JCR has affirmed the A+/Stable, A+, A and preliminary A+ rating on the senior debts, bonds, subordinated bonds and shelf registration of the issuer, respectively.

Issuer: The Hokkoku Bank, Ltd.(8363)
Senior debts: A+/Stable
Issues Amount(bn) Issue Date Due Date Coupon Rating
bonds no.1 Y15 Mar. 16, 2007 Mar. 16, 2012 1.47% A+
subordinated callable
bonds no.2 Y15 Mar. 16, 2007 Mar. 16, 2017 * A
*1.73% per annum till Mar. 16, 2012. It will switch to 6M Euroyen LIBOR
+ 1.89% after that date.
Shelf Registration: preliminary A+
Maximum: Y50 billion
Valid: two years effective from Feb. 21, 2009

<Rationale>
The Hokkoku Bank, Ltd. is a regional bank with its headquarters in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Its funds total approximately 2.9 trillion yen. The Bank is the only regional bank whose head office is located in the prefecture and its loan and deposit market share is approximately 40 percent there. The ratings are supported by its high presence there and sufficient capital base. Our affirmation of "A+" rating on its senior debts and "Stable" outlook reflects our view that it is necessary to continue to watch its credit costs hereafter, given its loan asset quality and a regional economic condition, as the costs are at a higher level, judging from its level of loan balance and earnings.