TIDMPJF

RNS Number : 7804M

Prospect Japan Fund Ld

29 August 2013

THE PROSPECT JAPAN FUND LIMITED

INTERIM RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT

The financial information set out in this announcement does not constitute the Company's statutory financial statements for the period ended 30 June 2013. All figures are based on the 30 June 2013 unaudited financial statements, approved by the Board of Directors on 28 August 2013.

The Company's statutory financial statements will shortly be available for inspection at the UK Listing Authority's Document Viewing Facility, which is located at:

Financial Services Authority

25 The North Colonnade

Canary Wharf

London E14 5HS

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

for the period from 1 January, 2013 to 30 June, 2013

Japan's equity market commenced the year strongly, reflecting the strength of positive sentiment, confidence and belief in the economy, generated by the significant win of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on 16 December 2012 and the appointment of Shinzo Abe as Prime Minister (PM) and his commitment to reflation and growth. More recently the major political event has been the LDP Coalition gaining control of the upper house. The Government now has control of the lower and upper house and PM Abe has the opportunity, after many years of constant political change, to implement his wide ranging reforms and expansionary policies.

The recovery in the economy has been underpinned with stronger GDP growth and rising exports, supported by a depreciating Yen and a determination to end deflation through targeted inflation implemented by The Bank of Japan. Japanese companies continue to build their cash rich balance sheets and their share buyback programmes continue.

However there remain risks and uncertainties. Principally Japan remains vulnerable to a slowdown in the global economy, particularly with its major trading partners Europe and China, and weakening risk appetite as demonstrated by recent performance in emerging markets. While the Abe administration has agreed to join free-trade negotiations, there is still uncertainty regarding the pursuit of its commitment to economic reform following the July upper house elections. Market sentiment will likely sour should Japan back out of joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

On 1 August 2013 Gro-BeLS Co. Ltd. (Gro-Bels), a company in which your company is an investor, announced that it had reached agreement to acquire 100% ownership of Prospect Co. Ltd, the ultimate parent company of your manager. The agreement was approved by both groups of shareholders at the general shareholders' meetings held on 26 June 2013.

In accordance with the Company's Articles of Incorporation a Resolution to wind up the Company is required to be put to the Shareholders at the end of the first 12 years of the Company's life and every 3 years thereafter. The last such vote was at the AGM in 2011 and the next will be at the AGM in 2014. Given the investment performance since that 2011 vote, the Advisor's continuing contact with the major shareholders and the Company's ability to meet its obligations as they fall due over the next year the Board has decided that it remains appropriate for these financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis.

The Directors have reviewed the prospects for your Company against the performance and reviews by your Investment Advisor. The Investment Advisor reports in considerable detail on the portfolio in its report within these Financial Statements. We believe these prospects to be positive and offer opportunities against the backdrop of the Government's reflationary plans. The Company has performed strongly with its Net Asset Value (NAV) as at 30 June 2013 showing an increase of 13.9 percentage points for the period against a 9.2 percentage points increase of the Topix Small Index for the same period. As noted above, the Company will undergo a continuation vote in 2014 and in the meantime the Board remains fully supportive of the strategy pursued by the Investment Advisor.

John Hawkins

Chairman

28 August 2013

INVESTMENT ADVISOR'S REPORT

for the period from 1 January, 2013 to 30 June, 2013

Market Performance (%), US$ NAV

YTD 01.01.13 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year

to 30.06.13

PROSPECT JAPAN FUND 13.9 19.8 42.0 (13.5)

Topix Small 9.2 13.0 35.0 2.66

Prospect Japan Fund inception date is 20 December 1994. Topix Small is capitalization-weighted index designed to measure the stocks not included in the Topix 500 Index that are listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. As of August 2003, the benchmark of the Prospect Japan Fund changed from TSE2 to Topix Small since its characteristics with respect to average market capitalization more closely resemble the investment strategy pursued by the portfolio. Above performance of the Fund is net of fees and expenses and includes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. (Source: Prospect Asset Management, Inc.) Topix Small Index performance includes the reinvestment of dividends. (Source: Bloomberg)

Investment Manager's Summary

The Prospect Japan Fund (the "Company") performed strongly during H1 2013, gaining 13.9% during the period ending 30 June 2013 vs. the TOPIX Small Index's 9.2% gain. Following the December 2012 election, and the Liberal Democratic Party ("LDP") returning to power under PM Shinzo Abe, Japan has seen a rapid pace of expansionary policies known collectively as "Abenomics", with the goal of ending persistent deflation and spurring economic revitalization through 1) a Yen13.1 trillion fiscal stimulus package 2) expanded monetary easing by the Bank of Japan ("BoJ"), and 3) structural economic reform through regulation change and incentives for investment and hiring.

The Abe administration lost no time in laying out fiscal measures towards achieving its stated goal of reaching 2% real (3% nominal) GDP growth required to trigger the planned 2014 consumption tax hike approved last year. The government approved a Yen92.6 trillion draft budget for Fiscal Year 2013, to complement the Yen13.1 trillion supplementary budget for the current fiscal year. As expected, public works spending will serve as the key stimulus measure, with Yen5.3 trillion allotted to infrastructure repair spending (+Yen700 billion year-on-year), with the cost offset by a reduction in grants to local governments.

Former Asian Development Bank President Haruhiko Kuroda was confirmed as the new BoJ Governor. In his first appearance before the Diet, Governor Kuroda reaffirmed the bank intention to reach its 2% inflation goal within the next two years by engaging in bold monetary easing in both the quantity and quality. Under its new Governor, the BoJ terminated the Asset Purchase Program in favour of "Quantitative and Qualitative" monetary easing, aimed at lowering long-term interest rates and supporting asset prices in pursuit of reaching its 2% inflation target within the next two years. The Bank will now target up to an annual Yen60 - 70 trillion expansion of the monetary base, achieved by 1) annual purchases of Yen50 billion of Japanese Government Bonds ("JGB's") with maturities up to 40 years, 2) annual purchases of ETF and J-REIT units of Yen1 trillion and Yen30 billion respectively. JGB's purchasing operations have been consolidated under the new program, and the bank has suspended the "banknote principle" under which the BoJ was prohibited from buying more than banknotes in circulation.

