of the most interesting aspects of this episode is the way in which the testimonies are used to build a broader picture of Japan's aggression. Each accused provides a different piece of the puzzle, and the prosecution team is adept at piecing together the information and revealing the full extent of Japan's atrocities. However, we also see how difficult it can be to assign blame in a complex conflict like World War II—many of the accused claim that they were simply following orders or acting in the best interests of their country.

Overall, episode 2 of Tokyo Trial is a fascinating exploration of the individual testimonies, shedding light on the people behind the infamous war crimes. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of justice and accountability, and the stakes involved in international conflict.