Both before and during World War II, the Empire of Japan committed numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity across various Asian–Pacific nations, most notably during the Second Sino-Japanese an
Bodies of victims along the Qinhuai River, out of Nanjing's west gate during the Nanjing Massacre
Japanese troops burying living Chinese civilians
Samurai warriors of the Chosyu clan, during the Boshin War period of the 1860s
Two Japanese commanders, Toshiaki Mukai and Tsuyoshi Noda competing to see who could kill (with a sword) one hundred people first. The headline reads, "'Incredible Record' (in the Contest to Decapitate 100 People)—Mukai 106 – 105 Noda—Both 2nd Lieutenants Go Into Extra Innings".
The Nanjing Massacre or the Rape of Nanjing was the mass rape and murder, between December 1937 and March 1938, of Chinese civilians, noncombatants, and prisoners of war by the Imperial Japanese Army
Japanese war crimes
…of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the country's role in causing "tremendous damage and suffering" before and during World War II, particularly the massacre and rape of civilians in Nanjing by the IJA. However, the issue remains controversial, with some members of the Japanese government, including former prime ministers Junichiro Koizumi…
A Japanese soldier poses with the severed head of one of his victims
Members of the International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone, including John Rabe (center) and John Magee (center right)