Japan has declined Taiwan's offer to send rescue teams to Japan's earthquake-hit areas for now, but requested relief materials from Taipei, the Foreign Ministry said Sunday.

"Japan told us that due to the chaos in the disaster areas, it will notify us (regarding dispatching rescue teams) after assessing the damages," a ministry statement said.

"However, Japan has given us a list of the materials it needs, and we hope civic groups and individuals can contact the Foreign Ministry if they want to supply these materials," it added.

It said Japan requested 500 generators, 500 kerosene cookers, 1,000 sets of warm clothing, 500 sleeping pads or sleeping bags, 1,000 pairs of warm gloves and non-perishable food such as biscuits.

Since the magnitude-9 quake triggered a massive tsunami Friday, Taipei has donated 100 million Taiwan dollars (3.3 million US dollars) and offered to send rescue and medical teams to Japan.

Sapa