Tokyo, August 4 2005 - JCB, a leading international payment brand, is happy to announce the launch of a new JCB brand card by Taishin International Bank, a leading credit card issuer in Taiwan. This brings the number of JCB issuing banks to 31 out of about 50 banks operating in Taiwan. Taishin International, a major card issuer with 4 million cardmembers, has been in partnership with JCB in merchant acquiring operations since 2000.

�gWe are very pleased to partner with Taishin International, one of the most prestigious banks in Taiwan�h, said Mr. Osamu Hino, General Manager of JCB International (Taiwan) Co., Ltd. based in Taipei. �gThis will put JCB in a strong position to provide a far greater group of customers in Taiwan with the opportunity to experience and benefit from JCB's high quality service�h, he added.

The new Taishin International Bank JCB Standard and Platinum Cards are accepted at JCB's 12.4 million merchant network covering 190 countries and territories, and offer access to JCB Plazas in 31 major cities worldwide.

The card appeals to discerning Taiwan consumers with a full range of benefits including emergency 24-hour road service, purchase insurance and travel insurance. Those who travel to Japan frequently will find it even more attractive, because of exclusive JCB offerings such as double loyalty points for card use in Japan, discounts on tours in Japan, and promotional campaigns featuring a chance to win a free trip to Japan .

Taishin International Bank JCB Platinum Cardmembers will enjoy additional benefits including free airport parking, free golf course reservation service, free entry to the airport lounges in Taiwan and Japan, as well as free upgrade to business class on domestic flights within Taiwan.

JCB and Taishin International Bank will be aggressively promoting the new card through newspaper, magazine and television advertising for an even stronger brand image.

JCB started merchant acquiring operations in Taiwan in 1993, and began issuing JCB cards for Taiwan residents the following year. The number of JCB cardmembers has been growing steadily since, and this new partnership is an important step in JCB's continuing effort to strengthen its commitment to Taiwan, one of JCB's major cardmember bases in Asia.

Taishin International Bank JCB Standard and Platinum Cards

About Taishin International Bank
Taishin International bank, which has 80 branches in the country, is active in major contactless smart card projects in the public sector, including Taipei's subway system, the MRT, and an electronic toll payment system on highways. For more information, please visit us at: www.taishinbank.com.tw . (Mandarin Chinese only)

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 12.4 million merchants and spans 190 countries and territories. JCB cards are now issued in 19 countries and territories, with 55.14 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.jcbcorporate.com/english .