The Bank's policy came under pressure as long-term bond yield volatility spiked in the weeks following the announcement. BoJ Governor Kuroda has stated his desire to avoid incremental moves in response to market volatility, while affirming that the bank sees improvements in the underlying economy. The Bank did offer some stability by adjusting to more frequent, but smaller bond purchases.

The Yen followed a weakening trend for much of the first half of the year, falling as low as JPY/USD 103.5 level, from 86.6 at the end of 2012. The Yen traded at JPY/USD 99.3 at the end of June.

The administration announced that it would join US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership or T.P.P. negotiations, as Japan looks for ways to spur growth. The government estimates that Japan's participation could boost GDP by as much as Yen3.2 trillion (0.66 ppt), assuming elimination of all tariffs, though this outcome is unlikely considering pushback from Japanese farmers and American auto-makers. Other participants include the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Peru and Chile.

Among the 23 potential regulatory changes to be considered by the government's panel for economic revitalization and industrial competiveness is the adoption of special economic zones in the nation's largest cities which would include 24-hour transit service to attract business travellers and tourists. Other proposals are for lower corporate tax rates for foreign firms, and loosening visa restrictions for skilled immigrants.

Deregulation of Japan's power industry took an important step towards reality with the administration's approval of a plan to split utilities along power generation, distribution and retail sales lines, with elimination of all pricing restrictions by 2018.

In June, the Abe cabinet approved measures that aim to remove regulatory barriers to private enterprise and promote corporate investments through tax and regulatory reform. Market reaction has been tepid, as policy changes are not expected to go into effect until this fall, in an effort to avoid political headwinds before the July upper house elections. The changes to Japanese regulatory and taxation policy are expected to be the key to Abenomic's lasting success.

While the long-term impact of Abenomics is still unclear, it has born some initial fruit for the real economy with revised 1Q GDP growth of annualized 4.1% (from initial forecast of 3.5%), and the current account surplus for April surprised on the upside at Yen750 billion vs. the estimated Yen350 billion. Japanese exports rose 10% year on year in May, more than the 6.4% year on year rise expected.

The quarterly Tankan business survey for the June-end quarter also offered positive data, with large manufacturers' sentiment turning positive for the first time since September 2011 (+4 vs. -8 reading for March 2013 quarter). The survey also showed large companies across all industries reporting plans to increase capital spending by 5.5% through March 2014.

Holdings that provided outsized contribution to positive performance for the half included Shibusawa Warehouse (9304) and Katakura Industries (3001) as investors focused on companies with strong real estate holdings. Shibusawa Warehouse, which operates in logistics and real estate, gained on the market's bullish stance on Tokyo real estate. 71% of the company's Fiscal Year 2013 operating profit was from real estate leasing activities, and the company has rental real estate assets of Yen63.2 billion with unrealised gains of Yen36.5 billion. Katakura Industries, a shopping mall operator engaged in the manufacture and sale of textiles, pharmaceuticals and auto parts, rose to a four year high. Katakura holds Yen99.2 billion in rental real estate assets with implied unrealised capital gains of Yen77 billion.

Underperformers included Tri-Stage Inc, (2178) a marketing consultant service provider, that announced weaker than expected 4Q sales resulting in a large downward revision to full year parent level forecasts. Q1 2014 results were released at the end of June, showing high double-digit growth in consolidated profits, as the company diversifies its operations through M&A.

Toho Real Estate has been the subject of a tender offer by Toho Co which owned 58 per cent. of Toho Real Estate at a price of Yen735 per share and was delisted. We believe that the true value is considerably higher and have declined to tender our shares and instead gone to arbitration. The results of that arbitration are uncertain and accordingly valuing our investment for the purposes of these Financial Statements has been challenging. After full discussion with the Board, and taking into account the risks and uncertainties of the arbitration process and after applying discounts for the fact that the holding has been delisted and therefore is no longer tradable and for the time value of money we believe that a price 10% higher than the tender offer is an appropriate fair value for this holding.

J-REIT Highlights

Tokyo Stock Exchange Market Data (Net Buyers/Sellers of J-REITs)

J-REITs gained 10.5% in USD during the first half of 2013, surrendering all of its Q1 outperformance versus the broader index as expectations for lower debt financing rates, recovering office occupancy and rents gave way to profit taking amid concerns over a spike in long-term benchmark JGB volatility.

Since the beginning of its Asset Purchase Programme and under the new monetary easing initiatives the Bank of Japan has purchased Yen137.8 billion in J-REIT units, 98.4% of the total allotment for the year. While the BoJ left the J-REIT allocation amount unchanged after the June policy board meeting, Governor Kuroda has implied that the BoJ is willing to continue support beyond the remaining Yen1.3 billion left of the stated 2013 allocation.

J-REIT expansion has continued unabated by the market correction, with H1 2013 host to four J-REIT IPO's, along with nineteen public issuances of new shares. Thus far, J-REITs have raised about Yen700 billion in new equity this year. J-REITs have purchased over Yen1.4 trillion in new property this year.

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Japan remains vulnerable to a slowdown in the global economy, particularly in major trading partners Europe and China, and weakening risk appetite as demonstrated by recent performance in emerging markets.

