A charity gala in Taipei hosted by major Taiwanese TV broadcasting channels raised almost NT$115 million (US$3.89 million) in relief funds for Japan's earthquake and tsunami victims.

More than 100 Taiwanese celebrities, such as Paulian Lan, Harlem Yu, Judy Ongg, Jane Chan and Ariel Lin, performed at the event. Other entertainers who were unable to attend, such as Peter Ho and Fei Fei Feng, sent their prayers and donations by satellite video.

Special guest Judy Ongg, who now resides in Japan, returned to Taiwan and sang her two most famous songs, Prayer and Fill the World with Love. She spoke about her earthquake experience and said the Japanese are standing strong in the face of disaster. "Let's hold hands through this tragedy," Ongg said.

The charity gala was one of the biggest relief efforts in the global entertainment industry. The plan for an event hosted by Japanese stars on March 19 has been scrapped following multiple aftershocks and shortages in resources. Instead, they have begun participating directly in relief efforts. Anime artist Inoue Takehiko also created "Smile" cartoons to ease people’s minds.

Many international celebrities also have joined relief efforts or started selling charity products. Faye Wong, Vivian Hsu and FIR have made donations as well as recorded a song, Believe. Proceeds from the song will go to tsunami victims. Lady Gaga and American rock band Linkin Park are also selling items to raise money for relief aid.

A nuclear expert also went on stage at Taiwan's charity gala to explain Japan's nuclear crisis and asked that people stay calm.

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