Earlyworks (ELWS) 20-F 2023 FY Annual report (foreign)

Exhibit 2.3

Description of Rights of Each Class of Securities

Registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended (the “Exchange Act”)

American depositary shares (“ADSs”) of Earlyworks Co., Ltd. (“we,” “our,” “our company,” or “us”) are listed and traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “ELWS,” and our ADSs are registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act. Each ADS represents one of our ordinary shares (“Ordinary Shares”). This exhibit contains a description of the rights of the holders of Ordinary Shares and ADSs.

Description of Ordinary Shares

The following description is a summary of the material information concerning our Ordinary Shares, including a summary of the relevant provisions of our articles of incorporation (“Articles of Incorporation”), the Companies Act of Japan (Act No. 86 of 2005, as amended) (the “Companies Act”) relating to stock companies (kabushiki kaisha), and certain related laws and legislation, each as currently in effect. Because it is a summary, this discussion should be read together with our Articles of Incorporation and the applicable share handling regulations.

Type and Class of Securities (Item 9.A.5 of Form 20-F)

We are a stock company incorporated in Japan under the Companies Act. The rights of our shareholders are represented by our Ordinary Shares as described below, and shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount of subscription for such Ordinary Shares. As of the date hereof, our authorized share capital consists of 55,300,000 Ordinary Shares, of which 15,039,400 Ordinary Shares are outstanding. Our Articles of Incorporation currently in effect do not provide any restrictions on transfer of shares.

Pre-Emptive Rights (Item 9.A.3 of Form 20-F)

Holders of Ordinary Shares have no pre-emptive rights under our Articles of Incorporation.

Rights of Other Types of Securities (Item 9.A.7 of Form 20-F)

Not applicable.

Distribution of Surplus (Item 10.B.3 of Form 20-F)

Under the Companies Act, the distribution of dividends takes the form of distribution of surplus, and a distribution of surplus may be made in cash and/or in kind, with no restrictions on the timing and frequency of such distributions. The Companies Act generally requires a stock company to make distributions of surplus authorized by a resolution of a general meeting of shareholders. Distributions of surplus are, however, permitted pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors if:

(a) the company’s articles of incorporation so provide;

(b) the normal term of office of directors expires on or before the day of the conclusion of the annual shareholders meeting for the last business year ending within one year from the time of their election (our Articles of Incorporation do not have provisions to this effect);

(c) the company has accounting auditor(s) and board of company auditors, audit and supervisory committee, or nominating committee, etc.; and

(d) the company’s non-consolidated annual financial statements and certain documents for the latest fiscal year fairly present its assets and profit or loss, as required by the ordinances of the Ministry of Justice.

In an exception to the above rule, even if the requirements described in (a) through (d) are not met, the company may be permitted to make distributions of surplus in cash to its shareholders by resolution of the board of directors once per fiscal year if its articles of incorporation so provide. Our Articles of Incorporation provide that the company may, by a resolution of our board of directors, distribute interim dividends to those shareholders or pledgees who are entered or recorded in the register of shareholders as of the close of business on October 30 of each year.

A resolution of a general meeting of shareholders authorizing a distribution of surplus must specify the kind and aggregate book value of the assets to be distributed, the manner of allocation of such assets to shareholders, and the effective date of the distribution. If a distribution of surplus is to be made in kind, we may, pursuant to a resolution of a general meeting of shareholders, grant a right to the shareholders to require us to make such distribution in cash instead of in kind. If no such right is granted to shareholders, the relevant distribution of surplus must be approved by a special resolution of a general meeting of shareholders. See “—Voting Rights” for more details regarding a special resolution. Our Articles of Incorporation provide that we are relieved of our obligation to pay any distributions in cash that go unclaimed for 3 years after the date they first become payable.

As of the date of this prospectus, we have not issued dividends to our shareholders since the incorporation of our Company.

Restriction on Distribution of Surplus (Item 10.B.3 of Form 20-F)

Under the Companies Act, we may distribute surplus up to the excess of the aggregate of (a) and (b) below, less the aggregate of (c) through (f) below, as of the effective date of such distribution, if our net assets are not less than JPY3,000,000:

(a) the amount of surplus, as described below;

(b) in the event that extraordinary financial statements as of, or for a period from the beginning of the fiscal year to, the specified date are approved, the aggregate amount of (i) the aggregate amount as provided for by an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice as the net income for such period described in the statement of income constituting the extraordinary financial statements, and (ii) the amount of consideration that we received for the treasury shares that we disposed of during such period;

(c) the book value of our treasury shares;

(d) in the event that we disposed of treasury shares after the end of the previous fiscal year, the amount of consideration that we received for such treasury shares;

(e) in the event described in (b) in this paragraph, the aggregate amount as provided for by an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice as the net loss for such period described in the statement of income constituting the extraordinary financial statements; and

(f) certain other amounts set forth in the ordinances of the Ministry of Justice, including (if the sum of one-half of goodwill and the deferred assets exceeds the total of share capital, additional paid-in capital and legal earnings reserve, each such amount as it appears on the balance sheet as of the end of the previous fiscal year) all or a certain part of such excess amount as calculated in accordance with the ordinances of the Ministry of Justice.

