Japan faces the possibility of being hit by a severe shortage of blood donation, due to a decrease in young donors.

On February 8th 2025, the Osaka Church of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (hereinafter referred to as Shincheonji Osaka Church) held its sixth group blood drive at the Osaka Red Cross Blood Center. 150 people participated in this group blood drive, of which 105 donated blood. Of the 105 donors, 94 were in their 20s and 30s, accounting for 89% of the total, showing the high awareness of blood donation among young people.

This event was titled "Blood Donation Peace Project," and it was meant to convey the idea that blood donation is an activity that connects lives and realises peace by sharing blood, and that like a puzzle piece, each individual's participation plays an indispensable role in achieving peace. To symbolise peace activities through the act of giving blood, event participants created sticky note art in which sticky notes with messages about blood donations and daily thoughts were connected to form the word "PEACE." In addition, the event venue provided snacks, massage booths and health consultations, and a bazaar was held with items brought by members of the Shincheonji Osaka Church. More than 200 people gathered at the venue.

By having the blood donors eat or receive massages at the event venue before donating, they were able to ease tension and avoid donating while hungry or nervous, which resulted in about twice the amount of blood donated than expected.

A representative from the Japanese Red Cross Society also gave a lecture on blood donation, saying, “Each blood product for transfusion has a set expiration date, so it is necessary to secure blood regularly, rather than donating a large amount all at once. Currently in Japan, the blood donation rate among teenagers and people in their twenties is very low, at around 2 to 3%, and there is a possibility that there will be a blood shortage in the future. Even if you are unable to donate blood, I want as many people as possible to be aware of the current situation.”

The Saints listened to the lecture with serious expressions on their faces, and it was a valuable opportunity for them to deepen their understanding of blood donation.

Speaking about Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the representative from the Japanese Red Cross Society added, “From the first time I met them, I have been pleased to see that they have been carrying out blood drives and events with such passion.” He also said, “I have heard that there are a lot of young people involved, so I would be happy if they continue to expand the circle of blood donations and help increase the number of blood donors among the younger generation.”

Finally, he conveyed the message, “Donating blood can be a big hurdle to take the first step, as it may hurt or be a scary prospect, but it is a truly precious deed that helps connect patients' lives, so I would be thrilled if everyone would take the courageous step.”

Meanwhile, at the blood donation venue, although it was a large-scale group blood donation of over 100 people, order and safety were maintained and the event was completed without any accidents.

Shincheonji Jesus Osaka Church intends to continue volunteering for blood donations and to plan effective events to promote blood donation participation and raise awareness, in order to help alleviate the blood shortage.