Canada's Justin Bieber and Irish rock band U2 are among artists who will contribute songs to a digital album to raise funds for victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

Record label Universal Music is rushing the album to market internationally, announcing it hopes to release it by the end of the week.

"We are doing it only digitally because it is faster," said a Universal spokesman, adding that the record would be "a worldwide release."

American artists Rihanna and Bon Jovi, and Trinidad's Nicki Minaj have been confirmed for the album, and more artists are to be announced, Universal said.

Bieber announced his involvement on Twitter, saying: "Japan needs our help…. We all need to step up."

Lady Gaga, part of the Universal stable, has already raised money for the victims by selling a special "We Pray for Japan" wristband.

Funds from the Universal fundraiser will go to the Japanese Red Cross.

Artists around the world are scrambling to organize benefit concerts and donate funds from existing concerts in an effort to help victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

On Tuesday, police said some 9,079 bodies have been recovered, while another 13,500 people are missing.