For the purposes of this section, the amount of “surplus” is the excess of the aggregate of (I) through (IV) below, less the aggregate of (V) through (VII) below:

(I) the aggregate of other capital surplus and other retained earnings at the end of the previous fiscal year;

(II) in the event that we disposed of treasury shares after the end of the previous fiscal year, the difference between the book value of such treasury shares and the consideration that we received for such treasury shares;

(III)   in the event that we reduced our share capital after the end of the previous fiscal year, the amount of such reduction less the portion  thereof that has been transferred to additional paid-in capital and/or legal earnings reserve (if any);

(IV)   in the event that we reduced additional paid-in capital and/or legal earnings reserve after the end of the previous  fiscal year, the  amount of such reduction less the portion thereof that has been transferred to share capital (if any);

(V)   in the event that we cancelled treasury shares after the end of the previous fiscal year, the book value of such treasury shares;

(VI)   in the event that we distributed surplus after the end of the previous fiscal year, the aggregate of the following amounts:

a. the aggregate amount of the book value of the distributed assets, excluding the book value of such assets that would be distributed to shareholders but for their exercise of the right to receive dividends in cash instead of dividends in kind;

b. the aggregate amount of cash distributed to shareholders who exercised the right to receive dividends in cash instead of dividends in kind; and

c. the aggregate amount of cash paid to shareholders holding fewer shares than the shares that were required in order to receive dividends in kind;

(VII)   the aggregate amounts of (1) through (4) below, less (5) and (8) below:

(1) in the event that the amount of surplus was reduced and transferred to additional paid-in capital, legal earnings reserve and/or share capital after the end of the previous fiscal year, the amount so transferred;

(2) in the event that we distributed surplus after the end of the previous fiscal year, the amount set aside in additional paid-in capital and/or legal earnings reserve;

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(3) in the event that we disposed of treasury shares in the process of (x) a merger in which we acquired all rights and obligations of a company, (y) a corporate split in which we acquired all or a part of the rights and obligations of a split company, or (z) a share exchange (kabushiki kokan) in which we acquired all shares of a company after the end of the previous fiscal year, the difference between the book value of such treasury shares and the consideration that we received for such treasury shares;

(4) in the event that the amount of surplus was reduced in the process of a corporate split in which we transferred all or a part of our rights and obligations after the end of the previous fiscal year, the amount so reduced;

(5) in the event of (x) a merger in which we acquired all rights and obligations of a company, (y) a corporate split in which we acquired all or a part of the rights and obligations of a split company, or (z) a share exchange in which we acquired all shares of a company after the end of the previous fiscal year, the aggregate amount of (i) the amount of the other capital surplus after such merger, corporate split or share exchange, less the amount of other capital surplus before such merger, corporate split or share exchange, and (ii) the amount of the other retained earnings after such merger, corporate split or share exchange, less the amount of other retained earnings before such merger, corporate split or share exchange;

(6) in the event that an obligation to cover a deficiency, such as the obligation of a person who subscribed newly issued shares with an unfair amount to be paid in, was fulfilled after the end of the previous fiscal year, the amount of other capital surplus increased by such payment;

(7) the amount of other capital surplus changed pursuant to the provisions of Article 42-2, Paragraph (5), item 1 of the Regulations on Corporate Accounting after the last day of the most recent business year; and

(8) in the event that the amount of treasury shares is increased pursuant to the provisions of Article 42-2, Paragraph (7) of the Regulations on Corporate Accounting after the last day of the most recent business year, the amount of treasury shares increased.

In Japan, the “ex-dividend” date and the record date for any distribution of surplus come before the date a company determines the amount of distribution of surplus to be paid.

Capital and Reserves

Under the Companies Act, the paid-in amount of any newly-issued shares is required to be accounted for as share capital, although we may account for an amount not exceeding one-half of such paid-in amount as additional paid-in capital. We may generally reduce additional paid-in capital and/or legal earnings reserve by resolution of a general meeting of shareholders, subject to completion of protection procedures for creditors in accordance with the Companies Act, and, if so decided by the same resolution, we may account for the whole or any part of the amount of such reduction as share capital. We may generally reduce share capital by a special resolution of a general meeting of shareholders and, if so decided by the same resolution, we may account for the whole or any part of the amount of such reduction as additional paid-in capital.

Share Splits

Under the Companies Act, we may at any time split shares in issue into a greater number of the same class of shares by a resolution of the board of directors. When a share split is to be made, we must give public notice of the share split, specifying the record date therefor, at least two weeks prior to such record date.

Reverse Share Splits

Under the Companies Act, we may at any time consolidate our shares into a smaller number of shares by a special resolution of the general meeting of shareholders. We must disclose the reason for the reverse share split at the general meeting of shareholders. When a reverse share split is to be made, we must give public notice of the reverse share split, at least two weeks (or, in certain cases where any fractions of shares are left as a result of a reverse share split, 20 days) prior to the effective date of the reverse share split.

General Meeting of Shareholders

Our ordinary general meeting of shareholders is usually held in the head office of the company in Tokyo, Japan. The record date for an ordinary general meeting of shareholders is April 30th. In addition, we may hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders whenever necessary by giving at least 2-week advance notice to shareholders.

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Notice of convocation of a general meeting of shareholders setting forth the time, place, purpose thereof, and certain other matters set forth in the Companies Act and relevant ordinances must be mailed to each shareholder having voting rights (or, in the case of a non-resident shareholder, to his or her standing proxy or mailing address in Japan) at least 2 weeks prior to the date set for such meeting. Such notice may be given to shareholders by electronic means, subject to the consent of the relevant shareholders.

In a public company, any shareholder or group of shareholders holding at least 3% of the total number of voting rights for a period of 6 months or more may require, with an individual shareholder notice, the convocation of a general meeting of shareholders for a particular purpose. Unless such general meeting of shareholders is convened without delay or a convocation notice of a meeting which is to be held not later than 8 weeks from the day of such demand is dispatched, the requiring shareholder may, upon obtaining a court approval, convene such general meeting of shareholders.