While the Abe administration has agreed to join free-trade negotiations, there is still uncertainly regarding the seriousness of its commitment to economic reform following the July elections. Market sentiment will likely sour should Japan back out of joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Prospect Japan Fund Top 10 Holdings

30 June, 2013

 
 Symbol     Security                        % of Total 
                                             Assets 
=========  ==============================  =========== 
 8205       SHAKLEE GLOBAL GROUP INC           12.7 
 1921       TOMOE CORP                         10.1 
 6443       TOYO ENGINEERING WORKS LTD         10.1 
 8833       TOHO REAL ESTATE CO LTD            9.6 
 2178       TRI-STAGE INC                      7.1 
 3227       MID (REIT)                         6.7 
 3001       KATAKURA INDUSTRIES CO LTD         6.1 
            GODO KAISHA TAIHEIYO JISHO #1 
 gktaihei    BOND                              4.7 
            KENEDIX RESIDENTIAL INV CORP 
 3278        (REIT)                            4.6 
 3528       GRO-BELS CO LTD                    3.3 
 

Sector Weighting

30 June, 2013

 
 Advertising                        7.1 
 Auto Manufacturers                 1.4 
 Banks                              0.3 
 Building Materials                12.7 
 Distribution/Wholesale             1.3 
 Diversified Financial Services     7.5 
 Engineering & Construction        10.7 
 Entertainment                      0.1 
 Food                               0.1 
 Internet                           1.6 
 Real Estate                       19.8 
 REITs                             14.4 
 Retail                            14.8 
 Storage/Warehousing                2.3 
 Textiles                           0.4 
 Transportation                     1.5 
 

Percentage weightings are Prospect Asset Management's internal calculations and have not been reconciled by the administrator. Results of calculations as presented may not be exact due to rounding and precision of stored values.

The Prospect Japan Fund is a closed-end investment company incorporated in Guernsey, and listed on the London Stock Exchange. The Company's investment objective is to achieve long-term capital growth from a portfolio of securities primarily of smaller Japanese companies Listed or traded on Japanese Stock Markets. Past performance is no indication of future results.

Prospect Asset Management, Inc.

28 August, 2013

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

as at 30 June, 2013

 
     Number 
         of                                           Fair Value     Percentage 
                                                                   of Net Asset 
 Securities   Investments                        in U.S. Dollars          Value 
              Listed investments 
 
              Advertising 
    756,800   Tri-Stage Inc                            7,703,150           7.02 
 
                                                       7,703,150           7.02 
 
              Auto manufacturers 
              Showa Aircraft Industry 
    169,000    Co Ltd                                  1,559,448           1.42 
 
                                                       1,559,448           1.42 
 
              Banks 
      1,000   The Daito Bank                                 779              - 
    452,000   Fukushima Bank                             338,423           0.31 
 
                                                         339,202           0.31 
 
              Building materials 
    107,400   Endo Lighting Corp                       2,879,648           2.62 
              Toyo Engineering Works 
  2,008,000    Ltd                                    10,991,329          10.02 
 
                                                      13,870,977          12.64 
 
              Distribution/Wholesale 
    183,700   Kamei Corp                               1,403,283           1.28 
 
                                                       1,403,283           1.28 
 
              Engineering and Construction 
     31,000   Ohmoto Gumi Co Ltd                         122,952           0.11 
     44,000   Matsui Construction                        146,912           0.13 
      2,700   Nissei ASB Machine                          31,962           0.03 
              Sanyo Engineering & Construction 
     74,000    Inc                                       299,489           0.27 
  3,194,500   Tomoe Corp                              11,021,647          10.05 
 
 
                                                      11,622,962          10.59 
 
              Entertainment 
     49,000   Tokyo Theatres Co Inc                       74,862           0.07 
 
                                                          74,862           0.07 
 
              Food 
              Nippon Beet Sugar Manufacturing 
     35,000    Co Ltd                                     62,680           0.06 
 
                                                          62,680           0.06 
 
 
 
           Internet 
 202,100   OPT Inc    1,686,978   1.54 
 
 
                      1,686,978   1.54 
 
 
 
             Real Estate 
 6,608,000   Gro-Bels Co Ltd(+)                3,610,381    3.29 
             Katakura Industries Co 
   266,800    Ltd                              6,615,349    6.03 
             Keihanshin Building Co 
   266,800    Ltd                              1,481,997    1.35 
     1,000   MBK Co Ltd                              941       - 
    67,600   Meiwa Estate Co Ltd                 274,955    0.25 
 
 
 
                                              11,983,623   10.92 
 
             REITs 
             Heiwa Real Estate REIT 
     4,284    Inc                              2,990,803    2.72 
             Invincible Investment 
     3,171    Corp                               438,585    0.40 
     3,261   MID Reit Inc                      7,288,460    6.63 
             Prospect Epicure J-REIT 
 7,898,895    Value Fund*#                             -       - 
             Kenedix Residential Investment 
     2,294    Corp                             4,990,236    4.55 
 
 
                                              15,708,084   14.30 
 
 
             Retail 
    46,700   Aeon Hokkaido Corporation           232,000    0.21 
    93,100   Matsuya Co Ltd                    1,132,253    1.03 
   202,000   Sekichu Co Ltd                      897,233    0.82 
             Shaklee Global Group 
 1,173,000    Inc                             13,802,792   12.57 
 
 
                                              16,064,278   14.63 
 
             Storage/warehousing 
   267,300   Inui Warehouse Co Ltd             2,022,972    1.84 
             Maruhachi Warehouse Co 
    16,000    Ltd                                 39,015    0.04 
             Sugimura Warehouse Co 
     5,000    Ltd                                 10,978    0.01 
    46,295   Yasuda Warehouse Co Ltd             410,793    0.37 
 
 
                                               2,483,758    2.26 
 
             Textiles 
   242,000   Kurabo Industries Ltd               386,867    0.35 
 
 
                                                 386,867    0.35 
 
 
 
           Transportation 
           Daiwa Motor Transportation 
 406,000    Co Ltd                       1,565,093    1.43 
           Hokkaido Chuo Bus Co 
   3,000    Ltd                              8,074    0.01 
   4,400   Tohbu Network Co Ltd             35,392    0.03 
 
                                         1,608,559    1.47 
 
 
           Total listed investments     86,558,711   78.86 
 
 
           Unlisted investments 
 
 
               Corporate bond 
               Godo Kaisha Taiheiyo 
   5,150,000    Jisho                         5,800,632     5.28 
 300,000,000   Kidoh Capital Growth           3,035,362     2.77 
 315,700,000   Takefuji Corp                    155,390     0.14 
 
 
                                              8,991,384     8.19 
 
               Real Estate 
   1,287,000   Toho Real Estate              10,528,047     9.59 
 
 
                                             10,528,047     9.59 
 
 
               Total unlisted investments    19,519,431    17.79 
 
 
               Total investments            106,078,142    96.64 
 
               Net current assets             3,683,066     3.36 
 
 
               NET ASSETS                   109,761,208   100.00 
 
 

+ Mr. Curtis Freeze, Director of Prospect Asset Management (Channel Islands) Limited, the Manager of The Prospect Japan Fund Limited is President of Gro-Bels Co Ltd.

