Gary Bass

Gary Bass, a historian and author of the acclaimed book on the Tokyo war crime trials, discusses the pivotal 1946 tribunal that shaped Japan's post-war identity. He delves into the complexities of justice with a diverse panel of judges and the controversial omission of Emperor Hirohito from proceedings. The discussion highlights the dramatic testimonies, the fraught decision-making process, and the legacy of the trials, revealing how they influenced Japan's global reputation and regional relationships in the aftermath of World War II.