For Immediate Release

Fingertip Vessel Authentication System

Tokyo, Japan, January 28, 2004 - JCB Co., Ltd., the international payment brand, has introduced the world's first finger blood vessel pattern authentication system that combines payment authentication with access control. The first facility scheduled to utilize the system is a 156-unit condominium in Osaka, Japan, due to be completed in March 2005. This new multifunctional system will allow residents of the condominium complex to open doors and pay for purchases at the complex service center by simply placing one finger in an infrared reader, without carrying keys or credit cards.

The blood vessel pattern authentication system developed by Bionics Co., Ltd. is one of the most accurate biometric authentication security technologies available. Blood vessel patterns are genetically determined, and unique to the individual. Authentication is simple and non-invasive : one finger is placed in the reader, and an image of the blood vessel pattern is taken by CCD camera under infrared light and matched to the preauthorized pattern for identification. Unlike keys or credit cards, these unique patterns cannot be counterfeited or stolen, offering building residents superior security and peace of mind as well as the ultimate in convenience.

Access to both shared areas and individual condominiums are controlled by the system, eliminating the risk of entry by intruders using lost, stolen or copied keys. Residents - especially children and the elderly - no longer have to worry about or search for their keys. In addition, purchases made at the condominium service center can be made using the same authentication system, to be charged on the resident's JCB credit card. The center includes a shop with food and other necessities, photo developing and dry cleaning, as well as offering periodic educational seminars and other events for residents.

Mr. Omoto, Executive Vice President & General Manager of JCB Advanced Technologies Department, commented on the latest developments as follows. "JCB is actively engaging in efforts to integrate biometrics technology into payment systems. We have already announced an initiative for using fingerprint authorization devices in mobile phones, and the launch of this payment system using finger blood vessel pattern authentication is our next advance. In order to maintain a high rate of progress we will be continuing to integrate advanced technology with payment systems and further contribute to the expansion of the payment industry. "

Located in a hub area of Osaka, the Sanctus Abeno The Premier complex is being developed by ORIX and ORIX Real Estate and promises residents convenience, security and a high quality of life. The new blood vessel pattern authentication, access control and services payment system is offered by JCB Co., Ltd., Bionics Co., Ltd., Hochiki Co. and Pliant Powers Co., who anticipate that it will be incorporated in 30 new complexes within the next three years.

About JCB
JCB is an international credit card brand and the largest card issuer / acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding overseas in 1981. Its merchant network includes 11.4 million merchants and spans 189 countries and territories. JCB cards are now issued　in 18 countries and territories, with 49.6 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, 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 International homepage at http://www.jcbinternational.com

About Bionics, Co. Ltd.
In the present security technology industry, biometrics authentication technology is recognized as the most secure method in the world. The VA blood vessel authentication system has been shown to have very low false acceptance and rejection rates. The VA authentication system targets the blood vessel pattern itself with a reaction of an organism. The biometrics technology market is one of the new markets in the 21st century. The applications of the biometrics market have tremendous potential in the security, IT and medical fields. Not only has Bionics Co. increased its market share, but also we are one of the leading companies in this field. This company is committed to improve the ability for businesses to offer safer and more secure working environments, improving the quality of life for everyone.

About Pliant Powers Co.
We offer condominiums and other living communities a wide variety of meticulous services making daily life easier, as well as lifelong learning through seminars and other educational events. Our concierge service for condominium residents is founded on the concept of living culture and the importance of person-to-person relationships in community. We also offer consultation services to help residents enrich their lifestyle. Currently we offer services to approximately 7,800 residential units.

About Hochiki Co.
Hochiki was founded in Tokyo in 1918 as the first specialist manufacturer of fire alarm systems in Japan with most of the major Japanese insurance companies as founder shareholders. Hochiki is proud of our position as industry leader, which is based on more than 85 years of experience and continued growth as a manufacturer of complete accident prevention systems. Hochiki conducts research and development, manufacturing, planning, installation as well as on-going maintenance of a wide range of prevention systems ensuring peace of mind. We are actively expanding our market by integrating security, telecommunications and other advanced technologies with our expertise in accident prevention. We are committed to contributing to the well being of society as we focus on providing advanced systems ensuring safety and security.

About ORIX Corporation
ORIX began as a leasing company in 1964 and has expanded operations to lending, rentals, life insurance, brokerage services, real estate-related financing, investment and retail banking. We sell a variety of products and services to provide our corporate customers with individualized financial solutions, which include financing, tax management, consulting and investment banking services. In the personal financial services sector our products include "ORIX Direct" from ORIX Life Insurance Corporation, "Direct Deposits" at ORIX Trust and Banking Corporation, "ORIX Online" at ORIX Securities Corporation as well as our VIP Card Loan at ORIX Credit Corporation. In addition, ORIX also operates automobile rental companies, hotels and golf courses, and a professional baseball team. Our Overseas operations include leasing, rentals, fixed income investment, aircraft and ship financing, loan servicing, and property development in 22 markets.