* Prospect Epicure JREIT Value Fund is classed as a related party as the fund shares the same Investment Advisor as the Company.

# Currently in liquidation.

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

for the period from 1 January, 2013 to 30 June, 2013

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

(a) the Interim Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 - Interim Financial Reporting as adopted in the European Union;

(b) the Chairman's Report, Interim Management Report and Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements include:

-- a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and

-- a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties' transactions and changes therein).

By order of the Board,

John Hawkins Richard Battey

Director Director

INDEPENDENT INTERIM REVIEW REPORT TO THE PROSPECT JAPAN FUND LIMITED

Introduction

We have been engaged by the Company to review the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements in the half-yearly Financial Report for the six months ended 30 June, 2013 which comprise the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Statement of Changes in Equity, the Statement of Financial Position, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes 1 to 12. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly Financial Report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements.

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained in ISRE 2410 (UK and Ireland) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Directors' Responsibilities

The half-yearly Financial Report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly Financial Report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

As disclosed in note 1, the Annual Financial Statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. The Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements included in this half-yearly Financial Report have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union.

Our Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements in the half-yearly Financial Report based on our review.

Scope of Review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of Interim Financial Information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements in the half-yearly Financial Report for the six months ended 30 June, 2013 are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Ernst & Young LLP

29 August, 2013

The Financial Statements are published on websites maintained by the Investment Manager.

The maintenance and integrity of these websites are the responsibility of the Investment Manager; the work carried out by the Auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the Auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the Financial Statements since they were initially presented on the website.

Legislation in Guernsey governing the preparation and dissemination of Financial Statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

for the period from 1 January, 2013 to 30 June, 2013

 
                                 Revenue       Capital         Total       Revenue      Capital         Total 
                              01.01.2013    01.01.2013    01.01.2013    01.01.2012   01.01.2012    01.01.2012 
                                      to            to            to            to           to            to 
                              30.06.2013    30.06.2013    30.06.2013    30.06.2012   30.06.2012    30.06.2012 
                                 In U.S.       In U.S.       In U.S.       In U.S.      In U.S.       In U.S. 
 Notes                           Dollars       Dollars       Dollars       Dollars      Dollars       Dollars 
 
     Investment income           811,857             -       811,857     1,009,661            -     1,009,661 
     Interest income             202,563             -       202,563       118,567            -       118,567 
     Foreign exchange 
      movements                  488,409   (3,116,826)   (2,628,417)       278,424      376,635       655,059 
     Gain on financial 
      assets at fair 
      value through profit 
     or loss                           -    17,755,376    17,755,376             -   11,618,817    11,618,817 
 
 
     Total income              1,502,829    14,638,550    16,141,379     1,406,652   11,995,452    13,402,104 
 
 
 4   Management fee            (794,383)             -     (794,383)     (702,733)            -     (702,733) 
 5   Other expenses            (351,027)             -     (351,027)     (320,554)            -     (320,554) 
     Transaction costs                 -     (719,620)     (719,620)             -    (182,367)     (182,367) 
 
 
     Total expenses          (1,145,410)     (719,620)   (1,865,030)   (1,023,287)    (182,367)   (1,205,654) 
 
 
 
     Gain for the period 
      before tax                 357,419    13,918,930    14,276,349       383,365   11,813,085    12,196,450 
 
 3   Withholding tax            (75,030)             -      (75,030)      (70,676)            -      (70,676) 
 
 
     Gain for the period 
      after tax                  282,389    13,918,930    14,201,319       312,689   11,813,085    12,125,774 
 
 
     Total comprehensive 
      income for the 
      period 
                                 282,389    13,918,930    14,201,319       312,689   11,813,085    12,125,774 
 
 
     Gain per Ordinary 
      Share - Basic & 
 2    Diluted 
                                   0.003         0.146         0.149         0.003        0.121         0.124 
 
 
 

The 'Total' column of this statement represents the Company's Statement of Comprehensive Income, prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union. The supplementary 'Revenue' and 'Capital' columns are both prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies.

All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Unaudited)

for the period from 1 January, 2013 to 30 June, 2013

 
                                                                                                     Capital 
                               Capital                                  Capital        Capital      Reserve/ 
            Share Capital   Redemption   Redemption        Revenue     Reserve/       Reserve/      Exchange 
                  Account      Reserve      Reserve        Reserve     Realised     Unrealised   Differences         Total 
                       In 
                     U.S.      In U.S.      In U.S.        In U.S.      In U.S.        In U.S.       In U.S.       In U.S. 
                  Dollars      Dollars      Dollars        Dollars      Dollars        Dollars       Dollars       Dollars 
 Balances at 1 
  January, 
  2013             95,278      320,231   88,581,476   (12,292,130)   26,903,132   (11,862,827)     4,054,386    95,799,546 
 Total comprehensive 
  income/(expense) 
 for the 
 period 
 Gain/(loss) 
  for 
  the period 
  after 
  tax                   -            -            -        282,389    7,276,651      9,759,105   (3,116,826)    14,201,319 
 Capital 
 activities 
 Repurchase of 
  shares*           (255)          255    (239,657)              -            -              -             -     (239,657) 
 
 
 Balances at 
  30 
  June, 2013       95,023      320,486   88,341,819   (12,009,741)   34,179,783    (2,103,722)       937,560   109,761,208 
                =========  ===========  ===========  =============  ===========  =============  ============  ============ 
 

for the period from 1 January, 2012 to 30 June, 2012

 
                                                                                                    Capital 
                              Capital                                  Capital        Capital      Reserve/ 
           Share Capital   Redemption   Redemption        Revenue     Reserve/       Reserve/      Exchange 
                 Account      Reserve      Reserve        Reserve     Realised     Unrealised   Differences        Total 
                      In 
                    U.S.      In U.S.      In U.S.        In U.S.      In U.S.        In U.S.       In U.S.      In U.S. 
                 Dollars      Dollars      Dollars        Dollars      Dollars        Dollars       Dollars      Dollars 
 Balances at 
  1 
  January, 
  2012            98,198      317,311   90,963,192   (11,302,434)   22,472,199   (23,861,300)     3,517,624   82,204,790 
 
