https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/7244189c98a18dd5e39f830ecc6127d755cad7dc
While the number of domestic blood donors, particularly among young people, has stagnated, the number of foreign donors, particularly from Asian countries such as Vietnam, is increasing in the prefecture.
For the past two years, a group of Vietnamese members of the "Kenke Shinkoshi-kai" (Heart Donation Association) has visited the blood donation room "Gate Tower 26" in Nakamura Ward , Nagoya, once a month. Groups from Sri Lanka and other countries have also donated blood. On the 21st, more than 20 Vietnamese people gathered at Gate Tower 26.
Those who don't speak Japanese were accompanied by a donor with blood experience and completed a medical questionnaire translated into their native language. The nurse's explanation during the blood collection was also translated for them. Members gather at Gate Tower 26 to donate blood on the third Sunday of each month. The association, established with the goal of expanding the circle of blood donation and mutual support, operates nationwide, with Nagoya being particularly active. Calls for donations began on social media several years ago, and blood drives have been held in Aichi, Mie, Gifu, Saitama, and other prefectures.
The core members of the group are Duong Thi Ngoc (32) , a caregiver from Tokoname City, and Dinh Thi Phuong Thao (25), a part-time worker from Nagoya City. Ngoc came to Japan as a technical intern trainee five years ago , and Thao came as a student six years ago. They both helped found the group. "In Vietnam, we learn to donate blood at school. Everyone participates in university and school activities," Thao said. In Japan, many people hesitate to donate blood due to language barriers and not knowing where to donate.
They shared their own experiences with blood donations and began encouraging others to do the same. Ngoc said, "When people tell me they've helped me, it encourages me to continue." On this day, more than 30 Sri Lankans donated blood at a blood donation center in Nagoya's Naka Ward, Sakae. Kandearachchi Harshana (40), a car dealer from Tenpaku Ward, Nagoya, who organized the event, said, "Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country, so we understand the importance of helping each other. There is no more precious gift than donating blood, which saves another person's life."
Harshana and her daughter have both received blood transfusions. They said they participated in the event as a way of giving back to Japan for the relief efforts that were carried out after the floods that hit their home country. As Japan's population ages and birthrate declines, blood donations from young people in their teens to 30s are declining, and there is a shortage of blood types B and O this winter. Junto Nagata (52) of the Prefectural Red Cross Blood Center said, "We would like to use this class to appeal to young people in Japan as well, to the spirit of helping each other."
by YamatoRyu2006