French Ligue 1 leaders Monaco showed their support for relief efforts in quake-hit Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on Saturday, when they held their home game with Toulouse as a charity match for the region.

Video clips showing recovery efforts in the prefecture were displayed before the game and during the half-time at Stade Louis II. Kumamoto was hit by two huge quakes in April last year that directly killed 50 people.

Albert II, Prince of Monaco, attended a special photo exhibition afterward and listened to explanations from Kumamoto Vice Gov. Taisuke Ono.

"He was looking at photos seriously and wished us a swift recovery," said the kimono-clad Ono. "I believe we could convey what the situation is like in Kumamoto."

Guillaume Maemet-Marecahl, Monaco's sponsorship manager, said in a statement, "It's something exceptional to have in the middle of the season, but we're honored to hold a match like this."

The program was set up by a sponsor of Japanese second-division side Roasso Kumamoto with strong connections to Monaco. It saw 100,000 euros donated from the principality club to the prefecture. The money is to be used to fund sport-related reconstruction projects.

"This came true thanks to so many people's help, and at a crunch period of the season. I feel the power of soccer," Japan Football Association President Kozo Tashima said after Champions League semifinalists Monaco won 3-1. "We have to thank them for their open-mindedness too."

Perhaps the most recognizable figure at the event, at least among Japanese, was Kumamoto's ubiquitous red-cheeked bear mascot, Kumamon, who appeared wearing a Roasso shirt.

==Kyodo