 Total comprehensive 
  income/(expense) 
 for the 
 period 
 Gain for the 
  period 
  after 
  tax                  -            -            -        312,689    3,783,044      7,653,406       376,635   12,125,774 
 Capital 
 activities 
 Repurchase 
  of 
  shares*        (1,148)        1,148    (943,751)              -            -              -             -    (943,751) 
 
 
 Balances at 
  30 
  June, 2012      97,050      318,459   90,019,441   (10,989,745)   26,255,243   (16,207,894)     3,894,259   93,386,813 
               =========  ===========  ===========  =============  ===========  =============  ============  =========== 
 

* For details of the Company's share buy back programme, refer to note 8.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Unaudited)

as at 30 June, 2013

 
                                              30.06.2013   31.12.2012    30.06.2012 
                                                 In U.S.      In U.S.       In U.S. 
 Notes                                           Dollars      Dollars       Dollars 
                                             (Unaudited)    (Audited)   (Unaudited) 
         Non-current assets 
         Financial assets at fair value 
   6      through profit or loss             106,078,142   77,541,222    73,652,458 
 
         Current assets 
         Due from brokers                              -      884,904       947,494 
         Dividends and interest receivable        89,162      853,018       364,070 
         Other receivables                       143,024            -        31,858 
         Cash and cash equivalents             9,147,417   16,945,485    23,086,836 
 
 
         Total current assets                  9,379,603   18,683,407    24,430,258 
                                            ------------  -----------  ------------ 
         Current liabilities 
         Due to brokers                        5,468,577      169,656     4,453,675 
         Other creditors                         227,960      255,427       242,228 
 
 
         Net current assets                    3,683,066   18,258,324    19,734,355 
 
 
         Net assets                          109,761,208   95,799,546    93,386,813 
 
 
 
         Equity 
   8     Share capital account                    95,023       95,278        97,050 
   8     Redemption reserve                   88,341,819   88,581,476    90,019,441 
   8     Capital redemption reserve              320,486      320,231       318,459 
         Other reserves                       21,003,880    6,802,561     2,951,863 
 
 
         Total equity                        109,761,208   95,799,546    93,386,813 
 
 
 
         Ordinary Shares in issue             95,023,602   95,278,602    97,050,602 
 
 
         Net Asset Value per Ordinary 
   2      Share                                     1.16         1.01          0.96 
 
 
 

The Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 August, 2013 and signed on its behalf by:

   John Hawkins                                                      Richard Battey 
   Director                                                                Director 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

for the period from 1 January, 2013 to 30 June, 2013

 
                                                   01.01.2013     01.01.2012 
                                                           to             to 
                                                   30.06.2013     30.06.2012 
                                                      In U.S.        In U.S. 
 Notes                                                Dollars        Dollars 
 
         Cash flows from operating activities 
         Net cash (outflow)/inflow from 
   9      operating activities                    (2,934,778)        799,165 
 
         Cash flows from investing activities 
         Purchase of investments                (158,676,772)   (38,285,652) 
 
         Sale of investments                      153,359,433     60,762,239 
 
 
         Net cash (outflow)/inflow from 
          investing activities                    (5,317,339)     22,476,587 
 
 
 
         Net cash (outflow)/inflow before 
          financing activities                    (8,252,117)     23,275,752 
 
         Cash flows from financing activities 
 
         Repurchase of shares                       (239,657)      (943,751) 
 
 
 
         Net cash outflow from financing 
          activities                                (239,657)      (943,751) 
 
 
 
         (Decrease)/increase in cash and 
          cash equivalents                        (8,491,774)     22,332,001 
 
 
 
         Reconciliation of net cash flow 
          to 
         movement in net funds 
 
         Net cash (outflow)/inflow                (8,491,774)     22,332,001 
 
         Effects of foreign exchange rate 
          changes                                     693,706        268,002 
 
         Cash and cash equivalents at 
          beginning of period                      16,945,485        486,833 
 
 
 
         Cash and cash equivalents at 
          end of period                             9,147,417     23,086,836 
 
 
 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   Note 1    Principal Accounting Policies 

Basis of Accounting

The Interim Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 June, 2013 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the European Union, the Listing Rules of the London Stock Exchange ("LSE") and applicable legal and regulatory requirements of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.

The Interim Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in the Annual Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December, 2012.

The accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation followed in this Interim Unaudited Condensed set of Financial Statements are consistent with those of the latest Annual Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December, 2012 which were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union, except for the adoption of the new standards and interpretations effective as of 1 January, 2013 which had no impact on the financial position or performance of the Company.

- IAS 34 - Interim Financial Reporting (amendments) - (effective 1 January, 2013)

- IFRS 13 - Fair Value Measurement - (effective 1 January, 2013)

IFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance under IFRS for all fair value measurements. IFRS 13 does not change when an entity is required to use fair value, but rather provides guidance on how to measure fair value under IFRS when fair value is required or permitted. IFRS 13 also requires specific disclosures on fair values, some of which replace existing disclosure requirements, thereby affecting the Interim Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements. The Company provides these disclosures in Note 7.

The preparation of the Interim Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities at the date of the Interim Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Presentation of information

The Interim Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention adjusted to take account of the revaluation of the Company's investments at fair value.

In order to better reflect the activities of an investment Company and in accordance with the guidance issued by the Association of Investment Companies, supplementary information which analyses the Statement of Comprehensive Income between items of a capital and revenue nature has been presented within the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Going Concern

The Directors believe that it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Financial Statements because the assets of the Company consist mainly of securities that are readily realisable and, whilst the liquidity of these needs to be managed, the Company has adequate financial resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due.

In accordance with the Company's Articles, the Board is required every three years to include in the business to be considered by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting a Special Resolution that the Company should be wound up. This resolution requires 75% of votes in favour for it to be passed. The next such resolution will be tabled at the Eighteenth Annual General Meeting to be held in 2014.

