Re Directorate

Baillie Gifford Japan Trust PLC
2 October 2001

                     The Baillie Gifford Japan Trust PLC

                           Appointment of Director



The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Martin Barrow to the
Board with effect from 2 October 2001.

Martin Barrow is 57 and has extensive knowledge of the Asian market having
worked there for over 35 years for Jardine Matheson, which included eight
years in Japan. He currently divides his time between various Non-Executive
Directorships in the UK and Asia.

Mr Barrow currently has no interest in the shares of the Company.

The appointment of Mr Barrow falls to be ratified by Shareholders at the next
Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in November 2001.



                                                         Baillie Gifford & Co.

                                                           Company Secretaries

                                                                2 October 2001