Asia's Comprehensive Exhibition of Cutting-Edge IT & Electronics, CEATEC JAPAN 2006, Opens on October 3.

TOKYO -- The CEATEC JAPAN Organizing Committee today announced details of CEATEC JAPAN 2006. Sponsored by the Communications and Information network Association of Japan (CIAJ), the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), and the Japan Personal Computer Software Association (JPSA), CEATEC JAPAN is the world's most comprehensive gathering of the latest information and electronics technologies.

The show will once again be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, this year opening on Tuesday, October 3, and running for five days to Saturday, October 7. Visitors to the show can pre-register for the exhibition, Keynote Speeches and CEATEC JAPAN Conference programs on the Web at www.ceatec.com.

--CEATEC JAPAN 2006 Theme

Digital Convergence Changing Society, Lifestyles and Business

This theme reflects the new industries and markets emerging through the convergence of computers and home appliances, and of broadcasting and communications. Digital technologies, the common element fueling this convergence, will be under the spotlight at CEATEC JAPAN 2006 in everything from electronic components and devices, to finished products and services. Exhibitors are also expected to bring out their best and brightest emerging technologies.

--Features of CEATEC JAPAN

Reflecting the recent dynamism of the industry, CEATEC JAPAN 2006 promises a strong showing of exhibitors. Approximately 700 exhibitors are expected to be present on opening day, and some 200,000 visitors are forecast to come to the exhibition.

CEATEC JAPAN is known for its comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the electronics and information technology industries. The exhibition is divided into the Digital Network Stage and Electronic Components, Devices & Industrial Equipment Stage, each of which has Zones for specific products categories. A new feature of the Electronic Components, Devices & Industrial Equipment Stage, which includes a wide variety of product groups, will be the Must-see Item Navigation exhibit, with panels showing the main products and technologies of exhibitors in the Stage.

This year also promises another strong CEATEC JAPAN Keynote Speech lineup. The program of 23 speeches will kick off on Tuesday, October 3, with Eric B. Kim (Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Digital Home Group, Intel Corporation), Atsutoshi Nishida (President and CEO, Toshiba Corporation), Naoyuki Akikusa (Chairman, Fujitsu Limited) and Yoshio Utsumi (Secretary-General, International Telecommunications Union). Simultaneous English-Japanese interpreting will be provided at all Keynote Speeches, and seats will be reserved for media even if seats are full. Visitors can pre-register to attend Keynote Speeches at the official CEATEC JAPAN website.

The CEATEC JAPAN Conference will provide a host of programs under the categories of Advanced Sessions, Special Sessions, Software and Solutions, Information Systems, Communications Networks, and Exhibitor Seminars.

CEATEC JAPAN is also known for its rich sponsor exhibits and special events. Highlights in 2006 include a digital broadcasting exhibit, in which NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) will demonstrate the latest trends, contents and services in digital broadcasting, the RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) Plaza, and Ubiquitous Network Symposium 2006 Showcase. Among the special attractions planned are programs to foster new talent in engineering fields, entertain and educate younger visitors, and use the Web to provide online access to the exhibition excitement.

--On the Global Stage

To encourage a significant increase in visitors from outside Japan, CEATEC JAPAN 2006 is working with the Visit Japan Campaign sponsored by the Japanese government. When visitors arrive, they will find the International Visitors Center is ready to assist and add value to their CEATEC JAPAN visit.

On the international business side, CEATEC JAPAN 2006 and the Japan External Trade Organization  (JETRO) will cosponsor JETRO BIZMATCH @ CEATEC JAPAN to facilitate business communications across national borders.

Visitors to CEATEC JAPAN 2006 will be able to pre-register on the Web until October 7, the last day of the exhibition. Entrance to the exhibition is free of charge for pre-registered visitors.

For the latest information on CEATEC JAPAN 2006, visit us on the Web at: http://www.ceatec.com

About CEATEC JAPAN

CEATEC JAPAN was launched in the year 2000 through the merger of two of Japan's leading trade exhibitions. The predecessors were COM JAPAN, which was designed in line with new information and communications needs, and the Japan Electronics Show, the oldest trade exhibition in Japan. CEATEC JAPAN 2000 opened as an integrated exhibition for the IT age, presenting not only the data people needed, but also the information they wanted. The show was highly evaluated by visitors in fields from researchers in IT-related fields and representatives of manufacturing companies to the consumers who use IT products. Further information is available at www.ceatec.com

About the Communications and Information network Association of Japan (CIAJ)

With the cooperation of member companies, CIAJ is committed to the healthy development of info-communication network industries through the promotion of info-communication technologies (ICT), and contributes to the realization of more enriched lives in Japan as well as the global community by supporting widespread and advanced uses of information in socio-economic and cultural activities. Further information is available at www.ciaj.or.jp

About the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA)

The objective of the JEITA is to promote the healthy manufacturing, international trade, and consumption of electronics products and components in order to contribute to the overall development of the electronics and information technology (IT) industries, and thereby further Japan's economic development and cultural prosperity. Further information is available at www.jeita.or.jp

About the Japan Personal Computer Software Association (JPSA)

JPSA implements surveys related to intellectual property rights protection, and the development and distribution of personal computer software, and also promotes standardization and standards unification related to logistics. These efforts are designed to improve PC software for customers while contributing to the healthy development of Japanese industry and abundant lifestyles of Japanese people. Further information is available at www.jpsa.or.jp