When a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Japan in 2011, the Philippines significantly contributed to relief efforts. Now, in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, Japan is returning the favor.


On Monday, 25 Japanese medical workers and disaster relief experts arrived[1] in Manila to lend a hand, the Philippines Daily Inquirer reported.


“We will never forget what the Philippines did for us in 2011,” Kenzo Iwakami, of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, told the paper.



The relief team brought at least four tons of "relief goods and assorted medicines,"[5] according to the Manila Standard Today.


Japan is also preparing to send up to 1,000 troops[6] from the Self-Defense Forces to help with relief efforts, Reuters reported on Wednesday. This is all in addition to the $10 million in aid Japan has already donated to the Philippines.


In 2011, the Philippines donated relief goods to Japan[7] , according to ABS-CBN News.


Dr. Joji Tomioka, of Japan's relief team, told the Inquirer that Japan is just returning the gesture.


“This time, we have to help you. Because two years ago, you helped us," he said. "So this time, this is our turn."



Also on HuffPost:




Loading Slideshow...



  • <a href="http://drdaveores.tumblr.com/">Dr. Dave Ores posted on his tumblr,</a> "I’m open today if I can help anyone. Until 6 pm. Spread the word. Thanks. 189 east 2nd street btw A and B" And that's not all he's doing for his neighbors in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. He also assembled 80 sandwiches today and handed them out on the street. Plus, he plans to do the same tomorrow.




  • A Facebook update from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thedrinkbrooklyn?ref=stream">The Drink in Manhattan</a> hopes to help their fellow bars in the area.




  • This photo of a friendly neighbor on the East Coast has gone viral.




  • The Dutch offers up <a href="https://twitter.com/andrecarmellini/status/264061816408244224">free food</a> to New Yorkers.




  • Newark Mayor Cory Booker<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/01/cory-booker-neighbors-hurricane-sandy_n_2059971.html?1351805482&ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009"> invited Hurricane Sandy victims to his house</a> to charge their electronics, watch movies, and even get a free lunch.




  • This photo, taken by Instagram user Emily Katter shows people <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Femilykatter.com%2F&ei=ORKUUN4QpojaBYbqgLgD&usg=AFQjCNGkXYuIhbalKwMy1hPKNORa7-dDqA">writing down their emotions about Hurricane Sandy</a> on Post-It Notes.




  • This <a href="https://twitter.com/nowthisnews/statuses/264075384109268992">magical young man</a> is helping Hurricane Sandy victims.




  • Lonestar Taco headed downtown to <a href="https://twitter.com/LonestarTacoNYC/status/264029625397678081">feed the people in the South Street Seaport</a> today.




  • Anderson Cooper <a href="http://instagram.com/p/RfmxG1kkLl/">posted this photo</a> on Instagram, writing "Sharing power from our sat truck with Hoboken residents needing to charge phones and get online #Sandy"




  • According to the Sayville Patch, a <a href="http://sayville.patch.com/articles/a-random-act-of-kindness-in-response-to-sandy-s-visit#photo-12002555">Lincoln Avenue, Sayville resident </a>is hoping to make life a bit warmer and satisfying for local neighbors and community members in Long Island.




  • Banfield Pet Hospital, the world’s largest veterinary practice, is offering free office visits and physical exams for more than 140 hospitals in the states affected by Sandy, according to a statement. The waived office visit fee covers a physical examination by the veterinary team; however, excludes any testing, treatments or medications.




  • According to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneSandyActsOfKindness?ref=stream&filter=3">Hurricane Sandy Acts of Kindness Facebook page</a>, "A resident assists in rescue efforts with his jet ski as emergency personnel rescue residents from flood waters brought on by Hurricane Sandy in Little Ferry, New Jersey October 30, 2012."




  • According to the Examiner, Ann, from East Northerport, New York is just one of the many <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/in-recovery-from-hurricane-sandy-kindness-is-catching?cid=rss">good samaritans who used Facebook as one way to offer shelter and hot showers</a> to friends and family in need. She is currently hosting her daughters' friends whose homes are without power. My sister and brother in law are here now showering and catching up on news and hot tea," she reports. "I try to live the golden rule."