Re Directorate

Baillie Gifford Japan Trust PLC
30 April 2001

                     The Baillie Gifford Japan Trust PLC

                     Retirement / Appointment of Director

The Board of Directors announces the resignation of Mr George Veitch from the
Board with effect from 30 April 2001. Mr Veitch will also be retiring as a
partner of Baillie Gifford & Co. on 30 April 2001. The Board thanks George for
his past services and wishes him well for the future.

The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Richard Burns to the
Board with effect from 1 May 2001; he will fill the directorship vacated by
the retiral of George Veitch.

Richard Burns is 54 and a senior partner of Baillie Gifford & Co.; he is also
a director of The Scottish Life Assurance Company and Mid Wynd International
Investment Trust PLC.

                                                         Baillie Gifford & Co.

                                                           Company Secretaries

                                                                 30 April 2001