HK Pop Stars Raise Funds for Quake-hit Japan

Hong Kong's best known pop stars on Friday evening staged a 3-hour charity concert to raise funds for Japanese people who suffered from the devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

Held in the city's landmark Victoria Park, the charity gala "Artists 311 Love Beyond Borders" was initiated by famous artists including Jackie Chan, Andy Lau and Eric Tsang.

The event's theme song "Succumb Not to Sorrow" praises the tenacity of the Japanese people in face of hardship, borrowing its lyrics from the work by Miyazawa Kenji, a renowned Japanese poet and author of children literature during the Meiji period.

Jackie Chan said love and empathy had no borders. "We, as members of the entertainment industry, wish to bring hope and support to the people of Japan," he said.

Sitting on the floor of the park and holding candle lights, many participants donated money for Japan's earthquake victims.

The 3-hour charity gala raised a total of around 18 million HK dollars (US$2.3 million).

All proceeds, except necessary expenses, will be donated to the Salvation Army -- the international charity organization currently involved in disaster relief efforts in Japan.

The organization aims to raise funds for 50,000 to 75,000 "Relief Packs" for around 50,000 to 80,000 people in Japan's quake zone.