In a public company, any shareholder or group of shareholders holding at least 300 voting rights or 1% of the total number of voting rights for a period of 6 months or more, which period is required after the removal of restrictions on the transfer of shares, may propose a matter to be included in the agenda of a general meeting of shareholders, and may propose to describe such matter together with a summary of the proposal to be submitted by such shareholder in a notice to our shareholders, by submitting a request to a director at least 8 weeks prior to the date set for such meeting, with an individual shareholder notice.

The Companies Act enables a company to amend its articles of incorporation in order to loosen the requirements for the number of shares held and shareholding period, as well as the period required for dispatching a convocation notice or submission of requests, all of which are required for any shareholder or group of shareholders to request the convocation of a general meeting of shareholders or to propose a matter to be included in the agenda of a general meeting of shareholders. Our Articles of Incorporation do not provide for loosening such requirements.

Voting Rights (Item 9.A.6, Item 10.B.3, Item 10.B.4 of Form 20-F)

A shareholder of record is entitled to one vote per Ordinary Share, except that neither we nor any corporation, partnership, or other similar entity in which we hold, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the voting rights shall exercise any voting rights in respect of Ordinary Shares held by us or such entity, as the case may be. Except as otherwise provided by law or by our Articles of Incorporation, a resolution can be adopted at a general meeting of shareholders by a majority of the voting rights represented at the meeting. Shareholders may also exercise their voting rights through proxies. The Companies Act and our Articles of Incorporation provide that the quorum for the election of directors and company auditors is 1/3 of the total number of voting rights. Our Articles of Incorporation provide that the Ordinary Shares may not be voted cumulatively for the election of directors.

The Companies Act provides that a special resolution of the general meeting of shareholders is required for certain significant corporate transactions, including:

● any amendment to our Articles of Incorporation (except for amendments that may be authorized solely by the board of directors under the Companies Act);

● a reduction of share capital, subject to certain exceptions under which a shareholders’ resolution is not required, such as a reduction of share capital for the purpose of replenishing capital deficiencies;

● transfer of the whole or a part of our equity interests in any of our subsidiaries (if any), subject to certain exceptions under which a shareholders’ resolution is not required;

● a dissolution, merger, or consolidation, subject to certain exceptions under which a shareholders’ resolution is not required;

● the transfer of the whole or a substantial part of our business, subject to certain exceptions under which a shareholders’ resolution is not required;

● the taking over of the whole of the business of any other corporation, subject to certain exceptions under which a shareholders’ resolution is not required;

● a corporate split, subject to certain exceptions under which a shareholders’ resolution is not required;

● share exchange (kabushiki kokan) or share transfer (kabushiki iten) for the purpose of establishing 100% parent-subsidiary relationships, subject to certain exceptions under which a shareholders’ resolution is not required;

● any issuance of new shares or transfer of existing shares held by us as treasury shares at a “specially favorable” price and any issuance of share acquisition rights or bonds with share acquisition rights at a “specially favorable” price or in a “specially favorable” condition to any persons other than shareholders;

● any acquisition by us of our own shares from specific persons other than our subsidiaries (if any);

● reverse share split; or

● the removal of a company auditor.

Except as otherwise provided by law or in our Articles of Incorporation, a special resolution of the general meeting of shareholders requires the approval of the holders of at least 2/3 of the voting rights of all shareholders present or represented at a meeting where a quorum is present. Our Articles of Incorporation provide that a quorum exists when 1/3 or more of the total number of voting rights is present or represented.

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The Companies Act provides additional specific rights for shareholders owning a substantial number of voting rights.

A shareholder holding 90% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders has the right to demand that all other shareholders sell their shares to such shareholder who holds 90% or more of the voting rights.

Shareholders holding 10% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders, or 10% or more of the total number of our outstanding shares, have the right to apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for our dissolution.

Shareholders who have held 3% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders, or 3% or more of the total number of our outstanding shares, for six months or more have certain rights under the Companies Act, which include the right to:

● apply to a competent court for removal of a director or a company auditor; and

● apply to a competent court for removal of a liquidator.

Shareholders holding 3% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders have the right to object to the exculpation of a director or a company auditor from certain liabilities.

Shareholders holding 3% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders, or 3% or more of the total number of our outstanding shares, have certain rights under the Companies Act, which include the right to:

● examine our accounting books and documents and make copies of them; and

● apply to a competent court for the appointment of an inspector to inspect our operation and/or financial condition.

Shareholders who have held 1% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders for six months or more have the right to apply to a competent court for the appointment of an inspector to review the correctness of the convocation and voting procedures of a shareholders’ meeting.

Shareholders who have held any number of shares for six months or more have the right to demand that we take certain actions under the Companies Act, which include the rights to demand:

● the institution of an action to enforce the liabilities of our directors or company auditors;

● the institution of an action to disgorge from a recipient the benefit of a proprietary nature given in relation to the exercise of the right of a shareholder; and

● on our behalf, that a director cease an illegal or ultra vires action.

There are no provisions under the Companies Act or our Articles of Incorporation which forces shareholders to make additional contributions when requested by us.

Liquidation Rights (Item 10.B.3 of Form 20-F)

In accordance with the Companies Act and the Articles of Incorporation, liquidations must be approved by shareholders holding at least a two-thirds majority of Ordinary Shares present at a meeting where a quorum of one-third of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares with voting rights is present. If we are liquidated, the assets remaining after payment of all taxes, liquidation expenses, and debts will be distributed among shareholders in proportion to the number of shares they hold.

Gratuitous Allocations

Under the Companies Act, we may allot any class of shares to our existing shareholders without any additional contribution by resolution of the board of directors; provided that although our treasury shares may be allotted to our shareholders, any allotment of shares will not accrue to shares of our treasury shares.

