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Updated Monday, January 2, 2012 0:10 am TWN, By Shigemi Sato ,AFP

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Japan's sports stars driven by kindly concerns

TOKYO -- Japanese sports stars who donated generously to help victims of March's massive earthquake and tsunami say the giving was not all one way, with many drawing inspiration from the strength of those affected.

Makoto Hasebe, a midfielder for leading German football side Wolfsburg, visited the Pacific coastal town of Minamisanriku over Christmas to see an area that was all but washed away by the monster waves.

He arrived with a donation of 95 million yen (US$1.2 million) to help rebuild a kindergarten.

“I paid the visit believing I could be of some help,” said the 27-year-old, who captained Japan's national side to a record fourth Asian Cup at the start of 2011.

“But it worked the other way around. I drew strength from the smiles on children's faces.”

Golf icon and heart-throb Ryo Ishikawa said his game had changed after he vowed at the Masters in April to donate all his prize money from the domestic tour and the four world majors this year to tsunami victims.

“I have since felt a certain sense of responsibility,” he said.

Ishikawa ended the season in December without a win, but recorded his best result in a major when he came 20th at the U.S. Open.

The 20-year-old, who holds a number of lucrative sponsorship contracts, also threw in 100,000 yen for every birdie or better he made, taking his contribution to 133.5 million yen.

Under the slogan “Gambare (Hang on), Nippon!” Japan stood united during a year marked by tragedy that Emperor Akihito labelled “truly distressing.”

Its people earned praise from around the globe for their uncomplaining attitude in the face of the calamity.

Massive donations of cash, provisions or labour poured in from all walks of life to Japan's northeast where a 9.0-magnitute quake and the resulting tsunami left 20,000 dead and sparked the worst nuclear crisis in a generation.

Hasebe's gift, bolstered by proceeds from his million-selling book and charity events, was not far off the 100 million yen donated by Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, one of Japan's best paid baseball exports.

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