Doraemon Welcomes JCB Cardmembers!

Tokyo, Jan 21, 2013 - (ACN Newswire) - JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCBI) - the international operations subsidiary of JCB, the only global payment brand based in Japan is pleased to announce that Doraemon becomes JCBI's new promotional character in Taiwan. Starting today, stickers featuring Doraemon and the JCB Emblem will show customers that the JCB Card is welcome at shops, restaurants and other merchants in Taiwan. JCBI also plans a wide variety of sales promotions featuring the world famous cat robot to increase brand recognition and promote card acquisition and usage.

Taiwan has a highly developed credit card market with an average of 3.1 cards per adult,(1) so consumers are very familiar with using credit cards in their everyday lives. Payment of public transport fares with fast contactless credit cards is common in urban areas, and more and more people are getting premium Platinum cards. In Taiwan, many card designs feature popular Japanese anime and manga characters.

JCBI has had a presence in Taiwan since 1981, developing strong partnerships with local financial institutions for JCB Card acceptance. In 1994 the first JCB Card issuing program was launched, and now about 1.3 million JCB Cards were issued by JCB's 24 licensee partners.(2) In this very competitive card market, JCBI and JCBI partners are serving diverse consumer needs with J/Speedy contactless payment, high-status Precious Cards (one rank above Platinum) and Japan-themed special offers, services and promotions that only JCBI can provide.

Doraemon is widely recognized and very popular among people of various generations in Taiwan. JCB was born in Japan, just like Doraemon, and Doraemon helps JCB become more familiar and friendly to the people of Taiwan. JCBI has been granted rights to use the Doraemon character by the license management company, Animation Entertainment.

- Potential Promotional Use of the Doraemon Character

-- Merchant novelty items

JCB is creating novelty items such as stickers, open/closed signs for display at the store front, logo stands, shop card holders and bill holders for the cash register with Doraemon and JCB Emblem designs. Those items will show customers that the JCB Card is welcome at shops, restaurants and other merchants throughout Taiwan. Merchant items with both a popular character and a brand logo are rare in Taiwan, making JCB more recognizable and promoting JCB Card use. The items will be provided to merchants starting this month.

-- Cardmember promotions / Advertisement

JCB is planning a variety of Doraemon promotions for Cardmembers in Taiwan. First is a tieup campaign with Taiwan's largest shopping mall, Breeze Center. JCB Cardmembers paying with JCB from February 1 through April 7 get a chance to win a Doraemon blanket, pillow, tissue box cover or other limited edition goods. Doraemon will be featured in many other JCB brand service notices and advertisements.

- JCB Sponsorship of Taiwan 100 years before the birth of Doraemon Exhibition

JCBI is sponsoring the 100 years before the birth of Doraemon Exhibition hosted by United Daily News Group, Animation Entertainment and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, and produced in cooperation between Fuji Pro, Animation International Ltd. and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions. JCB Cardmembers can enjoy special discounts on ticket purchases and shopping at the event.

The event runs from December 29 2012 to April 7 2013 at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and celebrates 100 years before Doraemon's birthday on September 3 2112.

Notes:
(1) Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, Executive Yuan, R.O.C.(Taiwan) (November 2012); Financial Supervisory Commission, R.O.C.(Taiwan) (November 2012)
(2) As of September 30 2012.

About JCB

JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes over 23 million merchants and over a million cash advance locations in 190 countries and territories. JCB cards are now issued in 16 countries and territories, with more than 78 million Cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with more than 350 leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and Cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, visit: www.jcbcorporate.com/english .

Source: JCB

Contact:

JCB International Co., Ltd.
Ayako Tanaka, Masayasu Okada
Corporate Planning Department
+81-5778-8390
ayako.tanaka@jcb.co.jp, masayasu.okada@jcb.co.jp