The Japan Red Cross Society (www.jrc.or.jp) works with the local government to ensure there is a constant supply of blood donated. Their goal is achieved through blood drives held in the city and surrounding prefectures, and through blood collection centres. There are a number of centres near Shinjuku station including Shinjuku West Exit (03 3348 1211) and Shinjuku East Exit (03 5269 1431), one in Shibuya (03 3770 0820) and in Ikebukuro (03 3988 9000). When donating blood you will have to fill out a questionnaire and application form (written in Japanese), although some places have an English copy of the form that you can use as guidance, but in most cases you have to speak and read Japanese, or bring someone along with you who can. Blood from certain nationalities such as British, French and nationals of other European countries is not currently accepted, so it may pay to call and check before going to donate. You will also need to be resident for at least four weeks before giving blood.