The current status and future perspectives of transfusion products in Japan

In Japan, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare statistics show a significant decline in blood donors from 1985 to 2023, especially among young people and high school students, while donations among those aged 50 - 69 increased substantially. The decline has been attributed in part to reduced promotional activities. According to the material in the Japanese Red Cross Society, the production and supply volume of red blood cells (RBCs) and platelet concentrates (PCs) remained stable from 2006 to 2023, whereas the supply of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) has decreased. The 2003 Act on Securing a Stable Supply of Safe Blood Products requires medical physicians to ensure appropriate use of blood products. In cases of massive hemorrhage, however, appropriate use for life-saving transfusion is required. The new 2025 Guideline for the Management of Critical Bleeding introduced recommendations on cryoprecipitate and fibrinogen use, and added guidance on tranexamic acid, calcium supplementation, and sodium bicarbonate. To reduce transfusion in routine clinical practice, autologous transfusion should also be considered. In 2024, the Blood Donation Promotion Committee emphasized the importance of research to develop new products.