Rights to Allotment of Shares

Authorized but unissued shares may be issued at the times and on the terms as the board of directors determines, so long as the limitations with respect to the issuance of new shares at “specially favorable” prices (as described in “—Voting Rights”) are observed. Our board of directors may, however, determine that shareholders shall be given rights to allotment regarding a particular issue of new shares, in which case such rights must be given on uniform terms to all holders of the shares as of a record date for which not less than 2 weeks’ prior public notice must be given. Each shareholder to whom such rights are given must also be given notice of the expiration date thereof at least 2 weeks prior to the date on which such rights expire. The rights to allotment of new shares may not be transferred. However, the Companies Act enables us to allot share acquisition rights to shareholders without consideration therefor, and such share acquisition rights are transferable. See “—Share Acquisition Rights” below.

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In cases where a particular issuance of new shares (i) violates laws and regulations or our Articles of Incorporation, or (ii) will be performed in a manner materially unfair, and shareholders may suffer disadvantages therefrom, such shareholders may file an injunction with a court of law to enjoin such issuance.

Share Acquisition Rights

Subject to certain conditions and to the limitations on issuances at a “specially favorable” price or on “specially favorable” conditions described in “—Voting Rights,” we may issue share acquisition rights (shinkabu yoyakuken) and bonds with share acquisition rights (shinkabu yoyakuken-tsuki shasai) by a resolution of the board of directors (and before the removal of restrictions on the transfer of shares, a resolution of the general meeting of shareholders is required instead). Holders of share acquisition rights may exercise their rights to acquire a certain number of shares within the exercise period as set forth in the terms of their share acquisition rights. Upon exercise of share acquisition rights, we will be obligated either to issue the relevant number of new shares or, alternatively, to transfer the necessary number of shares of treasury shares held by us.

Record Date

The record date for annual dividends and the determination of shareholders entitled to vote at the ordinary general meeting of our shareholders is April 30. In addition, by a resolution of the board of directors, we may set a record date for determining the shareholders entitled to other rights and for other purposes by giving at least 2 weeks’ prior public notice.

Purchase of Our Own Shares

Under the Companies Act, we may acquire our own shares:

● by purchase from a specific party other than any of our subsidiaries (if any), pursuant to a special resolution of a general meeting of shareholders; and

● by purchase from any of our subsidiaries (if any), pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors.

Any such acquisition of shares must satisfy certain requirements, such as that we may only acquire our own shares in an aggregate amount up to the amount that we may distribute as surplus. See “—Distribution of Surplus” above for more details regarding this amount.

Our own shares acquired by us may be held by us as treasury shares for any period or may be cancelled by resolution of the board of directors. We may also transfer the shares held by us to any person, subject to a special resolution of a general meeting of shareholders or a resolution of the board of directors, as the case may be, and subject also to other requirements similar to those applicable to the issuance of new shares, as described in “—Rights to Allotment of Shares” above. We may also utilize our treasury shares (x) for the purpose of transfer to any person upon exercise of share acquisition rights or (y) for the purpose of acquiring another company by way of merger, share exchange, or corporate split through exchange of treasury shares for shares or assets of the acquired company.

Sale by Us of Shares Held by Shareholders Whose Addresses Are Unknown

Under the Companies Act, we are not required to send a notice to a shareholder if notices to such shareholder fail to arrive for a continuous period of five or more years at the registered address of such shareholder in the register of our shareholders or at the address otherwise notified to us.

In addition, we may sell or otherwise dispose of the shares held by a shareholder whose location is unknown. Generally, if

● notices to a shareholder fail to arrive for a continuous period of five or more years at the shareholder’s registered address in the register of our shareholders or at the address otherwise notified to us, and

● the shareholder fails to receive distribution of surplus on the shares for a continuous period of five or more years at the address registered in the register of our shareholders or at the address otherwise notified to us,

we may sell or otherwise dispose of the shareholder’s shares at the market price after giving at least three months’ prior public and individual notices, and hold or deposit the proceeds of such sale or disposal for the shareholder.

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Limitations on Liability

Our Articles of Incorporation permit us to exempt, by resolution of our board of directors, company auditors (kansayaku) from liabilities arising in connection with their failure to execute their duties in good faith (but without gross negligence), to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Act. In addition, our Articles of Incorporation permit us to exempt, by resolution of our board of directors, directors from liabilities arising in connection with any failure to execute their duties in good faith or due to simple negligence (excluding gross negligence and willful misconduct), to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Act. Should our board of directors, exempt a company auditor or director from any such liabilities, our rights and those of our shareholders to file shareholders’ derivative suits on behalf of our Company to recover monetary damages from such director or company auditor for breach of their duties under the Companies Act will be eliminated or reduced. However, exculpation does not apply to any director or company auditor if they have breached their duties under the Companies Act intentionally (koi) or by gross negligence (ju-kashitsu). Furthermore, we have entered into agreements for the limitation of liabilities with our independent directors and company auditors.

Restrictions on Holders of our Ordinary Shares (Item 10.B.6, Item 10.B.7, Item 10.B.8 of Form 20-F)

There are no restrictions with respect to non-residents of Japan or foreign shareholders holding our Ordinary Shares or on the exercise of voting rights, except for filing requirements with respect to an acquisition of shares by a Non-Resident of Japan under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act of Japan and related regulations. However, pursuant to a provision of our share handling regulations, a shareholder who does not have an address or residence in Japan is required to file with our depositary its temporary address to receive notices in Japan or that of a standing proxy having any address or residence in Japan.

There are no provisions in our Articles of Incorporation that would have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving us.