Note 2 Gain/(loss) per Ordinary Share - Basic & Diluted and Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share - Basic & Diluted

The gain per Ordinary Share - Basic and Diluted has been calculated based on the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares of 95,226,926 and a net gain of US$14,201,319 (31 December, 2012: 97,028,307 Ordinary Shares and a net gain of US$15,976,472; 30 June, 2012: 97,747,405 Ordinary Shares and a net gain of US$12,125,774).

There were no dilutive elements to shares issued or repurchased during the period.

The Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share - Basic and Diluted has been calculated based on the number of shares in existence at the period end date of 95,023,602 (31 December, 2012: 95,278,602; 30 June, 2012: 97,050,602) and shareholders' funds attributable to equity interests of US$109,761,208 (31 December, 2012: US$95,799,546; 30 June, 2012: US$93,386,813).

The Company announces its Net Asset Value per Share to the London Stock Exchange ("LSE") at each weekly and month end valuation point.

Below is the Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share announced to the LSE and as presented in these Interim Condensed Financial Statements.

 
                                  30.06.2013        31.12.2012        30.06.2012 
                                     In U.S. 
                                     Dollars   In U.S. Dollars   In U.S. Dollars 
 Net Asset Value per Ordinary 
 Share - Basic and Diluted              1.16              1.01              0.96 
 
 
 
   Note 3    Taxation 

The Company is exempt from taxation in Guernsey under the terms of The Income Tax (Exempt Bodies) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 1989. Its liability is an annual fee of GBP600.

The amount disclosed as withholding tax in the Statement of Comprehensive Income relates solely to withholding tax suffered at source, on income in the investing country, Japan.

   Note 4    Management Fees 

The management fee is payable to the Manager, Prospect Asset Management (Channel Islands) Limited, monthly in arrears at a rate of 1.5% per annum of the Net Asset Value, which is calculated as of the last business day of each month. Total management fees for the period amounted to US$794,383 (30 June, 2012: US$702,733) of which US$125,374 (30 June, 2012: US$111,152) is due and payable at the period end. The Management Agreement dated 1 December, 1994 remains in force until determined by the Company or by the Manager giving the other party not less than three months' notice in writing, subject to additional provisions included in the agreement regarding a breach by either party.

   Note 5    Other Expenses 
 
                                         01.01.2013   01.01.2012 
                                                 to           to 
                                         30.06.2013   30.06.2012 
                                            In U.S.      In U.S. 
                                            Dollars      Dollars 
 Administration and secretarial fees*       132,397      117,122 
 General expenses                            60,717       54,757 
 Directors' remuneration                     65,120       68,201 
 Custodian's fees and charges**              65,096       59,415 
 Non-audit fees                               9,834        9,200 
 Auditors' fees                              17,863       11,859 
 
                                            351,027      320,554 
 
 

*The administration and secretarial fees are payable to Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited, monthly in arrears and is 0.25% of the Net Asset Value of the Company, which is calculated as of the last business day of each month. Total administration and secretarial fees for the period amounted to US$132,397 (30 June, 2012: US$117,122) of which US$ 20,896 (30 June, 2012: US$18,525) is due and payable at the period end.

**The custodian's fees and charges are payable to Northern Trust (Guernsey) Limited monthly in arrears and are 0.08% of the value of the Portfolio of the Company, and are calculated as of the last business day of each month. Total custodian's fees and charges for the period amounted to US$65,096 (30 June, 2012: US$59,415) of which US$5,814 (30 June, 2012: US$4,656) is due and payable at the period end.

   Note 6    Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss 
 
                               01.01.2013     01.01.2012     01.01.2012 
                                       to             to             to 
                               30.06.2013     31.12.2012     30.06.2012 
                                                 In U.S.        In U.S. 
                          In U.S. Dollars        Dollars        Dollars 
 
 Opening book cost             89,404,049    105,041,226    105,041,226 
 Purchases at cost            163,591,704     76,435,294     42,399,169 
 Proceeds on sale           (152,810,159)   (96,823,967)   (61,545,454) 
 Realised gain on sale          7,996,270      4,751,496      3,965,411 
 
 
 Closing book cost            108,181,864     89,404,049     89,860,352 
 
 
 Unrealised loss              (2,103,722)   (11,862,827)   (16,207,894) 
 
 
 Fair value                   106,078,142     77,541,222     73,652,458 
 
 
   Note 7    Fair Value Hierarchy 

IFRS 7 requires the Company to classify fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements.

All financial instruments for which fair value is recognised or disclosed are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:

Level 1 - Quoted market prices (unadjusted) in an active market for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2 - Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly or indirectly observable

Level 3 - Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable

For financial instruments that are recognised at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between Levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole, at the end of each reporting period.

The following table analyses within the fair value hierarchy the Company's financial assets and liabilities (by class) measured at fair value for the period ended 30 June, 2013.

 
                                          Level        Level 
                             Level 1          2            3           Total 
                                          In US        In US 
                       In US Dollars    Dollars      Dollars   In US Dollars 
 Assets 
 Financial assets 
  at fair value 
  through profit 
   and loss: 
 -Equity Securities       86,558,711          -   10,528,047      97,086,758 
 -Debt Securities                  -          -    8,991,384       8,991,384 
 
 
 Total assets as at 
  30 June, 2013           86,558,711          -   19,519,431     106,078,142 
                      ==============  =========  ===========  ============== 
 
 

The following table presents the movement in level 3 instruments for the period ended 30 June, 2013 by class of financial instrument.

