Taipei, July 29 (CNA) Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱), Taiwan's representative to Japan Lee Yi-yang (李逸洋) and Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) on Wednesday announced donations to support earthquake disaster relief following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, a day earlier. He said the close ties between Taiwan and Japan were reflected in Taiwan's swift response, noting that Taiwanese airlines had already announced plans to deliver relief supplies. Lee pledged to donate 2.5 million yen (US$15,268) for disaster relief. THSR Chairman Shih Che (史哲) said the company would donate 20 million yen (US$122,128), saying the company was inspired by the humanitarian gesture shown by Chen and the lawmakers. "Although the disaster has caused severe damage, the bond between Taiwan and Japan remains strong," Shih said.