Watch Tokyo Trial

Tokyo Trial is a historical drama miniseries depicting the military tribunal that brought to justice the leaders of the Imperial Japanese Army after the end of World War II. The show is based on the transcripts of the actual trial that took place in Tokyo between 1946 and 1948, and it offers a glimpse into one of the most significant and controversial trials of the 20th century.

The series is directed by Rob W. King and written by Daniel S. Levy, and it features a star-studded cast of international actors. Marcel Hensema plays the role of Dutch prosecutor Bert Röling, Paul Freeman embodies Australian prosecutor Sir William Webb, Irrfan Khan portrays Indian prosecutor Radhabinod Pal, and Stacy Keach assumes the role of American prosecutor Joseph B. Keenan. Michael Ironside and Stephen McHattie take on the parts of American judges Edward L. Van Roden and William F. Webb, respectively, while Shinya Tsukamoto plays the accused General Kenji Doihara.

The show follows the proceedings of the Tokyo tribunal, where the Allies accused 28 Japanese political and military leaders of war crimes, crimes against peace, and crimes against humanity. The trial was unique in many ways, as it was the first international tribunal that explicitly criminalized aggressive war, and it set the stage for the establishment of the International Criminal Court after the end of the Cold War.

The first episode of Tokyo Trial sets the stage for the trial, introducing the main characters and their motivations. The prosecutors have to navigate a complex legal terrain, as they try to hold accountable high-ranking Japanese officers who have never been held responsible for their actions. They also have to deal with the fallout of the use of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the ethical dilemma of whether war crimes can be justified in the name of ending the war.

As the trial progresses, the show delves into the testimonies of witnesses and the defense arguments, showing how the Japanese leaders tried to defend their actions and redirect blame. The actors imbue their characters with a sense of moral urgency and gravitas, making the viewer feel the weight of history on their shoulders. At the same time, the show manages to maintain a sense of suspense and intrigue, as the verdict of the trial remains uncertain until the very end.

Throughout the series, Tokyo Trial covers a range of topics relevant to the trial, including Japanese imperialism, the use of forced labor and comfort women, and the role of the Emperor in Japanese society. The show also deals with the politics of the trial, as the international tensions between the Allies and the Soviet Union affect the outcome of the proceedings.

One of the strengths of Tokyo Trial is its attention to detail, both in terms of historical accuracy and production value. The show makes ample use of archival footage, photographs, and other historical documents to create a sense of realism and authenticity. The sets and costumes are also meticulously crafted, transporting the viewer to postwar Tokyo and the courtroom of the trial.

Overall, Tokyo Trial is a thought-provoking and engaging historical drama, shedding light on a pivotal moment in world history. The show manages to balance the legal and political complexities of the trial with the human drama of the individuals involved, making the viewer care about the outcome of the trial and its impact on the world. Whether you're interested in the history of World War II or you enjoy courtroom dramas, Tokyo Trial is a must-see for fans of quality television.

Tokyo Trial is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between December 14, 2016 and on