Defendant: Shimodaira, Naozo, Civilian Guard employed by Nippon Kokan
Kobushiki Kaisha, plant located near Tokyo Area PW Detached Camp No. 5
Docket No./ Date: 49/July 10-12, 1946, Yokohama, Japan
Charge: Violation of the laws and customs of war: 1. Did unlawfully beat
and cruelly torture American PWs.
Specifications: beatings using leather belt, bamboo stick, rubber hose,
wooden ruler, riding crop, and clubs; torture by burning
Verdict: 12 years CHL
Reviewing Authority's Recommendations: Accused was employed at the plant
where prisoners from Tokyo Area PW Detached Camp No. 5 were required to
work. Accused was nicknamed "Josephine" and was identified as
being responsible for the beatings and torture of specified PWs.
Reviewing Authority: Denied beatings and torture of certain individuals.
Stated that he was absent when another alleged incident happened. He admitted
striking four PWs but they were as punishment for stealing food and on
one occasion for molesting a woman at the factory.
Prosecution Arguments: The record is legally sufficient to support the
findings. The evidence supports the findings beyond a reasonable doubt.
There was no evidence that the accused was not sane at the time of the
alleged acts or at the time of trial.
Defense Arguments: Cyril D. Hill, Lt. Col. Assistant Staff Judge Advocate
Judge Advocate's Recommendations: Lt. Col. Allan R. Browne, Army Judge
Advocate found that "in view of the compelling evidence of many and
protracted tortures committed by each accused," the sentence was
inadequate.