Some readers may have misunderstood the intent of our May 22 column, "Foreigners disqualified as blood donors for wide range of reasons," which was meant to illustrate, through readers' responses, that if a foreigner is turned away from giving blood in Japan, it happens more often because of standard health and safety reasons than Japanese ability.

So, to clarify, foreigners can give blood in Japan, and the Japan Red Cross Society wants people to donate blood, regardless of nationality. They emphasized that they appreciate the "good will" of people interested in helping out. However, as mentioned in the previous columns, some donation centers might turn someone away because they can't speak or read Japanese fluently, and others may not give a clear reason for refusing a donation, but it is ultimately up to the overseeing doctor when you go.

Some centers may have never had a non-Japanese person walk in with the intent to give blood before, and as such may not be fully prepared if the person can't read or speak Japanese fluently. Remember, they have to ensure the health and safety of the donor as well as the blood.