The International Military Tribunal for the Far East (IMTFE) was established after World War II to prosecute major war criminals from Japan. The court aimed to bring attention to the atrocities committed during the war and to set a precedent for future international law regarding war crimes. In a historic gathering in Tokyo, the tribunal officially convened and indicted 29 key leaders, including Hideki Tojo, who served as Prime Minister during a significant part of the war. The tribunal's trials began in the face of widespread devastation and suffering faced by many regional countries due to the conflict.

The defendants faced various charges, including crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The IMTFE was modeled after the Nuremberg Trials, which had prosecuted Nazi officials in Europe. Prosecutors presented evidence of Japan's expansive military aggression across Asia, particularly the horrific treatment of prisoners of war and civilian populations during the conflict. The trials were significant not only for justice but also for setting a standard for accountability for war leaders and emphasizing the importance of international law.

The proceedings attracted global attention and were a focal point for post-war reconciliation efforts in Asia and the Pacific region. The tribunal was seen not only as a platform for justice but as a means to further discuss and analyze the roles of government leaders in wartime decisions. As the trials progressed, various defense strategies were employed by the individuals implicated, revealing the complexity of wartime leadership and moral responsibility. The tribunal's findings had a lasting influence, contributing to the development of international law and establishing principles that continue to resonate in discussions about military actions and human rights today.