Securing blood in crisis: Lessons from Japan's earthquake disasters and evolving preparedness

Japan's geographical and climatic vulnerability to natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons, presents significant challenges to maintaining a stable blood supply during emergencies. This review synthesizes lessons learned from three major earthquakes-the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji, the 2011 Great East Japan and the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes-to inform disaster preparedness and blood service resilience.

Key measures implemented by the Japanese Red Cross Blood Services (JRCBS) were examined, with a focus on systemic challenges, disaster response protocols and technological innovations that enhanced service continuity during and after large-scale disasters.

The implementation of the Wide-Area Management System (WAMS) in 2012 enabled centralized testing, processing and real-time national inventory management, facilitating efficient redistribution of blood products during crises. Communication disruptions due to reliance on traditional telephone and fax lines remain a challenge. A recently introduced web-based ordering system has improved operational reliability. Transport logistics are also vulnerable; contingency strategies involving maritime routes, helicopters and drones are being explored. A potential large-scale earthquake beneath the Tokyo Metropolitan Area underscores the urgency of enhancing coordination with hospitals and developing multi-modal transport plans. JRCBS operational continuity guidelines provide structured protocols to ensure rapid recovery if key facilities are incapacitated.

Japan's experience highlights the importance of integrated management systems, robust communication infrastructure and diversified transport options in maintaining blood supply during disasters. These strategies offer a model for enhancing blood service resilience in disaster-prone regions globally.