The International Military Tribunal for the Far East, often referred to as the Tokyo Trials, was established to prosecute participants in the Japanese government and military who were accused of committing war crimes during World War II. The tribunal, which began its proceedings in 1946, sought to bring justice to those responsible for the aggressive acts that led to the widespread suffering and destruction throughout Asia. After a lengthy trial process that scrutinized the actions of various defendants, the tribunal concluded its work with a final verdict involving several key figures in Japan's wartime leadership.

On November 12, 1948, the tribunal delivered its verdicts, sentencing seven individuals to death by hanging. Among these were General Hideki Tojo, who served as Prime Minister during much of the war, and other high-ranking officials who played pivotal roles in Japan's military strategies and wartime policies. The decision to impose the death penalty underscored the tribunal's commitment to holding top leaders accountable for their actions, setting a precedent in international law regarding military and government accountability.

The trials were marked by significant defenses and appeals, but ultimately justice was meted out as the sentences were carried out in 1949. Notably, this tribunal was groundbreaking as it was one of the first times in history that leaders of a sovereign nation were prosecuted for actions taken during wartime, laying the groundwork for future international law and trials concerning war crimes, such as those conducted in the former Yugoslavia and against those involved in the Rwandan Genocide.