Press Conference by the Commissioner

(Excerpt)

March 25 , 2003

Regarding the 'Relaxation of Regulations on Purchases of Own Stocks,' which is one of the items included in the 'Measures for Ensuring Proper Operations of Stock Markets' announced on March 13, I would like to let you know that yesterday we promulgated and put into force a Cabinet Office ordinance required for that purpose.

One of the regulations relaxed as a result is the upper limit of average daily volume of own stock purchase has been increased from the previous limit of 25% to 100%, which is applicable for three months. We promulgated and put into force a ministerial ordinance required for that purpose, the information on which was provided to the press yesterday and is displayed on our homepage as well. Yesterday, we also had the respective stock exchanges and the Japan Securities Dealers Association make the information thoroughly known to listed companies etc. as well as securities companies. We are hoping that these listed companies and over-the-counter companies will actively take advantage of this scheme.