InsideJapan News Network

An earthquake relief donation drive is to be run by the Ladies Professional Golfers' Association (LPGA) of Japan, with help from a total of 124 female players.

Following the example of Ryo Ishikawa, who yesterday pledged to donate all of his 2011 earnings to charity, the women's league plans to hold simultaneous fundraisers in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima and Fukuoka at 1pm today (April 1st).

The two-hour events will include appearances from association chief Hiromi Kobayashi, 2010 money leader Ahn Sun Ju and Sakura Yokomine, Japan Times reported.

After last month's earthquake and consequent tsunami, the LPGA has been forced to cancel four domestic tournaments in a row, meaning that only one has taken place so far this season.

Meanwhile, two of Japan's biggest baseball stars have announced that they will also be contributing to the earthquake relief fund.

Oakland Athletics batter Hideki Matsui and Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki will be auctioning off signed jerseys from their game this weekend for charity.

Furthermore, the Oakland team has announced that $1 from every ticket will be donated to the earthquake relief effort.

Written by Susan Ballion