 
                                           Equity            Debt 
                                       Securities      Securities           Total 
                                    In US Dollars   In US Dollars   In US Dollars 
 Opening balance                                -       7,067,416       7,067,416 
 Purchases                                      -       3,419,796       3,419,796 
 Sales                                          -     (1,533,586)     (1,533,586) 
 Losses recognised in 
  profit and loss                               -       (346,585)       (346,585) 
 Transfers into level 
  3                                    10,528,047               -      10,528,047 
 Unrealised gains during 
  the period                                    -         384,343         384,343 
 
 Closing balance                       10,528,047       8,991,384      19,519,431 
                                   ==============  ==============  ============== 
 
 Net unrealised gain for 
  the period included in the 
  Statement of Comprehensive 
  Income for level 3 Investments 
  held at 30 June, 2013                 (134,432)       1,637,789       1,503,357 
                                   ==============  ==============  ============== 
 

The following table analyses within the fair value hierarchy the Company's financial assets and liabilities (by class) measured at fair value for the year ended 31 December, 2012.

 
                                           Level       Level 
                              Level 1          2           3           Total 
                                           In US       In US 
                        In US Dollars    Dollars     Dollars   In US Dollars 
 Assets 
 Financial assets 
  at fair value 
  through profit 
   and loss: 
 -Equity Securities        70,473,806          -           -      70,473,806 
 -Debt Securities                              -   7,067,416       7,067,416 
 
 
 Total assets as at 
  31 December, 2012        70,473,806          -   7,067,416      77,541,222 
                       ==============  =========  ==========  ============== 
 

The following table presents the movement in level 3 instruments for the year ended 31 December, 2012 by class of financial instrument.

 
                                             Equity            Debt 
                                         Securities      Securities           Total 
                                      In US Dollars   In US Dollars   In US Dollars 
 Opening balance                                  -         134,228         134,228 
 Purchases                                        -       8,283,617       8,283,617 
 Losses recognised in profit 
  and loss                                        -     (1,350,429)     (1,350,429) 
 
 
 Closing balance                                  -       7,067,416       7,067,416 
                                     ==============  ==============  ============== 
 
 Net unrealised gain for the 
  year included in the Statement 
  of Comprehensive Income for 
  level 3 Investments held at 
  31 December, 2012                               -         624,230         624,230 
                                     ==============  ==============  ============== 
 

Assets categorised as level 3 were based on valuations of comparable convertible bonds.

During the period ended 30 June, 2013, there were the following transfers between Level 1 and Level 3:

 
                                     Transfers from 
                                   level 1 to level 
                                                  3 
                                      In US Dollars 
 Assets 
 
 Financial assets at fair value 
  through profit and loss: 
 -Equity Securities                      10,528,047 
 -Debt Securities                                 - 
 
 
 Total level 3 assets as at 30 
  June, 2013                             10,528,047 
                                  ================= 
 
 

Toho Real Estate has been the subject of a tender offer by Toho Co which owned 58 per cent. of Toho Real Estate at a price of Yen735 per share and was delisted. We believe that the true value is considerably higher and have declined to tender our shares and instead gone to arbitration. The results of that arbitration are uncertain and accordingly valuing our investment for the purposes of these Financial Statements has been challenging. After full discussion with the Board, and taking into account the risks and uncertainties of the arbitration process and after applying discounts for the fact that the holding has been delisted and therefore is no longer tradable and for the time value of money we believe that a price 10% higher than the tender offer is an appropriate fair value for this holding.

   Note 8    Share Capital, Redemption Reserve & Capital Redemption Reserve 
 
 Authorised Share 
  Capital                                         30.06.2013   30.06.2012 
                                                     In U.S.      In U.S. 
 Number of shares                                    Dollars      Dollars 
                    Ordinary Shares of US$0.001 
      150,000,000               each                 150,000      150,000 
 
 
                        "C" Ordinary Shares 
       60,000,000         of US$0.01 each            600,000      600,000 
 
 

As approved at the AGM on 21 June, 2013, the Company may purchase a maximum of 14,275,516 Ordinary Shares, equivalent to 14.99% of the Issued share capital of the Company as at the date of the AGM. During the period, 255,000 shares with a value of US$239,657 were purchased and cancelled by the Company of which US$NIL remained payable at the period end.

 
 
                                                                                       Capital 
                                                                    Redemption      Redemption 
 Ordinary Shares                                  Share Capital        Reserve         Reserve 
                                                        In U.S.        In U.S.         In U.S. 
 Number of shares                                       Dollars        Dollars         Dollars 
                    Balance at 31 December, 
       95,278,602    2012                                95,278     88,581,476         320,231 
                    Shares repurchased 
                     and 
                    cancelled during 
        (255,000)    the period                           (255)      (239,657)             255 
 
 
                    Balance at 30 June, 
       95,023,602   2013                                 95,023     88,341,819         320,486 
 
 
 

The Redemption Reserve account is a distributable reserve account which can be used for among other things the payment of dividends, if any.

The Capital Redemption Reserve is used to cancel the nominal shares of the Company when they are redeemed or there is a share buy back.

Ordinary Shares carry the right to vote at general meetings of the Company and to receive dividends and, in a winding-up will participate in any surplus assets remaining after settlement of any outstanding liabilities of the Company.

Note 9 Reconciliation of Return on Ordinary Activities to Net Cash (Outflow)/Inflow from Operating Activities

 
                                                  30.06.2013   30.06.2012 
                                                     In U.S.      In U.S. 
                                                     Dollars      Dollars 
 Return on ordinary activities 
  for the period                                     282,389      312,689 
 (Increase)/decrease in dividends receivable 
  and other receivables                              620,832      384,074 
 Decrease in other 
 creditors                                          (27,467)      (6,231) 
 Foreign exchange 
  (loss)/gain                                    (3,810,532)      108,633 
 
 
 Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating 
  activities                                     (2,934,778)      799,165 
 
 
 

Note 10 Related Party Transactions

Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial or operational decisions.

The Directors are responsible for the determination of the investment policy of the Company and have overall responsibility for the Company's activities. The Company's investment portfolio is managed by Prospect Asset Management (Channel Islands) Limited whose parent company is Prospect Company Limited (Kabushiki Kaisha Prospect ("KKP"), a Japanese Company).

Mr Rupert Evans is a Director of the Manager.

Directors' fees are disclosed in Note 5. The basic fee payable to Directors in 2013 is GBP20,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee GBP22,500 and the Chairman of the Board GBP25,000 per annum.

