Six Japanese swimmers reached the eastern coast of Taiwan Monday after challenging heavy winds and high waves for 52 hours.

The group's leader explained the point of the swim.

He said he and the others wanted to show their appreciation for the assistance provided by Taiwan after Japan's

devastating earthquake and tsunami in March.

The six set off early Saturday on the 150-kilometer swim from Japan's southern Yonaguni Island, rotating in 30-minute relays.

Taiwan dispatched rescue workers and donated more than 260 million dollars for relief efforts following the disaster, which left nearly 20,000 people dead or missing.