#Japan #Tokyo #Blood Donation #Youth Participation

July's 'Love Blood Donation Movement'

Every July, the 'Love Blood Donation Movement' is held in Tokyo from the 1st to the 31st, encouraging blood donations among citizens. Blood is a vital resource that cannot be artificially created or stored for long periods. It is essential for providing treatment to those who are ill or injured.

Recently, there has been a decline in blood donors, particularly among individuals in their teens and twenties, which has raised concerns. The Tokyo metropolitan government, alongside the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, and the Japanese Red Cross, emphasizes the need for increased participation from the younger generation to maintain a stable supply of safe blood products.

Campaign Activities

1. Posters and Awareness Campaigns

Throughout July, informational posters promoting the campaign will be displayed across various locations, including city halls, schools, and the interiors of Tokyo's subway trains. These posters can also be accessed online through the website of the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Bureau.

2. Collaboration with Corporations

The Tokyo government is also partnering with six companies that are actively promoting blood donation within their organizations. These companies will display posters and distribute flyers to encourage their employees to participate. Additionally, some of them will promote the campaign through their customer engagement channels and websites.

Participating Companies:

• - Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company
• - JTB Corporation
• - Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company
• - Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co., Ltd.
• - Nippon Life Insurance Company
• - Tokyo Football Club (FC Tokyo)

This year, FamilyMart stores across Tokyo will also feature promotional images of the campaign on digital monitors at their registers to further raise awareness.

3. Awards for Donor Contributions

To honor and acknowledge long-term supporters of the blood donation movement, recipients of the 'Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Awards' and 'Governor of Tokyo Appreciation Certificates' will be announced. This initiative aims to recognize companies and local organizations that have shown dedicated efforts in promoting blood donation.

4. Blood Donation Drives by City Employees

Tokyo's municipal employees are also involved in blood donation activities, participating directly in the campaign initiatives.

How to Participate

1. Donation Locations

Residents can donate blood at established donation centers and blood donation buses throughout the city.

2. Make an Appointment

We encourage individuals to make appointments before donating. Reservations can be completed via the 'RabuRad' web service or by calling the respective blood donation center. The RabuRad app is also available for use. More details can be found on the Tokyo Red Cross Blood Center's website.

3. Year-Round Participation

To ensure a consistent supply of blood products, it is important to have balanced donations throughout the year. Observations indicate fewer donors during weekdays when compared to weekends; therefore, those available are encouraged to donate during the week.

4. Ongoing Campaigns

The Tokyo Red Cross Blood Center hosts various campaigns throughout the year. For up-to-date information, visit their website to see the list of ongoing Tokyo blood donation campaigns and find donation center maps.

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that blood is available for those who need it the most!