Tokyo, September 15, 2004 - JCB, a leading international payment brand, is pleased to announce that its international subsidiary, JCB International Co., Ltd., signed an acquiring license agreement with Bhutan National Bank today. The bank will be conducting JCB brand acquiring and processing business in Bhutan.

"We are delighted that today marks the first JCB acquiring license to be granted to a Bhutanese bank," said Mr. Makoto Sekine, Managing Director at JCB International (Thailand). "Since 25% of foreign visitors to Bhutan are Japanese, this agreement will mean more complete service for JCB cardmembers with a broader merchant network in Bhutan," he added.

Mr. Kipchu Tshering, Bhutan National Bank's Managing Director, commented, "We are looking forward to the benefits this new alliance will bring. By adding the JCB international brand to our product line, we now can meet the needs of merchants that are interested in Japanese travelers."

Bhutan is located on the southern slopes of the majestic Himalayas, and as a travel destination boasts a beautiful natural environment and a unique culture. Bhutan National Bank, headquartered in Thimphu, was established in 1997. The Bank provides acquiring services to merchants, including souvenir shops, handicrafts emporiums, hotels and others merchants popular with foreign tourists.

With this agreement, the JCB brand will be phased in at all the bank's merchants from September 2004. With the addition of Bhutan, the JCB brand is now accepted in 190 countries and territories around the world.

About Bhutan National Bank
Bhutan National Bank was established in 1997 as the second commercial bank in Bhutan with technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank. Since then it has provided some of the best banking solutions in Bhutan. Presently more than 50% of the Bank is owned by the public, making it the most widely owned financial institution in the country.
The Bank, true to its slogan of "Your Relationship Bank" has been the pioneer in offering its customers ATM facilities and VISA credit card, and now JCB credit card, acquiring services. The Bank also has relationships with major international banks such as Standard Chartered Bank, Citibank, American Express Bank, State Bank of India and several banks in Bangladesh. As an acquirer, Bhutan National Bank maintains a network of more than 50 merchants, mostly located in the capital, Thimphu.

About JCB Co., Ltd.
JCB is an international credit card brand and the largest card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding overseas in 1981. Its merchant network includes 11.7 million merchants and spans 190 countries and territories. JCB cards are now issued in 18 countries and territories, with 51.6 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with more than 320 leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and cardmember base. JCB's corporate philosophy of "Service from the heart", a commitment to responsive and high-quality service, continues to guide it as it creates the future together with its customers, merchants and partners. For further information, please visit the JCB Co. Ltd. home page at : www.jcb-global.com/english or www.jcbinternational.com.