There are no provisions in our Articles of Incorporation or other subordinated rules regarding an ownership threshold, above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.

There are no provisions in our Articles of Incorporation governing changes in our Company’s capital more stringent than is required by law.

Differences Between the Law of Different Jurisdictions (Item 10.B.9 of Form 20-F)

With respect to Items 10.B.2 to 10.B.8, the Company has identified in the responses above where provisions of the Companies Act applicable to the Company is significantly different from the comparable Delaware law.

Changes in Capital (Item 10.B.10 of Form 20-F)

There are no provisions in our Articles of Incorporation governing changes in our Company’s capital more stringent than is required by law.

Debt Securities (Item 12.A of Form 20-F)

Not applicable.

Warrants and Rights (Item 12.B of Form 20-F)

Not applicable.

Other Securities (Item 12.C of Form 20-F)

Not applicable.

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Description of American Depositary Shares (Items 12.D.1 and 12.D.2 of Form 20-F)

The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, registers and delivers our ADSs. Each ADS represents one Ordinary Share (or a right to receive one Ordinary Share) deposited with MUFG Bank Ltd., as custodian for the depositary in Japan. Each ADS will also represent any other securities, cash, or other property that may be held by the depositary. The deposited shares together with any other securities, cash, or other property held by the depositary are referred to as the deposited securities. The depositary’s office at which the ADSs are administered and its principal executive office are located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286.

You may hold ADSs either (A) directly (i) by having an ADR, which is a certificate evidencing a specific number of ADSs, registered in your name, or (ii) by having uncertificated ADSs registered in your name, or (B) indirectly by holding a security entitlement in ADSs through your broker or other financial institution that is a direct or indirect participant in The Depository Trust Company, also called DTC. If you hold ADSs directly, you are a registered ADS holder, also referred to as an ADS holder. This description assumes you are an ADS holder. If you hold the ADSs indirectly, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or other financial institution to assert the rights of ADS holders described in this section. You should consult with your broker or financial institution to find out what those procedures are.

Registered holders of uncertificated ADSs will receive statements from the depositary confirming their holdings.

As an ADS holder, we do not treat you as one of our shareholders and you do not have shareholder rights. Japanese law governs shareholder rights. The depositary is the holder of the Ordinary Shares underlying your ADSs. As a registered holder of ADSs, you have ADS holder rights. A deposit agreement among us, the depositary, and ADS holders and all other persons indirectly or beneficially holding ADSs sets out ADS holder rights as well as the rights and obligations of the depositary. New York law governs the deposit agreement and the ADSs.

The following is a summary of the material provisions of the deposit agreement. For more complete information, you should read the entire deposit agreement and the form of ADR, which are filed as exhibits to the annual report for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023.

Dividends and Other Distributions

How will you receive dividends and other distributions on the Ordinary Shares?

The depositary has agreed to pay or distribute to ADS holders the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on Ordinary Shares or other deposited securities, upon payment or deduction of its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of Ordinary Shares your ADSs represent.

● Cash. The depositary will convert any cash dividend or other cash distribution we pay on the Ordinary Shares into U.S. dollars, if it can do so on a reasonable basis and can transfer the U.S. dollars to the United States. If that is not possible or if any government approval is needed and cannot be obtained, the deposit agreement allows the depositary to distribute the foreign currency only to those ADS holders to whom it is possible to do so. It will hold the foreign currency it cannot convert for the account of the ADS holders who have not been paid. It will not invest the foreign currency and it will not be liable for any interest.

Before making a distribution, any withholding taxes or other governmental charges that must be paid will be deducted. The depositary will distribute only whole U.S. dollars and cents and will round fractional cents to the nearest whole cent. If the exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary cannot convert the foreign currency, you may lose some of the value of the distribution.

● Shares. The depositary may distribute additional ADSs representing any shares we distribute as a dividend or free distribution. The depositary will only distribute whole ADSs. It will sell shares which would require it to deliver a fraction of an ADS (or ADSs representing those shares) and distribute the net proceeds in the same way as it does with cash. If the depositary does not distribute additional ADSs, the outstanding ADSs will also represent the new shares. The depositary may sell a portion of the distributed shares (or ADSs representing those shares) sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in connection with that distribution.

● Rights to purchase additional shares. If we offer holders of our securities any rights to subscribe for additional shares or any other rights, the depositary may (i) exercise those rights on behalf of ADS holders, (ii) distribute those rights to ADS holders, or (iii) sell those rights and distribute the net proceeds to ADS holders, in each case after deduction or upon payment of its fees and expenses. To the extent the depositary does not do any of those things, it will allow the rights to lapse. In that case, you will receive no value for them. The depositary will exercise or distribute rights only if we ask it to and provide satisfactory assurances to the depositary that it is legal to do so. If the depositary will exercise rights, it will purchase the securities to which the rights relate and distribute those securities or, in the case of shares, new ADSs representing the new shares, to subscribing ADS holders, but only if ADS holders have paid the exercise price to the depositary. U.S. securities laws may restrict the ability of the depositary to distribute rights or ADSs or other securities issued on exercise of rights to all or certain ADS holders, and the securities distributed may be subject to restrictions on transfer.

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● Other distributions. The depositary will send to ADS holders anything else we distribute on deposited securities by any means it thinks is legal, fair, and practical. If it cannot make the distribution in that way, the depositary has a choice. It may decide to sell what we distributed and distribute the net proceeds, in the same way as it does with cash, or, it may decide to hold what we distributed, in which case ADSs will also represent the newly distributed property. The depositary, however, is not required to distribute any securities (other than ADSs) to ADS holders unless it receives satisfactory evidence from us that it is legal to make that distribution. The depositary may sell a portion of the distributed securities or property sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in connection with that distribution. U.S. securities laws may restrict the ability of the depositary to distribute securities to all or certain ADS holders, and the securities distributed may be subject to restrictions on transfer.

The depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any ADS holders. We have no obligation to register ADSs, shares, rights, or other securities under the Securities Act. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, shares, rights, or anything else to ADS holders. This means that you may not receive the distributions we make on our Ordinary Shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you.

Deposit, Withdrawal, and Cancellation

How are ADSs issued?

The depositary will deliver ADSs if you or your broker deposits Ordinary Shares or evidence of rights to receive Ordinary Shares with the custodian. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will register the appropriate number of ADSs in the names you request and will deliver the ADSs to or upon the order of the person or persons that made the deposit.

How can ADS holders withdraw the deposited securities?

You may surrender your ADSs to the depositary for the purpose of withdrawal. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will deliver the Ordinary Shares and any other deposited securities underlying the ADSs to the ADS holder or a person the ADS holder designates at the office of the custodian. Or, at your request, risk, and expense, the depositary will deliver the deposited securities at its office, if feasible. The depositary, however, is not required to accept surrender of ADSs to the extent it would require delivery of a fraction of a deposited Ordinary Share or other security. The depositary may charge you a fee and its expenses for instructing the custodian regarding delivery of deposited securities.

What are the Requirements for Depositing and Withdrawing Shares under FEFTA?

Under recent amendments in 2019 to FEFTA, a proposed transferee of our Ordinary Shares who is a Foreign Investor (as defined under FEFTA) must submit an application for pre-clearance to the applicable Japanese governmental authority prior to the transfer of our Ordinary Shares, which approval may take up to 30 days and could be subject to further extension. Prior to accepting Ordinary Shares for deposit in return for the issuance of ADSs, the depositary, which is considered a Foreign Investor for purposes of FEFTA, must obtain pre-clearance from the Japanese governmental authority. Accordingly, investors wishing to deposit Ordinary Shares with the depositary for the issuance of ADSs should notify the depositary at least 30 days prior to such deposit to allow time for the depositary to apply for any required pre-clearance, if not already obtained. The depositary will not accept any Ordinary Shares for deposit until any required pre-clearance has been obtained. In addition, any Foreign Investor expecting to receive delivery of our Ordinary Shares upon surrender of ADSs must also obtain pre-clearance from the applicable Japanese governmental authority prior to accepting delivery, which approval may take up to 30 days and could be subject to further extension. Accordingly, ADS holders who are Foreign Investors wishing to surrender ADSs for the purpose of withdrawing the underlying deposited Ordinary Shares should apply for pre-clearance at least 30 days in advance of such surrender. The depositary will not accept surrender of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal of Ordinary Shares until it receives assurances satisfactory to the depositary that any required pre-clearance for the delivery of the Ordinary Shares to a Foreign Investor has been obtained.

How do ADS holders interchange between certificated ADSs and uncertificated ADSs?

You may surrender your ADR to the depositary for the purpose of exchanging your ADR for uncertificated ADSs. The depositary will cancel that ADR and will send to the ADS holder a statement confirming that the ADS holder is the registered holder of uncertificated ADSs. Upon receipt by the depositary of a proper instruction from a registered holder of uncertificated ADSs requesting the exchange of uncertificated ADSs for certificated ADSs, the depositary will execute and deliver to the ADS holder an ADR evidencing those ADSs.

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Voting Rights

How do you vote?

ADS holders may instruct the depositary how to vote the number of deposited Ordinary Shares their ADSs represent. If we request the depositary to solicit your voting instructions (and we are not required to do so), the depositary will notify you of a shareholders’ meeting and send or make voting materials available to you. Those materials will describe the matters to be voted on and explain how ADS holders may instruct the depositary how to vote. For instructions to be valid, they must reach the depositary by a date set by the depositary. The depositary will try, as far as practical, subject to the laws of Japan and the provisions of our Articles of Incorporation or similar documents, to vote or to have its agents vote the shares or other deposited securities as instructed by ADS holders. If we do not request the depositary to solicit your voting instructions, you can still send voting instructions, and, in that case, the depositary may try to vote as you instruct, but it is not required to do so.

Except by instructing the depositary as described above, you will not be able to exercise voting rights unless you surrender your ADSs and withdraw the Ordinary Shares. However, you may not know about the meeting enough in advance to withdraw the Ordinary Shares. In any event, the depositary will not exercise any discretion in voting deposited securities and it will only vote or attempt to vote as instructed.

We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote the Ordinary Shares represented by your ADSs. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise voting rights and there may be nothing you can do if the Ordinary Shares represented by your ADSs are not voted as you requested.

In order to give you a reasonable opportunity to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of voting rights relating to deposited securities, if we request the depositary to act, we agree to give the depositary notice of any such meeting and details concerning the matters to be voted upon at least 45 days in advance of the meeting date.

Fees and Expenses

Persons depositing or withdrawing shares or ADS holders must pay:	For:
$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)	Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property
	Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates
$.05 (or less) per ADS	Any cash distribution to ADS holders
A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs	Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities (including rights) that are distributed by the depositary to ADS holders
$.05 (or less) per ADS per calendar year	Depositary services
Registration or transfer fees	Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares
Expenses of the depositary	Cable (including SWIFT) and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement) Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars
Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian has to pay on any ADSs or shares underlying ADSs, such as stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes	As necessary
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities	As necessary

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The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may collect any of its fees by deduction from any cash distribution payable (or by selling a portion of securities or other property distributable) to ADS holders that are obligated to pay those fees. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

From time to time, the depositary may make payments to us to reimburse us for costs and expenses generally arising out of establishment and maintenance of the ADS program, waive fees and expenses for services provided to us by the depositary, or share revenue from the fees collected from ADS holders. In performing its duties under the deposit agreement, the depositary may use brokers, dealers, foreign currency dealers, or other service providers that are owned by or affiliated with the depositary and that may earn or share fees, spreads, or commissions.

