Lady Gaga, Yoko Ono + More Sell Items, Plan Concerts to Aid Japan Relief Efforts

While it's been less than a week since a tsunami and earthquake shook Japan, musicians are already in the early stages of planning concerts, staging auctions, planning benefit singles and designing merchandise to raise funds for those affected.

Lady Gaga, Linkin Park, and Yoko Ono have taken to Twitter to discuss their fundraising initiatives and upcoming benefit concerts for non-profit groups like Japan Society's Earthquake Relief Fund and Music For Relief.

Earlier this week, Lady Gaga tweeted her "little monsters" asking them to raise funds for Japan's tsunami survivors by buying her red and white Japan prayer bracelet. In just under 48 hours, the star claims to have raised $250,000 for relief efforts, proving that star power really does matter.

Following in the 'Born This Way' singer's footsteps, a bevy of music stars will take the stage in New York on April 9 for a 12-hour benefit concert brought forth by the Japan Society. Lou Reed will headline the event and confirmed performers include Philip Glass & Hal Willner, Laurie Anderson and Zorn as well as Bill Laswell, among others. Reed, Glass, Anderson and Ryuichi Sakamoto will perform during a two-hour "gala block" from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Proceeds from the concert, organized by John Zorn, will go towards the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.

Meanwhile Zorn will also host the Concert to Benefit Japan Earthquake Relief featuring Sonic Youth, Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, Cibo Matto and Mike Patton on March 27 at Columbia University's Miller Theatre in New York City. According to Cibo Matto member Miho Hatori's Twitter site, all proceeds go towards the Japan Society's Earthquake Relief Fund with tickets priced at $25 for students, $50 and $100 for all other attendees.

While events are being planned stateside, Bryan Adams shared his thoughts on Twitter regarding his hopes that a benefit concert be planned where the natural disasters occurred. "Calling all the great musicians and singers in the world, we should do a concert in Japan," Adams wrote.

Smashing Pumpkins' front man Billy Corgan also used the social networking site to reveal that the band's new single 'Lightning Strikes' – set for release Thursday (March 17) -- will be "dedicated to all our great fans in Japan, I hope it will lift your spirits!"

Japanese band Boris – whose members are all safe -- expressed their condolences to those who perished in the earthquake and tsunami. The disaster has resulted in the band's two new full-length albums --'Attention Please' and 'Heavy Rocks' -- being pushed back to May 24.

Meanwhile, after canceling a few dates in Japan earlier this week, Slash returned to perform in Osaka. "We're positively coming back soon to play Tokyo & Yokohama," he said via Twitter. "In the meantime, lots of love to the Japanese fans."

Besides performances, bands like Linkin Park have created a new t-shirt with all proceeds going to Music For Relief, which benefits those affected by the tragedy. Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda took to Twitter to share the possibility of the band releasing "a new Linkin Park instrumental song" with all proceeds going towards the same organization.

Artists like the Mountain Goats are auctioning a "1-song home tape" on eBay, with proceeds going to Doctors Without Borders. "The song, which if I do say so myself has a catchy little chorus, is about doom & disaster, about which I feel a little weird about given the circumstances, but what can I tell you: doom, disaster and a sunny disposition is what I do," the band wrote on its site.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are also doing some auctioning. They've put up a 22-inch ride cymbal signed by the band used during their "Baby 81" world tour, as well as a set of vinyl releases, three of which are no longer in print. Proceeds are going to the American Red Cross. According to Charitybuzz, the auction will conclude on April 7. Singer-songwriter James Taylor has placed an autographed acoustic guitar also on Charitybuzz with proceeds going towards Partners In Health.

X Japan member Yoshiki is allowing fans to bid on his custom-made crystal piano with all proceeds going towards the victims and survivors in Japan. The band has also delayed the release of their first single 'Jade' to focus their energies on the recovery effort.

To donate to Japan's disaster relief efforts, visit the American Red Cross here.