Japanese Prime Minister Naota Kan has personally expressed his appreciation and gratitude toward the people in Taiwan, for assisting them during this devastating period. Other Japanese officials are also thanking us for the great donation and encouragement, saying that the country will never forget the immense support they have received following the catastrophic event in March.

Japanese Representative to Taiwan Tadashi Imai, Japanese Association in Taiwan Chairman Koichiro Kusano, and Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Kishimoto Kyota, called a press conference at the Interchange Association, to express their gratitude on behalf of Japanese in Taiwan.

They thanked Taiwanese for the kind encouragement and huge donations for the victims of the massive earthquake that took place a month ago.

Imai said the bond of friendship will only be stronger in the future.

On Sunday evening, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan wrote a letter of appreciation, in which he signed personally and thanked Taiwan for profound friendship.

On behalf of the country, the Japanese leader expressed deep gratitude towards the countries that extend a helping hand.

While Taiwan and Japan experienced some tensions given the disputes of Dioyutai and the collision incident involving a Taiwanese fishing boat and the Japanese patrol vessel, Taiwan's generosity in post-disaster relief efforts are well-received by the Japanese community, an indicator of positive development for bilateral relations.