Japan Exceeds 600 Organ Transplants in One Year

The Japan Organ Transplant Network reports 662 transplants occurred in fiscal year 2024. This number marks the first time the country has surpassed 600 transplants. Legislation in 1997 allowed organ donation from individuals declared brain-dead, expanding donation options beyond those with cardiac arrest.

Initially, potential donors needed written consent. This limited donations to about a dozen organs even in peak years. A 2010 revision allowed donations with family consent, increasing heart, lung, and liver transplants.

As of March 2026, over 17,000 people in Japan register for transplants. However, less than 4% of registered patients receive an operation.

The gap between those waiting and those receiving organs remains a challenge for medical professionals. Organ availability continues to be a primary concern.