The depositary may convert currency itself or through any of its affiliates, or the custodian or we may convert currency and pay U.S. dollars to the depositary. Where the depositary converts currency itself or through any of its affiliates, the depositary acts as principal for its own account and not as agent, advisor, broker, or fiduciary on behalf of any other person and earns revenue, including, without limitation, transaction spreads, that it will retain for its own account. The revenue is based on, among other things, the difference between the exchange rate assigned to the currency conversion made under the deposit agreement and the rate that the depositary or its affiliate receives when buying or selling foreign currency for its own account. The depositary makes no representation that the exchange rate used or obtained by it or its affiliate in any currency conversion under the deposit agreement will be the most favorable rate that could be obtained at the time or that the method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to ADS holders, subject to the depositary’s obligation to act without negligence or bad faith. The methodology used to determine exchange rates used in currency conversions made by the depositary is available upon request. Where the custodian converts currency, the custodian has no obligation to obtain the most favorable rate that could be obtained at the time or to ensure that the method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to ADS holders, and the depositary makes no representation that the rate is the most favorable rate and will not be liable for any direct or indirect losses associated with the rate. In certain instances, the depositary may receive dividends or other distributions from us in U.S. dollars that represent the proceeds of a conversion of foreign currency or translation from foreign currency at a rate that was obtained or determined by us and, in such cases, the depositary will not engage in, or be responsible for, any foreign currency transactions and neither it nor we make any representation that the rate obtained or determined by us is the most favorable rate and neither it nor we will be liable for any direct or indirect losses associated with the rate.

Payment of Taxes

You are responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on your ADSs or on the deposited securities represented by any of your ADSs. The depositary may refuse to register any transfer of your ADSs or allow you to withdraw the deposited securities represented by your ADSs until those taxes or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to you or sell deposited securities represented by your ADSs to pay any taxes owed and you will remain liable for any deficiency. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to ADS holders any proceeds, or send to ADS holders any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.

Tender and Exchange Offers; Redemption, Replacement, or Cancellation of Deposited Securities

The depositary will not tender deposited securities in any voluntary tender or exchange offer unless instructed to do so by an ADS holder surrendering ADSs and subject to any conditions or procedures the depositary may establish.

If deposited securities are redeemed for cash in a transaction that is mandatory for the depositary as a holder of deposited securities, the depositary will call for surrender of a corresponding number of ADSs and distribute the net redemption money to the holders of called ADSs upon surrender of those ADSs.

If there is any change in the deposited securities such as a sub-division, combination, or other reclassification, or any merger, consolidation, recapitalization, or reorganization affecting the issuer of deposited securities in which the depositary receives new securities in exchange for or in lieu of the old deposited securities, the depositary will hold those replacement securities as deposited securities under the deposit agreement. If the depositary, however, decides it would not be lawful and practical to hold the replacement securities because those securities could not be distributed to ADS holders or for any other reason, the depositary may instead sell the replacement securities and distribute the net proceeds upon surrender of the ADSs.

If there is a replacement of the deposited securities and the depositary will continue to hold the replacement securities, the depositary may distribute new ADSs representing the new deposited securities or ask you to surrender your outstanding ADSs in exchange for new ADSs identifying the new deposited securities.

If there are no deposited securities underlying ADSs, including if the deposited securities are cancelled, or if the deposited securities underlying ADSs have become apparently worthless, the depositary may call for surrender of those ADSs or cancel those ADSs upon notice to the ADS holders.

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Amendment and Termination

How may the deposit agreement be amended?

We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the ADRs without your consent for any reason. If an amendment adds or increases fees or charges, except for taxes and other governmental charges or expenses of the depositary for registration fees, facsimile costs, delivery charges, or similar items, or prejudices a substantial right of ADS holders, it will not become effective for outstanding ADSs until 30 days after the depositary notifies ADS holders of the amendment. At the time an amendment becomes effective, you are considered, by continuing to hold your ADSs, to agree to the amendment and to be bound by the ADRs and the deposit agreement as amended.

How may the deposit agreement be terminated?

The depositary will initiate termination of the deposit agreement if we instruct it to do so. The depositary may initiate termination of the deposit agreement if

● 90 days have passed since the depositary told us it wants to resign but a successor depositary has not been appointed and accepted its appointment;

● we delist the ADSs from an exchange in the United States on which they were listed and do not list the ADSs on another exchange in the United States or make arrangements for trading of ADSs on the

● U.S. over-the-counter market;

● we delist our shares from an exchange outside the United States on which they were listed and do not list the shares on another exchange outside the United States;

● the depositary has reason to believe the ADSs have become, or will become, ineligible for registration on Form F-6 under the Securities Act;

● we appear to be insolvent or enter insolvency proceedings;

● all or substantially all the value of the deposited securities has been distributed either in cash or in the form of securities;

● there are no deposited securities underlying the ADSs or the underlying deposited securities have become apparently worthless; or

● there has been a replacement of deposited securities.

If the deposit agreement will terminate, the depositary will notify ADS holders at least 90 days before the termination date. At any time after the termination date, the depositary may sell the deposited securities. After that, the depositary will hold the money it received on the sale, as well as any other cash it is holding under the deposit agreement, unsegregated and without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the ADS holders that have not surrendered their ADSs. Normally, the depositary will sell as soon as practicable after the termination date.

