Humanitarian charity Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders in English) has launched a collaboration with One Piece, where the manga’s humanoid reindeer and doctor Tony Tony Chopper has been named an official supporter of the organization. The unexpected team-up, which comes shortly after the character’s debut on season two of the Netflix series, includes a comic strip about him joining MSF; an Instagram page, where he’ll highlight the work of the organization around the world; and a role as a navigator in an upcoming introductory booklet, What is Médecins Sans Frontières?
Dr. Javid Abdelmoneim, International President of MSF, stated, “Dear Chopper, thank you for joining MSF to save lives around the world! The belief in helping those in need of medical care, regardless of ethnicity or nationality, is something Chopper and MSF share. Please visit our projects and share what you see with many people. We hope that through Chopper, the number of people joining and supporting MSF will grow around the world.”
Hiroyuki Nakano, head of One Piece Media, adds, “I am truly delighted that Chopper, the doctor of the Straw Hats, has been given the opportunity to play an active role on the global stage. […] He dedicates himself to treating anyone who is injured or ill — whether human or animal, friend or foe. Because of this compassion and determination, I believe he is a perfect fit to serve as a supporter of Médecins Sans Frontières, an organization that provides medical care on the front lines around the world, transcending borders, race, and religion. We hope you will support his activities.”
Ikue Ōtani, who voices Chopper on the One Piece anime, also weighed in, saying she was “thrilled” he “will be supporting the activities of MSF.” Series creator Eiichiro Oda, who is known to be reclusive, did not provide a statement, although he did contribute the artwork of Chopper flying MSF’s flag, and wearing an emergency medical backpack based on one used by MSF personnel, above.
Stay tuned to the official page for more, and learn more about MSF’s activities (and get involved in them) in the meantime at their website(s). The charity, founded in Paris in 1971, provides aid in over 70 countries, including Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran.
