Nao Minamisawa in Red Cross film Hachigatsu no Nijuusou

Young actress Nao Minamisawa (20) is starring in the first PR film from the Japanese Red Cross Society. Titled "Hachigatsu no Nijuusou," the short movie is based on the true story of 20-year-old Miho Sugawara, who founded a Student Red Cross group in Iwate last year.

Miho's younger sister Miyuki died of acute leukemia in the summer of 2007. The movie tells the story of the five years that the Sugawara family spent fighting Miyuki's illness, including Miho becoming a marrow donor.

As the main character, Minamisawa plays the part of Miho during the last four years. In order to capture the actual story of the family, Miho was actually present for the entire filming process, which wrapped up earlier this month.

The Red Cross has seen a huge drop in blood donors over the past decade. The "Hachigatsu no Nijuusou" movie is one part of the organization's effort to raise awareness, particularly among young people. The film will be shown for free in blood donation centers and public institutions across the country, starting in late September. Toei, the studio that produced the picture, also plans to hold preview screenings in its chain of theaters.

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