Taipei, Feb. 27 (CNA) A Japanese photographer will display his 100-plus photos in Taipei next month to express Japan's gratitude for Taiwan's help in the wake of a powerful earthquake that hit northeastern Japan March 11, 2011.
Masayuki Tsuji has taken some 120 photos featuring the Japanese of different ages holding up posters to thank Taiwan for its post-disaster help.
Tsuji, who suffered broken legs in 2005, originally wanted to help the Japanese victims through some volunteer activity that required physical labor.
However, the damage to his legs did not allow him to do so.
But, "I've got photography," he said, explaining how he might express Japan's appreciation for Taiwan's generosity.
Starting taking the photos last September in the city of Ishinomaki, one of the hardest-hit areas in northeastern Japan, Tsuji told CNA recently that he is "still taking" pictures to record Japanese victims' gratitude for help and generous donations from Taiwan.
In the wake of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami, Taiwan donated about 20 billion yen (US$260.64 million) in cash to Japanese victims of the quake, with 90 percent of the donations coming from the private sector.
During his visit to Taipei March 8-15, Tsuji will display the photos at venues such as the Taipei City Hall and Ximenting – among the busiest areas in the city.
Although he is not a resident of the areas devastated by the earthquake, Tsuji said as a Japanese, he wanted to express his gratitude to those who helped his country through those difficult times.
"This is my first time to visit Taiwan," he told CNA. "(I) hope everything will be great."
Tsuji also published the thank-you photos on his Facebook page to publicize Japanese gratitude for Taiwan's assistance.
Meanwhile, a private Japanese group will also visit Taiwan in March to express their gratitude.
The NGO EARTH -- which holds a monthly trash-collecting activity in Nagoya, western Japan, with participants wearing costumes – will organize a similar event at Taipei's 228 Memorial Peace Park on March 11.