Provisional translation

Press Conference by Shoichi Nakagawa, Minister of Finance and Minister for Financial Services

(Excerpt)

December 5, 2008

[Questions and Answers]

Q.

I would like to ask you about Shinginko Tokyo. Do you think that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is partly responsible for this bank's management problem?

A.

There have been media reports over whether the Tokyo Metropolitan Government was involved or not. As this concerns a specific bank and is a very delicate matter, I would like to take appropriate action or make an announcement after consulting with senior officials of the FSA (Financial Services Agency).

Q.

I have a question concerning a quite different matter. In response to the deterioration of the financial situation, Honda Motor has announced a retreat from F1 (Formula One) racing. How do you feel about this?

A.

As a fan of F1 racing, I feel sad. However, I would like to refrain from saying whether the company should stay on or quit, since not only Honda but also other Japanese and foreign automakers face a very severe situation as reported by the mass media.

(End)