PSN raises $1.29 million for Japan

Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunami last month continue to take their toll on the island nation, and many global communities have stepped up to provide financial support during the time of crisis. One such community is gamers, and Sony Computer Entertainment said today that its Great East Japan Earthquake relief effort through the PlayStation Network has raised ¥109.6 million ($1.29 million) through March 31.

Sony launched its donation drive in North America and Europe on March 19 and extended it to Japan and Asia on March 24. Donations are being collected from 40 countries, and gamers who contribute to the effort have been offered custom PlayStation 3 themes.

According to the Tokyo-headquartered electronics giant, the full amount of collected funds will be dispersed to a variety of agencies aiding in the relief effort. These include the American Red Cross - Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund for North America, British Red Cross for Europe, and Central Community Chest of Japan known as the Red Feather Community Chest Movement for Japan and Asia.