A Swiss doctor arranged for the delivery of 15 tons of medicine and medical supplies to Hiroshima just after the atomic bomb was dropped on the city and personally treated the victims himself. That benefactor was Marcel Junod, head of the ICRC delegation in Japan. There is a monument to Dr. Junod in a corner of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, but, unfortunately, few people are aware of his selfless achievements.

As an ICRC delegate, Dr. Junod plunged ahead through a war-torn era and saved many precious lives without regard to nationality or race. Armed with know-how, courage, the ability to negotiate and, most of all, a love for humanity, he got through many hopeless situations. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of the idea for the Red Cross. We want to produce an animated film that will portray selfless love - the spirit of the Red Cross which Dr. Junod embodied - and his accomplishments and send from Hiroshima a "gift of love" like that of Dr. Junod to as many people as possible.



1
In 1859, after witnessing the Battle of Solferino, Henry Dunant became convinced that wounded soldiers are no longer soldiers but human beings and that as human beings their lives must be saved. This conviction has remained the idea behind the Red Cross for 150 years. The ICRC is planning to conduct various special events from 2009 to 2013 in an effort to shine the light of selfless love on the world. An English-language version of this film will be produced and distributed worldwide with the cooperation of the ICRC.

2
Immediately after learning of the terrible conditions in Hiroshima following the atomic bombing, Dr. Junod negotiated with Gen. Douglas MacArthur of the GHQ for the provision of 15 tons of medical supplies. He participated in the relief operation himself and devoted himself to treating the victims of the bombing. This animated film is being produced in gratitude to all of those who lent a hand to Hiroshima in the days after the bombing, and we are working to ensure that it will encourage and inspire audiences around the world.

3
Schools these days are plagued with problems, including bullying, violent attacks triggered by problems in interpersonal relationships, pushy ÒmonsterÓ parents and scandalous behavior by teachers. Under these circumstances, we believe that the life of Dr. Junod, who embodied the spirit of selfless love, offers a useful guide when searching for the proper path to take in life. Through the cooperation of the Japanese Red Cross Society, we plan to show this film to the 2.4 million members of the Junior Red Cross and screen it at elementary and junior high schools throughout Japan. We also plan to sell a DVD version of the film.

4
Marcel Junod was both head of the ICRC delegation in Japan and a highly capable surgeon. This film, which depicts the life of Hiroshima's benefactor, has earned the support and cooperation of the Embassy of Switzerland, the City of Hiroshima and the Hiroshima Board of Education as well as that of the Hiroshima Prefectural Medical Association, the Hiroshima City Medical Association, the Japan Medical Association, the Japan Dental Association, the Japan Pharmaceutical Association, the Japan Nursing Association, the Japan Dietetic Association and 41 prefectural and 11 municipal medical associations. The film will be shown at community centers and other facilities throughout Japan.

5
The achievements of Dr. Junod are little known even in his homeland of Switzerland because at the time there were many others who, like Dr. Junod, risked their lives while devoting themselves to humanitarian assistance. Those who led such lives are a source of pride for all of humanity. And we believe that the life of Dr. Junod, whose selfless love transcended nationality and race, can inspire love and hope in the hearts of young people around the world.

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