Morningstar Japan, K.K. To Host Product Launch Event in Tokyo

Business Wire, Oct 19, 1998

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 19, 1998--Morningstar Japan K.K., a joint venture of Chicago-based Morningstar and Softbank, will unveil its first products for 350 invited guests from the professional finance industry. The introductory "launch seminar" will be held on October 26, 1998, from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, at the "Tokyo Shoken Kaikan" (Tokyo Securities Conference Center), 1-5-8, Kayaba-cho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0025, Japan.

"The Big Bang deregulation will offer investors new opportunities to buy mutual funds from almost every kind of financial institution in Japan. They will need information about those investment alternatives, and Morningstar Japan is ready to assist financial professionals and their clients in making the best possible decisions about mutual funds. As in the United States, Morningstar Japan will focus on helping investors and investment professionals build strong portfolios," said Joe Mansueto, chairman of Morningstar.

The event will be begin with introductory comments by Mr. Yoshitaka Kitao, president and chief executive officer of Morningstar Japan K.K., and executive vice president and chief financial officer of Softbank Corp. Also speaking will be Morningstar, Inc.'s chief executive officer Don Phillips, who will present a review of the mutual fund industry in the United States and the potential for mutual funds in Japan. In addition, Mr. Akitoshi Moriyama, director of Morningstar Japan, will moderate the seminar and provide an overview of Morningstar Japan's product lineup.

Honored guest speakers include:

-- Mr. Bill Wilder, president, representative director of Fidelity

Investments in Tokyo -- Mr. Tadashi Takubo, president and chief executive officer of

Nomura Asset Management -- Dr. Kenichi Ohmae, world famous economist, author of over 70

books, managing director of Ohmae & Associates, and Chancellor's

Professor of Public Policy, School of Public and Social Research,

UCLA

Morningstar Japan K.K. (MJKK)'s mission is to provide top-quality, independent investment information and tools for Japanese investment professionals and private investors. To achieve this goal, MJKK is using the successful evolution of Morningstar in the United States as a model for its product and database development in Japan.

Chicago-based Morningstar, Inc. is a leading provider of investment information, research and analysis. Its extensive line of print, software and Internet products (http://www.morningstar.net) provide complete and unbiased data on mutual funds, U.S. and international equities, closed-end funds and variable annuities/life. Morningstar also has a line of institutional products and services, including custom data, reprints, and portfolio monitoring to assist companies in better serving their shareholders. Established in 1984, Morningstar continues to be the industry's most trusted source for comprehensive, credible, analysis and commentary on key investment issues of the day.

Established in 1981, Softbank Corp., is headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, and has approximately 5,400 employees worldwide. Softbank is a leading provider of information and distribution services for the digital information industry. In Japan, Softbank is the largest distributor of computer software and a leading publisher of Japanese computer technology publications. In addition, Softbank is a major stakeholder in several well-known U.S. firms, including Ziff-Davis, Kingston Technology Company, Yahoo! Inc. and GeoCities. Mr. Masayoshi Son is the president and chief executive officer.

Press representatives are also welcome. Person at MJKK in charge of Seminar Attendance is: Mr. Yasuhito Takeuchi (tel. 81-3-5642-8428). Please call him to confirm your attendance.