Rihanna, Justin Bieber and U2 Rush to Record Japan Benefit Album

By Joseph Barracato

03/22/2011 at 10:35 AM EDT

A galaxy of Universal Music superstars – including Rihanna, Justin Bieber and U2 – are rushing to create a compilation, digital-only album to raise funds for the Japanese quake and tsunami victims.

The world's biggest record label is aiming to have the effort completed by week's end, with proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross.

Bieber, 17, said in an emotional Tweet: "Japan is one of my favorite places on earth ... it's an incredible culture with amazing people. My prayers go out to them. We all need to help, by being one of the first on board for the project."

RELATED: Japan's Tsunami Disaster: How You Can Help

Lady Gaga, who already designed a Japan Prayer Bracelet to aid relief efforts, is also being recruited along with Nicki Minaj, Bon Jovi and several others.

R&B star Ne-Yo is already in Japan playing charity shows and aiming to raise $100,000 for victims.