WHEN a natural disaster happens the tragedy and turmoil that surrounds it is often forgotten mere months later.

In January a group of passionate Tweed, Byron Bay and Gold Coast residents formed the Kizuna choir to make people never forget the tragic Japan earthquake and tsunami.

The tragedy on March 11 claimed more than 15,870 people, injured 6114 and 2814 are still missing.

The first was to help keep the memory of the disaster alive by singing the song Naomonai Kizuna, which translates to Unseen Ties.

Secondly they wanted to let the people of Japan know they were still thinking of them and supporting them.

Choir founders and members Chisayo Lewis and Ikuko Rowlind said it was important to never forget.

"We were worried about the area," Mrs Lewis said.

"People in that area are still suffering and they need help to rebuild the area to keep going."

Mrs Rowlind said the choir aimed to help "from our souls and heart."

The group are now in the midst of their latest project, they are working on a gigantic patchwork art to display and raise funds.

Close to 200 people from all over Australia have spent time sewing and creating beautiful 10 x 10 patches to add to the artwork.

"We were surprised by the response," Mrs Lewis said.

"We hope to get more and more."

Mrs Lewis and Mrs Rowlind said a lot of people were interested in the project and would often approach them when they are sewing at cafes in Tweed.

The choir itself has performed up and down the coast all year at various festivals.

At the events they also had calligraphy and origami workshops running to collect donations with $3000 already raised.

The disaster caused 129,225 buildings to totally collapse with a further 254,204 buildings to half collapse and another 691,766 buildings to be partially damaged.

To submit your own artwork to the project visit facebook.com/10x10tsunagu.

Or post your creation to Kizuna Project Australia, 3/47 Hastings Rd, Cabarita Beach, NSW 2488.