Giving Blood (献血 kenketsu) in Japan - World Blood Donor Day 2025

Over 20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!

"On 14 June, the world celebrates World Blood Donor Day, a global tribute to the millions of voluntary, unpaid blood donors who give others a second chance at life. Their generosity saves lives, strengthens communities, and embodies the spirit of solidarity. It’s a day to say thank you, but also to spotlight the ongoing, urgent need for safe, regular blood donations.

This year, we honor hope, the kind you give with every drop of blood. Because millions of patients around the world rely on blood transfusions every year, hope flows through every donation."

The objectives of the campaign:

• raise public awareness about the critical need for blood and plasma donations and the impact they have on patients' lives;

• encourage both new and existing donors to give blood regularly, helping to ensure a stable and sufficient blood supply;

• highlight the positive impact of blood donors on the health and well-being of others and promote the values of solidarity, compassion, and community through blood donation; and

• mobilize support from governments and development partners to invest in and sustain national blood programs to achieve universal access to safe blood transfusion worldwide.
  

World Blood Donor Day

June 14th is World Blood Donor Day! Every year countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD). The event serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.

A blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity is a key component of an effective health system. The global theme of World Blood Donor Day changes each year in recognition of the selfless individuals who donate their blood to people unknown to them. 2025 is: Give blood, give hope: together we save lives

For more information, visit https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2025

Why should you donate?

Blood transfusions can help treat a variety of diseases, like certain types of cancers or blood diseases. There is no way to make blood in an artificial way yet, so we must rely on people to give blood to help those in need. Due to a population decline, the number of younger blood donors has been decreasing in Japan. In addition to this problem, during the COVID-19 pandemic, blood donations dropped significantly, so there is a big need for more blood donations.

If you have the blood type 0- , your donation can also be used in emergency trauma situations.

Where can you donate?

In Japan, you can search for blood donation centers by clicking through the following link:

Blood Donation Centers(in Japanese)

https://www.jrc.or.jp/about/search/bloodroom/

Or, you can search for blood donation buses by clicking through the following link:

Blood Donation Bus (In Japanese)

https://www.jrc.or.jp/donation/bus/

What is the process of donation like?

It is always a good idea to eat and be properly hydrated before donating blood. The process usually takes about an hour or two. Generally, there is a health survey before you donate blood, and they go over the benefits and risks of donating blood. Some of the risks of donating blood include:

-bruising

-continued bleeding

-nausea

-pain

-physical weakness

In Japan, generally, 400mL of blood is collected. The donation itself takes about 5 minutes, depending on how hydrated you are. After you are finished with this, you will need to rest in the lobby for about 15 to 30 minutes and enjoy some snacks and refreshments.

Kenketsu-chan

The cute mascot for blood donation is called kenketsu-chan. She is a love fairy who has blood drops for her ears. Her favorite phrase is, “It only stings a little bit.”

Did you know about blood personality types in Japan?

Similar to star signs, there is a fun superstition about blood types in Japan.

A-type people are said to be organized and precise.

B-type people are said to be extroverted and easy-going.

AB-type people are said to be eccentric and curious.

O-type people are said to be optimistic.

Do You Know Your Blood Type?

• A
• B
• AB
• O

See All Options

What do you think about blood type personalities? Is it accurate for you? Tell us in the comments and let us know what ways you have given back to the community during this time! Giving Blood (献血 kenketsu) in Japan - World Blood Donor