#Japan #Tokyo #organ donation #Green Ribbon #Madoka 26

October is Organ Donation Awareness Month

The Japan Organ Transplant Network (JOT), located in Minato, Tokyo, is excited to announce the launch of the "Green Ribbon Campaign 2025" on October 1st, coinciding with Organ Donation Awareness Month. This year, the campaign has a significant collaboration with the popular comic essay "Madoka at 26: Training to be a Doctor", which has garnered attention since its airing on TBS television in January 2025. The story follows Madoka Wakatsuki, a surgical resident overcoming obstacles while passionately pursuing her medical career.

As part of the campaign, two special stories inspired by the Green Ribbon Campaign will be illustrated by the author, featuring a poignant moment in which Madoka helps the family of a patient who has suffered brain death to contemplate the best way to handle the end of life. This narrative emphasizes her emotional growth and dedication to her patients, providing compelling insights into the realities of medical ethics and family discussions regarding organ donation. These special stories can be viewed in detail on the official campaign website here.

Nationwide Green Light-Up Project

In celebration of the campaign, the "National GREEN LIGHT-UP PROJECT" aims to light up prominent buildings in the symbolic color of green associated with organ donation. This event will expand to 47 prefectures, reaching an unprecedented total of 308 locations nationwide. Notable new sites this year, such as the Miracle Pine in Iwate and Izumo Taisha in Shimane, will join the light-ups, creating vibrant awareness throughout communities. Participants are encouraged to share photos of the green light-ups on their social media, fostering broader discussions around the significance of organ donation.

Upcoming Events

In addition to these initiatives, the campaign will host several events throughout October:

1. Universal Sports Festa (October 11) in Shizuoka
- This inclusive sports event will feature a talk show and soccer clinic led by former Japanese national soccer player Shinji Ono and local representatives. Attendees can win specially designed green ribbon soccer balls, creating a family-friendly atmosphere.

2. 2025 Green Ribbon Running Festival (October 13) in Tokyo
- This event will welcome participants including organ transplant recipients and individuals with disabilities. The festival will feature a balloon ceremony to honor organ donors and celebrate the joy of running together. Guest speakers will include former 800m runner Yume Kitamura and singer Yuta Matsuyama.
- Date: October 13, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; the event is rain or shine.

3. 26th National Convention on Organ Donation Promotion (October 26) in Osaka
- Themed "A Life Relay: Connecting Thoughts to Make Organ Donation More Commonplace," the convention will feature performances by local high school bands and dancers, a lecture by filmmaker Naomi Kawase, and a panel discussion with heart transplant recipients and donor families. This event will be both in-person and online.
- Date: October 26, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
- Venue: Osaka City Central Public Hall.

Call for Green Ribbon Supporters

The Green Ribbon Campaign is actively seeking supporters on social media. By liking, sharing, and spreading the word, participants can contribute to the campaign's success. Follow and engage with JOT's official social platforms on X, Instagram, and Facebook to stay updated on events and initiatives.

Understanding the Green Ribbon Campaign

The Green Ribbon symbolizes global organ donation efforts, representing growth, renewal, and connections formed through the "Gift of Life." The campaign strives to encourage open discussions about organ donation among families, solidifying individuals' intentions regarding organ donation. Special emphasis is placed on October 16, designated as Green Ribbon Day, where families are prompted to talk about organ donation in a supportive environment.

How to Show Your Intent

Individuals wishing to register their intent to be organ donors can utilize several methods:
1. My Number Card
2. Driver’s License
3. Intent Registration Card
4. Online Intent Registration

For more details on expressing intent, please visit the campaign’s official website at this link.

About JOT

The Japan Organ Transplant Network serves as the sole organization in Japan that facilitates the connection between donors and recipients, ensuring that organ transplant services function effectively and ethically. By promoting understanding and awareness of organ donation, JOT aims to foster a society where organ transplants can save even more lives.