Japan disaster: Latest updates

3.35pm

Japanese police estimate the toll from the twin disasters will exceed 18,000 deaths.

2.50pm

Poster Cause Artists present the

Japan Earthquake Relief Print Series

. A number of new prints are available for purchase with 75 per cent of profits going to support Doctors Without Borders' earthquake and disaster relief efforts for Japan.

2.30pm

Horse racing is tremendously popular in Japan.

Dubai Race Night

points out that three talented Japanese runners will be competing in next weekend's $10 million Dubai World Cup, and any success will certainly be welcomed by the Japanese people, considering what they've been through lately.

"They deserve something to cheer for, and will get an opportunity to do that this weekend", the website said.

9.42am

Family and friends of an Alaska man who was teaching English in Japan haven't given up hope that he will be found alive.

26-year-old Monty Dickson lived in Rikuzentakata and worked as part of the JET programme at Yonesaki elementary and junior highs.

Dickson hasn't been heard from since the disaster. His area was destroyed by the tsunami following the devastating earthquake.

The young teacher was able to call his girlfriend from the town's city hall, but that three storey building was later covered by the waves. Other reports put Dickson at one of the schools in the area.