The Japan Times today launches its 46th yearend charity fundraising campaign, which lasts through Dec. 31. The money raised will be used to help people in need in Afghanistan and other parts of Asia.

Last year, readers contributed 3,401,372 yen to The Japan Times Readers' Fund. The Japan Times thanks them for their generosity.

Out of the contributions, Japan International Volunteer Center received 500,000 yen for its agricultural development program in Laos to help repatriated refugees and local farmers.

Friendly Asians Home in Tokyo, PAG-ASA Group Japan and Cambodia House each received 800,000 yen.

FAH used the money to help the needy from other parts of Asia living in Japan receive medical treatment, especially for infectious diseases, and deal with other difficulties.

PAG-ASA Group used the money for education and vocational training in the Philippines, especially for street children.

Cambodia House used the money to build schools in Cambodia.

The Refugee Assistance Headquarters of the Foundation for the Welfare and Education of the Asian People also received 501,372 yen to help Indochinese refugees in Japan.

The Japan Times is appealing to its readers for contributions to the fund for humanitarian assistance.

Donations will be accepted Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at The Japan Times Tokyo head office (4-5-4 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8071) and its Osaka office (Edobori KN Bldg., 1-25-29 Edobori, Nishi-ku, Osaka, 550-0002).

Contributions made payable to The Japan Times Readers' Fund may be mailed to either office. For inquiries, please call (03) 3453-5312.