Ep 3. Episode 3

The International Military Tribunal for the Far East, also known as the Tokyo Trial, was established to try the leaders of the Japanese Empire for war crimes and crimes against peace committed during World War II. In episode 3, the trial continues as more evidence is presented against the defendants.

The episode begins with the prosecution presenting evidence of Japanese atrocities in China, including the infamous Nanjing Massacre. The defense attempts to argue that these events were exaggerated or fabricated by the Chinese, but the evidence presented is damning.

The trial then moves on to the issue of Japanese militarism and aggression in the lead-up to the war. The prosecution presents evidence of Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and the subsequent expansion of Japanese military control in China. They argue that Japan's actions were in violation of international law and the Kellogg-Briand Pact, which outlawed war as a means of settling disputes.

The defense argues that Japan was acting in self-defense against Chinese aggression and that its actions were justified. They also point out that other countries, such as the United States and Great Britain, had engaged in similar aggressive acts in their own histories.

Next, the prosecution focuses on the issue of Japanese treatment of prisoners of war (POWs) and civilian internees. They present evidence of brutal treatment of POWs, including the use of forced labor and the execution of surrendering soldiers. They also present evidence of the mistreatment of civilian internees, including the infamous Bataan Death March in the Philippines.

The defense argues that the mistreatment of POWs was not unique to the Japanese and that other nations, including the United States, had engaged in similar practices. They also argue that Japan's treatment of POWs was not a deliberate policy but rather the result of chaotic wartime conditions.

The episode then turns to the issue of Japanese aggression in the Pacific theater of the war. The prosecution presents evidence of Japanese attacks on Allied forces in places such as Pearl Harbor and the Philippines. They argue that Japan's actions in the Pacific were a clear violation of international law and the very principles of civilization.

The defense again argues that Japan was acting in self-defense and that its actions were justified. They also point out that the Allies engaged in their own aggressive actions, such as the firebombing of Tokyo and other Japanese cities.

Finally, the episode concludes with the prosecution making its closing arguments. They emphasize the gravity of the crimes committed by the Japanese and argue that the defendants must be held accountable for their actions. They call for the defendants to be found guilty and for justice to be served.

Overall, episode 3 of Tokyo Trial is a powerful and sobering exploration of the evidence presented in the trial. It provides a vivid portrait of the atrocities committed by Japan during World War II and the legal and moral implications of these actions. Viewers will be left with a deeper understanding of the complexity of the trial and the importance of holding leaders accountable for their actions.