More than 200 people attended a reception held yesterday by the Japanese Association and Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry to remember Japan's deadly earthquake and tsunami.

Among the guests at the association's premises in Adam Road was Senior Minister of State Josephine Teo, who announced that the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) had raised nearly $35.7 million in donations going into four main projects, including the Taro Support Centre in Miyako City and Toyoma Nursery School in Shichigahama.

Guests at the event, mostly Japanese expatriates, some donors and SRC representatives, also observed a minute of silence to honour the memory of the victims of the earthquake and tsunami.

The Ladies Chorus of the Japanese Association also performed two songs in memory of the victims and to demonstrate the resilience of the Japanese.

In her speech, Ms Teo acknowledged the triumph of the human spirit, saying: "Japan's ability to meet adversity head-on and emerge stronger has won the admiration of all of us around the world."

Japan's Ambassador to Singapore, Mr Haruhisa Takeuchi, said the best way for Singaporeans to help would be to keep the people of Japan in their thoughts.

"Don't forget about us. Come visit Tohoku, and see the work that has been done."

Veena Vinod