Today is Thursday, December 23, 2021.

On this day in 1948, seven Japanese war criminals were executed in Tokyo by occupying American forces.

They were sentenced to death for committing atrocities during World War II.

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Welcome to Today in True Crime, a Spotify original from Parcast.

Due to the graphic nature of today's crimes, listener discretion is advised.

This episode includes discussions of torture, murder, and war crimes.

Extreme caution is advised for listeners under 13.

Today we're covering the execution of seven Japanese war criminals

by U.S. forces in the aftermath of World War II.

Let's go back to Sugamo Prison in Tokyo, Japan on December 23, 1948.

When the clock struck midnight, American soldiers appeared at the cell doors of seven prisoners

and led them to the gallows. Before they reached the door, the condemned men approached a small

Buddhist shrine, where they

were offered one final comfort, a glass of wine served in paper cups.

Afterward, the men lit incense and left it at the feet of the Buddha statue.

One of the inmates roused the others into shouting the word bonsai.

Traditionally, it's a Japanese exclamation meaning 10,000 years,

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