Historical War Crimes Trials in Asia

This book provides an in-depth analysis of historical war crimes trials in Asia, examining them from a range of perspectives. While post-WWII war crimes trials in Europe have been extensively studied, those in Asia—particularly domestic trials held by national authorities—have received far less attention.

Focusing on the Tokyo Trial and trials held in China, this book seeks to contribute to the growing body of work uncovering and exploring these often-overlooked proceedings. With contributions from sixteen experts from across Asia and around the world, including scholars such as XUE Ru, ZHU Dan, Yuma Totani, and David Cohen, this book offers valuable insights into the legal, social, and historical contexts of these trials.

The work addresses critical themes such as:

• The legal concepts and debates central to the trials

• The broader social impact of the trials, both at the time and in the years since

• The collection of evidence and the preservation and research of historical documents

More than just an historical analysis, this book emphasizes the present-day relevance of these trials, particularly in terms of preventing core international crimes, especially in the context of Asia. It also discusses the importance of preserving historical records and evolving methods of evidence collection in contemporary international criminal courts.