Morrison & Foerster LLP/ Ito & Mitomi was nominated for four awards and took home awards in two categories at the recent inaugural Asian Legal Business (ALB) "Deals of the Year Awards Japan 2005" held in Tokyo on June 16, 2005.  The awards recognize the top deals in Japan for 2004 and the law firms and professionals that acted on them.   Deals are assessed on the basis of value, structure and complexity, number of parties, timeframe for completion and overall significance to the market.  Deal teams are recognized for their outstanding client service and ability to combine extensive and creative analysis with astute judgment so as to provide their clients with a competitive edge.

The Awards we received are:

1. Equity Deal of the Year - Inpex privatisation
   For our role as counsel to the underwriters on the Japanese law aspects of Inpex's global offering of shares as part of its privatization and listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
   
2. Japan Real Estate Deal of the Year - Japan Retail Fund global equity offering
   For our role as counsel to the lead managers in the offering in Japan and Reg. 144A/Reg. S offering elsewhere by Japan Retail Fund Investment Corporation.

To learn more about the awards, please visit the ALB website at   http://www.albawards.com/japan