I’ve been planning on posting a video about the experience of giving blood in Japan for a while now.Originally, when I browsed how to donate blood in Japan online, it seemed as if almost every obstacle I could think of was in the way; language, strict regulations, finding a donation location, you name it. However, I found it was surprisingly easy to donate blood once you get started, so I wanted to give everyone a bit of an idea of not only the basic information of how to go about doing so, but also a "review" if you will, of what the experience is like. I felt that a video would be the best way to express this, and less text to read too. If you have never given blood before, or even if you have, it is quite an interesting experience in Japan.
The clinics themselves are quite noticeable and in most major stations such as this one in Shinjuku. (Directions and location information listed below in the links section) You can also check the Japanese Red Cross website for further information of the locations or the links posted below. If you are studying at a university, they sometimes have blood drives outside on campus grounds as well.
After you first sign up to donate blood, you are given this Blood Donation ID Card. It allows you to walk in at any time during your next visit, give blood, and walk out without the need for any paperwork or sign-up procedure again. Furthermore, you can check a box that will let them know to send you a diagnostic report of your blood to your address, which is a good free check-up for yourself.
You are also given a variety of small "thank you" gifts in addition to free drinks and snacks. The gifts I received were a mini-notepad, and a plastic folder, but there was no need to give anything it so it was quite nice for them to do this. They come with with a picture of the little mascot of blood donation on the front, some bunny like creature with drops of blood for ears (I'm serious... see below) On a side note, I was told by a friend who works in the Japanese Red Cross that if you give blood over certain set number of times, you are given a special “mystery gift.” No details as to what it is though! If anyone finds out, let me know.
So in short, giving blood is a rather simple and straight-forward process in Japan, and not only will your donation help victims in Tohoku region, but those throughout Japan. There is only good that can come from giving blood, and you can know that you will be directly helping someone in a critical time of need.
Plus the free drinks and snacks are a pretty nice little bonus! :)
This is right after I gave blood. Please pay attention to the fact that I’m NOT injured, dead, or bleeding helplessly. This isn’t a scary or dangerous experience.
The following are links for information for those who want to give blood.
2) Main site for blood donation in Japan: (Japanese Language) http://www.jrc.or.jp/donation/index.html
3) Organizational information about Blood Donation for Japanese Red Cross Society: http://www.jrc.or.jp/english/activity/blood.html
4) Full list of blood donation centers in Japan with location and phone number included: http://www.kenketsu.com/jp/e200r.html
5) The directions and location of the blood donation room I went to at Shinjuku Station: http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM64GV_Shinjuku_West_Entrance_Blood_Donation_Room_Tokyo_JAPAN
