Seishiro Itagaki was tried by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, in Tokyo.
The Tribunal convicted Itagaki on counts 1 (responsibility for launching a war of aggression and a war in violation of international law), 27 (waging unprovoked war against China), 29 (waging aggressive war against the United States), 31 (waging aggressive war against the British Commonwealth) and 32 (waging aggressive war against the Netherlands), 35 and 36 (waging aggressive war against the USSR), but acquitted him on count 33 (waging aggressive war against France [Indochina]).
Itagaki was also found guilty of war crimes for having failed to provide adequate care to the prisoners of war and civilian internees under his responsibility, during the last months of the war. The Tribunal rejected the argument according to which the attacks against Japanese warships by the Allies made the provision of supplies more difficult and that he hade done his best with the material and stock at hand. The Tribunal considered that if supplies were posing a serious problem, Itagaki should have discussed the situation with his superiors in order to organize relief action for the prisoners of war and civilian internees, if need be in cooperation with the Allies.
The Tribunal sentenced Seishiro Itagaki to death on 12 November 1948.
Itagaki was hanged on 23 December 1948.
Trial Watch would like to remind its users that any person charged by national or international authorities is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