At 30 June, 2013 Chris Sherwell held beneficial interests of 9,940 (2012: 9,940) Ordinary Shares in the Company. No other Directors holding office at 30 June, 2013, or their associates, had any beneficial interest in the Company's shares. There have been no changes in these interests between the end of the period and up to the date of this report.

Mr. Curtis Freeze, Director of Prospect Asset Management (Channel Islands) Limited, the Manager of The Prospect Japan Fund Limited is President of Gro-Bels Co Ltd. Effective 1 August, 2013, Gro-Bels Co Ltd acquired the entire issued share capital of KKP, the owner of Prospect Asset Management Inc. ("PAMI").

Prospect Epicure JREIT Value Fund is classed as a related party as the fund shares the same Investment Advisor as the Company. The Company did not receive income (2012: Nil) during the year from Prospect Epicure JREIT Value Fund.

Note 11 Segmental Reporting

The Board is responsible for the Company's entire portfolio and considers the business to have a single operating and geographical segment. The Board's asset allocation decisions are based on a single, integrated investment strategy, and the Company's performance is evaluated on an overall basis.

The Company invests in a diversified portfolio of Japanese investments. The total fair value of the financial instruments held by the Company and the equivalent percentages of the total value of the Company are reported in the Portfolio Statement.

Revenue earned is reported separately on the face of the Statement of Comprehensive Income as investment income being dividend income received from equities, and interest income being interest earned from convertible and corporate bonds.

Note 12 Subsequent Events

These Financial Statements were approved for issuance by the Board on 28 August, 2013. Subsequent events have been evaluated until this date.

GENERAL INFORMATION

General

The Company is a closed-ended investment company incorporated in Guernsey in November 1994 and was launched in December 1994 with an initial asset value of US$70 million. There are 95,023,602 Ordinary Shares in issue as at 30 June, 2013. The Company's Ordinary Shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange.

The Ordinary Shares of the Company have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 or the United States Investment Companies Act of 1940. Accordingly, none of the Ordinary Shares may be offered or sold directly or indirectly in the United States or to any United States persons [as defined in Regulation 'S' under the 1933 Act] other than in accordance with certain exemptions. Investment in the Company is suitable only for sophisticated investors and should be regarded as long-term. Past performance is no indication of future results.

Investment Objective

The Company was established to invest substantially all of its assets in securities issued by smaller Japanese companies. The objective of the Company is to achieve long-term capital growth from an actively managed portfolio of securities primarily of smaller Japanese companies listed or traded on Japanese Stock Markets.

Investment Restrictions

The following investment restrictions have been adopted:

   (i)        the Company may not invest in securities carrying unlimited liability; or 
   (ii)       the Company may not deal short in securities; or 
   (iii)      the Company may not take legal or management control in investments in its portfolio; or 
   (iv)      the Company may not invest in any commodities, land or interests in land; or 

(v) the Company may not invest or lend more than 10% of its assets in securities of any one company or single issuer (other than obligations of the Japanese Government or its agencies or of the US Government or its agencies); or

(vi) the Company may not invest more than 10% of its assets in non-corporate investments or securities not listed or quoted on any recognised stock exchange, for which purpose securities quoted on any of the Japanese Stock Markets will be treated as securities quoted on a recognised stock exchange; or

(vii) the Company may not invest more than 5% of its assets in unit trusts, shares or other forms of participation in managed open-ended investment vehicles; or

(viii) the Company may not commit its assets in the purchase of foreign exchange contracts, financial futures contracts, put or call options or in the purchase of securities on margin other than in connection with or for the purpose of hedging transactions effected on behalf of the Company.

NAV and Share Price Information

The prices of Ordinary Shares and the latest NAV are published daily in the Financial Times. Prices (in Sterling terms) of the Ordinary Shares appear within the section of the London Share Service entitled "Investment Companies".

Life of the Company

From inception the Directors have believed that Shareholders should be able to review the progress of the Company so that a decision can be taken as to whether Shareholders should have an opportunity of realising the Company's underlying investments. Accordingly, at the twelfth Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 21 August, 2011, the Board included in the business to be considered by Shareholders a Special Resolution that the Company should be wound up. As the resolution was not passed, the Board shall include a similar resolution in the business to be considered at every third Annual General Meeting held. The next such resolution will be tabled at the Annual General Meeting to be held in 2014.

Directors

Brief biographical details of the Directors are as follows:

Rupert Evans, age 75, is a Guernsey advocate and former partner in the firm of the Guernsey legal advisors, Mourant Ozannes. He is now a consultant to Mourant Ozannes. He is a non-executive director of the Manager and of a number of investment companies. Mr Evans is resident in Guernsey. Mr Evans was appointed to the Board on 18 November, 1994.

John Hawkins, age 70, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He was formerly Executive Vice President and a member of the Corporate Office of The Bank of Bermuda Limited, with whom he spent many years in Asia. He retired from the Bank of Bermuda in 2001 after 25 years with the Group. He is a director of a range of funds which include hedge funds and equity funds investing in Japan and Asia. Mr Hawkins was appointed to the Board on 4 April, 2004.

Christopher Sherwell, age 65, was Managing Director of Schroders (C.I.) Limited from 2000 to 2003, and was Investment Director with Schroders (C.I.) Limited from 1993 to 2000. Prior to joining Schroders (C.I.) Limited, Mr Sherwell was Far East Regional Strategist with Smith New Court Securities, and from 1977 to 1990 worked as a journalist on the Financial Times, including seven years as a foreign correspondent in the Far East and Australia from 1983 to 1990. Mr Sherwell was appointed to the Board on 27 September, 2004.

Richard Battey, age 61, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He is a non-executive director of a number of investment companies and funds. Mr Battey joined the Schroder Group in December 1977 and was a director of Schroders (C.I.) Limited from April 1994 to December 2004, where he served as Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer, and was a director of Schroder Group Guernsey companies before retiring from his last Schroder directorship in December 2008. Mr Battey was appointed to the Board on 10 February, 2010.

Taxation Status

The Company has obtained exemption from Guernsey Income Tax under The Income Tax (Exempt Bodies) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 1989. There is no capital gains tax in Guernsey.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

IR ZMGZRFLKGFZM

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