After the termination date and before the depositary sells, ADS holders can still surrender their ADSs and receive delivery of deposited securities, except that the depositary may refuse to accept a surrender for the purpose of withdrawing deposited securities or reverse previously accepted surrenders of that kind that have not settled if it would interfere with the selling process. The depositary may refuse to accept a surrender for the purpose of withdrawing sale proceeds until all the deposited securities have been sold. The depositary will continue to collect distributions on deposited securities, but, after the termination date, the depositary is not required to register any transfer of ADSs or distribute any dividends or other distributions on deposited securities to the ADSs holder (until they surrender their ADSs) or give any notices or perform any other duties under the deposit agreement except as described in this paragraph.

Limitations on Obligations and Liability

Limits on our Obligations and the Obligations of the Depositary; Limits on Liability to Holders of ADSs

The deposit agreement expressly limits our obligations and the obligations of the depositary. It also limits our liability and the liability of the depositary. We and the depositary:

● are only obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith, and the depositary will not be a fiduciary or have any fiduciary duty to holders of ADSs;

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● are not liable if we are or it is prevented or delayed by law or by events or circumstances beyond our or its ability to prevent or counteract with reasonable care or effort from performing our or its obligations under the deposit agreement;

● are not liable if we or it exercises discretion permitted under the deposit agreement;

● are not liable for the inability of any holder of ADSs to benefit from any distribution on deposited securities that is not made available to holders of ADSs under the terms of the deposit agreement, or for any special, consequential, or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the deposit agreement;

● have no obligation to become involved in a lawsuit or other proceeding related to the ADSs or the deposit agreement on your behalf or on behalf of any other person;

● may rely upon any documents we believe or it believes in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person;

● are not liable for the acts or omissions of any securities depository, clearing agency, or settlement system; and

● the depositary has no duty to make any determination or provide any information as to our tax status, or any liability for any tax consequences that may be incurred by ADS holders as a result of owning or holding ADSs or be liable for the inability or failure of an ADS holder to obtain the benefit of a foreign tax credit, reduced rate of withholding, or refund of amounts withheld in respect of tax or any other tax benefit.

In the deposit agreement, we and the depositary agree to indemnify each other under certain circumstances.

Requirements for Depositary Actions

Before the depositary will deliver or register a transfer of ADSs, make a distribution on ADSs, or permit withdrawal of shares, the depositary may require:

● payment of stock transfer or other taxes or other governmental charges and transfer or registration fees charged by third parties for the transfer of any shares or other deposited securities;

● satisfactory proof of the identity and genuineness of any signature or other information it deems necessary; and

● compliance with regulations it may establish, from time to time, consistent with the deposit agreement, including presentation of transfer documents.

The depositary may refuse to deliver ADSs or register transfers of ADSs when the transfer books of the depositary or our transfer books are closed or at any time if the depositary or we think it advisable to do so.

Your Right to Receive the Shares Underlying Your ADSs

ADS holders have the right to cancel their ADSs and withdraw the underlying shares at any time except:

● when temporary delays arise because: (i) the depositary has closed its transfer books or we have closed our transfer books; (ii) the transfer of shares is blocked to permit voting at a shareholders’ meeting; or (iii) we are paying a dividend on our shares;

● when you owe money to pay fees, taxes, and similar charges; or

● when it is necessary to prohibit withdrawals in order to comply with any laws or governmental regulations that apply to ADSs or to the withdrawal of shares or other deposited securities.

This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the deposit agreement.

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Direct Registration System

In the deposit agreement, all parties to the deposit agreement acknowledge that the Direct Registration System, also referred to as DRS, and Profile Modification System, also referred to as Profile, will apply to the ADSs. DRS is a system administered by DTC that facilitates interchange between registered holding of uncertificated ADSs and holding of security entitlements in ADSs through DTC and a DTC participant. Profile is a feature of DRS that allows a DTC participant, claiming to act on behalf of a registered holder of uncertificated ADSs, to direct the depositary to register a transfer of those ADSs to DTC or its nominee and to deliver those ADSs to the DTC account of that DTC participant without receipt by the depositary of prior authorization from the ADS holder to register that transfer.

In connection with and in accordance with the arrangements and procedures relating to DRS/Profile, the parties to the deposit agreement understand that the depositary will not determine whether the DTC participant that is claiming to be acting on behalf of an ADS holder in requesting registration of transfer and delivery as described in the paragraph above has the actual authority to act on behalf of the ADS holder (notwithstanding any requirements under the Uniform Commercial Code). In the deposit agreement, the parties agree that the depositary’s reliance on and compliance with instructions received by the depositary through the DRS/Profile system and in accordance with the deposit agreement will not constitute negligence or bad faith on the part of the depositary.

Shareholder Communications; Inspection of Register of Holders of ADSs

The depositary will make available for your inspection at its office all communications that it receives from us as a holder of deposited securities that we make generally available to holders of deposited securities. The depositary will send you copies of those communications or otherwise make those communications available to you if we ask it to. You have a right to inspect the register of holders of ADSs, but not for the purpose of contacting those holders about a matter unrelated to our business or the ADSs.

Jury Trial Waiver

The deposit agreement provides that, to the extent permitted by law, ADS holders waive the right to a jury trial of any claim they may have against us or the depositary arising out of or relating to our Ordinary Shares, the ADSs, or the deposit agreement, including any claim under the U.S. federal securities laws. If we or the depositary opposed a jury trial demand based on the waiver, the court would determine whether the waiver was enforceable in the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance with applicable case law.

You will not, by agreeing to the terms of the deposit agreement, be deemed to have waived our or the depositary’s compliance with U.S. federal securities laws or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

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