Authorities in Taiwan say they will donate 60 million yen, or nearly 420,000 dollars, to help with relief and rebuilding efforts after Monday's devastating earthquake in central Japan. They are also launching a fund-raising campaign.

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu announced the pledge on Thursday.

Wu stressed that a Japanese emergency is also a Taiwan emergency. He said he hopes those affected by the quake will be able to return to their normal lives at the earliest possible date. Wu used the Japanese word "ganbatte" to encourage those affected by the disaster.

Health authorities in Taiwan say people can donate money at banks, post offices and convenience stores from Friday through January 19.

They say they will consult with Japanese officials to decide where to send the funds.

Wu said Taiwan and Japan have offered a helping hand and supported each other like close family members whenever they needed assistance.

He stressed Taiwan's solidarity with Japan by saying that he hopes this "cycle of goodwill" will continue.