Gwen Stefani donates $1 million to tsunami relief efforts in Japan

Gwen Stefani is the latest celebrity reaching out to help Japan. OK! Magazine is reporting that the singer and fashion designer has donated $1 million to the country which was devastated after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami.

I've been inspired by Japan for many years and have a true love, appreciation and respect for the Japanese people and their culture. The disaster in Japan is beyond heartbreaking and I want to do anything I can to help, Stefani said in a statement. I would never be able to make a gesture like this without the love and support of all the fans over all these years.

Stefani gave the donation to the Save the Children's Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund to help children in particular during the relief efforts in Japan.

Many of Stefani's fashion creations are inspired by Japanese influences. She first visited Japan when she toured with No Doubt in 1996.

Not only did she immediately fall in love with the country and its people, Gwen found a special connection to a district in Tokyo known as Harajuku, an area that thrives on creativity, music, art and fashion. The youth culture of the Harajuku district have been a constant muse for Gwen, inspiring both her clothing line called Harajuku Lovers and the song Harajuku Girls. Throughout her career Gwen borrowed heavily from Japanese culture for many of her creative endeavors, stated a press release.

Stefani is also encouraging her fans to donate to the cause. A charity auction will be announced next week where her fans can bid on the chance to join Stefani at a special fundraiser in Los Angeles.

The singer will also debut a limited edition Harajuku Lovers T-shirt designed by her. It will be available through nodoubt.com and all of the proceeds will benefit the relief efforts in Japan.