ABSTRACT
International human rights law is sweeping in its coverage and intended to prevent violations. The problem has always been enforcement and, failing that, formulating a proper response. One response has been to hold individuals accountable. This was the approach taken at the Nuremberg trials following World War II but also the motive behind the creation of the International Criminal Court. A slightly different approach involves state responsibility, as evidenced by the establishment of human rights tribunals such as the European Court of Human Rights, where states can be challenged on the basis that their actions violate international human rights standards. But in most cases there has been little accountability for those who have violated international human rights standards. To many, this best describes Japan, which has refused to sufficiently acknowledge and apologize for its actions in World War II. Into the breach steps Kenzo Okuzaki.
