8 August 2007

The ASBJ and the IASB announce Tokyo Agreement on achieving convergence ofaccounting standards by 2011
Ikuo Nishikawa, Chairman of the Accounting Standards Board of Japan (ASBJ), and Sir
David Tweedie, Chairman of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), jointly
announced today an agreement (known as the Tokyo Agreement) to accelerate convergence
between Japanese GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), a processthat was started in March 2005.
As part of the agreement the two boards will seek to eliminate by 2008 major differences
between Japanese GAAP and IFRSs (as defined by the July 2005 CESR assessment ofequivalence), with the remaining differences being removed on or before 30 June 2011.
Whilst the target date of 2011 does not apply to any major new IFRSs now being developedthat will become effective after 2011, both boards will work closely to ensure the acceptanceof the international approach in Japan when new standards become effective.
Commenting on the agreement, Mr Ikuo Nishikawa said:
We have reaffirmed our commitment to convergence and are pleased to have anopportunity to increase the significant involvement of the ASBJ and Japan moregenerally in the international standard-setting process.

It is expected that thisagreement will enable Japanese companies to publish financial statements prepared
under Japanese accounting standards without any remedies continuously in the EU
and other capital markets using IFRSs.
Sir David Tweedie said:
We are delighted that the ASBJ, representing the interests of the second largest
economy in the world, has agreed to accelerate convergence between Japanese GAAP
and IFRSs and look forward to its active participation in shaping the future directionof international financial reporting standards.

8 August 2007
Accounting Standards Board of Japan
International Accounting Standards Board

Agreement on initiatives to accelerate the convergence of accounting standards
The Accounting Standards Board of Japan (ASBJ) and the International AccountingStandards Board (IASB) share the belief that convergence towards high quality accounting
standards will greatly benefit capital markets around the world. They therefore launched ajoint project in March 2005 with the final goal of accomplishing convergence between
Japanese GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). In their
discussions in this joint project, the boards have identified differences between the two sets ofstandards and have made progress towards eliminating those differences.
In the light of the growing acceptance of IFRSs by major economies throughout the world,
the ASBJ and the IASB agree that the acceleration of convergence of Japanese GAAP andIFRSs is the strategic priority of their joint convergence efforts. Consistently with thisobjective, the ASBJ and the IASB have agreed to pursue the strategy outlined below, which
includes defined target dates for short-term and longer-term convergence projects. Inpursuing this strategy, the ASBJ and IASB recognise the need to consult interested parties,
including regulators, and to follow their respective due process requirements for thedevelopment of accounting standards.
Completion of short-term convergence projects by 2008
The goal by 2008 is to reach a conclusion that eliminates the differences or provides
compatible accounting standards for the items which in July 2005 the Committee of European
Securities Regulators (CESR) advised remedies as to the financial statements prepared underJapanese GAAP in connection with the equivalence assessment by the European Commission.
Consequently, convergence in major areas of existing Japanese GAAP and IFRSs will beachieved through these projects.
Establishing a 30 June 2011 target date for other convergence topics
The goal by 30 June 2011 is to bring about convergence on the remaining differences between
Japanese GAAP and IFRSs that have been identified by the boards, but are not part of the2008 projects. The target date does not apply to any area of difference on which the IASB
now has a major project that will result in a new standard with an effective date after 30 June
2011. However, to achieve the ultimate objective of convergence of Japanese GAAP andIFRSs in these remaining areas, both boards will work closely to ensure the acceptance of theinternational approach in Japan when new standards become effective.
The ASBJ and the IASB will proceed with the projects expeditiously and steadily in the lightof the changing environment surrounding global convergence of accounting standards andwill enhance co-operation to facilitate greater input in the international standard-setting
process from Japan. For this purpose, in addition to the joint meeting between
representatives of the ASBJ and the IASB held semi-annually since 2005, both boards will
establish working groups led by directors in order to further discuss the major issues
emerging in the development of accounting standards in a practical manner.
2The ASBJ and the IASB both recognise the need to undertake these works in a manner that is
consistent with their respective established due processes, including consultation withconstituents regarding ongoing joint efforts.
* * *It is expected that this Agreement by the ASBJ and the IASB will contribute to theachievement of global convergence of accounting standards through the efforts and actions of
not only both boards but also many concerned parties—including preparers, auditors,investors and regulators.

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