JAPANESE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTS - DEC 2, 2004.

TOKYO, Dec 2 Asia Pulse - Highlights of today's newspapers:

NIKKEI NET:

- Japan's monetary base expanded 4.9 per cent in November from a year earlier in a sixth straight month of growth at the 4 per cent level and the 46th consecutive monthly rise, the Bank of Japan said Thursday.

- Toyota Motor Corp. (TSE:7203) has solidified plans to provide assistance to Misawa Homes Holdings Inc. (TSE:1722) by taking a stake in the firm.

- The Defense Agency has made a decision to equip next-generation PX patrol planes with a jet engine developed by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co. (TSE:7013) and other Japanese firms.

- The number of Japanese companies projecting consolidated pretax profits of 100 billion yen or more has increased 22 on the year to a record 60 in fiscal 2004, according to a list compiled by Nihon Keizai Shimbun Inc.

- Contrary to expectations, the Wednesday launch of securities sales at bank branches is expected to deal a blow to Nomura Holdings Inc. (TSE:8604) by intensifying competition in the business.

DAILY YOMIURI:

- In a bid to achieve Kyoto Protocol targets for lower greenhouse gas emissions, 35 major companies, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and the Development Bank of Japan established Wednesday a fund to purchase overseas countries' excess quotas for carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

- Softbank Corp. believes purchasing the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks will boost its image, giving the Internet service provider an opportunity to take the first big step toward expanding its telecommunications services, according to the firm's president.

ASIA PULSE 02-12 1210