Aozora Bank : Originates Syndicated Positive Impact Finance Based on “’s ESG Framework Loan”

August 2, 2023

Aozora Bank, Ltd.

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Aozora Originates Syndicated Positive Impact Finance

Based on "Aozora's ESG Framework Loan"

TOKYO August 2, 2023 - Aozora Bank, Ltd. (President and CEO: Kei Tanikawa; Head Office: Tokyo) ('Aozora' or 'the Bank') today announced that it has signed an agreement with Ichigo Inc. (President: Takuma Hasegawa; Head Office: Tokyo) ('Ichigo') regarding the formation of a "Syndicated Positive Impact Finance based on Aozora's ESG Framework Loan" (the 'Financing').

Positive Impact Finance (PIF) is designed to comprehensively analyze and assess the impact of customers' corporate activities on the environment, society and economy with the aim of providing continued support for the development and expansion of positive impact or the mitigation and control of negative impact.

"Aozora's ESG Framework Loan" aims to support customers' sustainable finance initiatives. On June 1, 2022, a second opinion was obtained from Rating and Investment Information, Inc. stating that the loan is consistent with international principles and other requirements. Also, "Aozora Positive Impact Finance" obtained a second opinion from the same agency in June 2023, which states that the Bank's PIF assessment system in compliance with the PIF Principles established by the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI). The Financing is the Bank's first initiative launched as a syndicated loan based on "Aozora Positive Impact Finance".

The Ichigo Group recognizes that the environmental impact of its real estate business is an important operational issue. They are engaged in a wide range of initiatives as a "sustainable infrastructure company" that strives to realize a sustainable society by focusing on the Sustainable Real Estate business, which aims to increase the life-span of buildings beyond 100 years.

The Financing aims to support the Ichigo Group's initiatives as a "sustainable infrastructure company".

The Bank prioritizes the "Promotion of Aozora Sustainability" as an area of focus in its new Mid-term Plan "Aozora 2025" (FY2023-25) announced on May 17, 2023. Aozora will further promote response to climate changes by supporting customers in their sustainable finance initiatives.

Aozora Bank, Ltd. 6-1-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8660, Japan ℡03-6752-1111

[Overview of the Financing]

Borrower:	Ichigo, Inc.
Financing amount:	5,760 million yen
Agreement date:	August 2, 2023
Arranger:	Aozora Bank, Ltd.
Agent:	Same as above

[Ichigo's Objectives and KPIs in PIF]

(Contact: Tsutomu Jimbo, Business Strategy Division 03-6752-1217)

Aozora Bank, Ltd. 6-1-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8660, Japan ℡03-6752-1111