On 15 August 1945, millions of Japanese hear the voice of Japanese Emperor Hirohito for the first time. In his address to the nation, he commands his army and his people to cease all fighting. This announcement enables the Allies to land on Japan's islands without encountering any form of resistance. With his appeal, the Emperor saves the lives of millions of Japanese who were prepared to fight to the death for their emperor and their country. It also saves the lives of thousands of Americans and Chinese, Britons and Russians. In spite of this act, the victorious powers insist that the Emperor appear before a military tribunal.