In a world where acts of kindness often go unnoticed, one man’s quiet dedication stands out like a beacon of hope. Shigeo Arita, a 70-year-old resident of Izumo City in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, has donated blood an astonishing 810 times over the past 45 years. This remarkable achievement isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s the highest recorded number of donations by any local resident, according to the Shimane Red Cross Blood Center. As Arita recently celebrated his 70th birthday in late August, he crossed the Japan Red Cross Society’s age threshold of 69 for donors, marking the end of his donating days. “It feels a bit lonely knowing I won’t be able to donate anymore,” he reflected humbly in an interview.
What makes Arita’s story so captivating isn’t the sheer volume of his contributions, but the understated way he approached it. For him, blood donation wasn’t about seeking recognition or accolades; it was simply a part of his everyday life, a habit rooted in empathy and personal experience.
How It All Began: A Personal Spark of Compassion
(Asahi Shinbun)
Arita’s journey into blood donation started back when he was 25, working as an employee at a local ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). A mobile blood donation van pulled up near his workplace one day, and something clicked. At just 20 years old, Arita had faced his own health scare—a chest illness that landed him in the hospital for two months. That experience left a lasting impression, making him acutely aware of how vital blood can be for those in need. “If it could help someone else,” he thought, and with that simple motivation, he rolled up his sleeve for the first time.
Japan’s blood donation system offers two main types: whole blood donation, which collects all blood components and requires at least a four-week wait between sessions, and component donation, which targets specific elements like platelets or plasma. The latter is gentler on the body, allowing donors to return every two weeks. Coincidentally, Arita’s first donation aligned with the introduction of component donation in Japan, which suited his routine perfectly. He described the process as feeling like “donating blood as a gift,” and soon, visiting the donation center every couple of weeks became a cherished ritual—a lifelong commitment that evolved into his personal mission.
Over the decades, Arita moved around for work, living in places like Osaka, Tottori, Wakayama, and Shizuoka. Yet, no matter where life took him, he never missed a beat with his donations. “Every successful donation was a way to confirm my own health,” he explained. “It was like a personal barometer.” This consistency speaks volumes about Japan’s cultural emphasis on perseverance, or gaman, where quiet endurance in the face of challenges is highly valued.
A Life of Balance: Health, Hobbies, and Humility
Beyond his donations, Arita leads an active, balanced life that many could learn from. He’s an avid marathon runner with a personal best of 2 hours and 58 minutes in a full marathon—an impressive feat that underscores his commitment to fitness. To prepare for donation days, he fine-tunes his diet, incorporating iron-rich foods like liver and spinach, along with protein supplements. Remarkably, since starting his donation habit, he hasn’t suffered any major illnesses, crediting his routine for keeping him in top shape.
The Shimane Red Cross Blood Center has expressed profound gratitude for Arita’s efforts. “We’re endlessly thankful,” a spokesperson said. “His regular donations, driven by a desire to support others, have saved countless patients awaiting transfusions and eased the worries of their families.” In a time when blood donation rates in Shimane are declining—from 22,591 donors in 2020 to just 20,445 last year—the center relies heavily on dedicated repeat donors like Arita, especially those over 50, as younger generations (40 and under) participate less frequently.
Arita himself remains modest about his record. “It was just part of my lifestyle—I never thought of it as something extraordinary,” he shared. “I hoped my blood could help even a little.” He also credits his family for their support, from helping with his health regimen to understanding his commitment. This humility resonates deeply in Japanese culture, where selflessness and harmony (wa) are cornerstones of society.
Public Reactions: Admiration Mixed with Light-Hearted Humor
When Arita’s story hit the news, it sparked a wave of reactions across Japan, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Many Japanese netizens expressed genuine awe at his dedication, calling him an inspiration in a society where community service is admired but not always prioritized amid busy modern lives. Comments praised his humility, with one user noting, “This embodies the spirit of quiet perseverance that’s so Japanese—doing good without fanfare.”
However, the story’s headline, which translates to “70-Year-Old Who Donated Blood 810 Times Over 45 Years: ‘No Sense That It’s Amazing,'” led to some humorous misinterpretations. Several posters joked about the phrasing, suggesting it sounded like he donated while “dazed” or “unconscious,” referencing popular manga like Kaiji, where characters endure extreme trials. One tweet quipped, “Donating 810 times while half-asleep? That’s next-level commitment!” These light-hearted takes added a fun layer to the conversation, showing how Japanese online culture often blends respect with witty banter. Overall, the response was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a collective appreciation for acts that strengthen societal bonds, especially as blood shortages remain a concern in aging Japan.
Stories like Arita’s remind us of the profound impact one person can have. In Japan, where the population is rapidly aging and donation rates are dipping, his example could encourage more people to step up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between whole blood and component donation?
Whole blood donation collects all blood components and requires a longer recovery period (at least four weeks). Component donation, like what Arita often did, targets specifics such as platelets and is easier on the body, allowing donations every two weeks.
2. What are the age limits for blood donation in Japan?
The Japan Red Cross Society sets the upper limit at 69 years old for most donations, which is why Arita “retired” at 70. Lower age limits start at 16 or 17, depending on the type, with health screenings required.
3. How can blood donation benefit the donor’s health?
Regular donations can serve as a health check, monitoring things like blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. Arita viewed it as a “barometer” for his well-being, and studies suggest it may reduce iron overload risks in some people.
4. Why are blood donation rates declining in Japan?
Factors include an aging population, busy lifestyles among younger generations, and lingering effects from the pandemic. Efforts are underway to engage more youth through awareness campaigns and mobile units.
In the end, Arita’s story isn’t just about numbers—it’s a testament to the power of consistent, compassionate action. Whether you’re in Japan or halfway around the world, his legacy encourages us all to give back in our own ways.
