I've read some posts on this board and other spots on the Internet about doubts about their country's Red Cross or like charitable organization. Google seems to be cutting out the middle man and helping you donate directly to Red Cross of Japan. Also Google Japan is also suggesting Peace Winds as alternative donation site. If you click on an alternative language other then Japanese you will be shown other possible outlets along with the Red Cross of Japan. If another language besides Japanese is chosen, Peace Winds is no longer found. I imagine this is due to the lack of immediate international translation assistance that may arise with international transactions.
LINK:
東日本大震災（東北地方太平洋沖地震）
Bank Credit Card exchange rate fees will be included if your credit line is not yen (though this may depend on the issuing bank). If you reside in the US I also imagine Charitable deductions will not be tax deductible as you will now be giving to a foreign organization, but I may be incorrect.
This is simply an alternative for those who may have doubts about the organization they are donating too and are hesitating as a result of this.
World News organizations are now stating the dead and missing will most likely rise to 21,000.
This is simply meant as alternative.
I have no doubt that a donation of any size will help the recovery and the immediate need for help.