2012 News Releases

Tokyo - Manulife Investments Japan Limited will launch "Manulife Canadian Bond Fund" (brand name: "Maple Gift") on September 7, 2012.

The initial offering period of the fund is August 27 to September 6, 2012. Distributors of the fund as of August 27 are Ichiyoshi Securities Co., Ltd., HS Securities Co., Ltd., SBI Securities Co., Ltd. and The Chiba Bank, Ltd.

The fund aims to provide stable income and long-term asset growth primarily through investment in the Manulife Canadian Bond Mother Fund.

Fund Features

   1.  The fund invests primarily in Canadian dollar-denominated bonds in order to provide stable income and 
         long-term capital growth.

• The fund will be invested primarily in Canadian dollar-denominated investment grade corporate bonds.
• The minimum rating of invested bonds at purchase will be BBB- (S&P), Baa3 (Moody’s), or the equivalent rating of other rating agencies.
• In principle, there will be no currency hedges for foreign currency-denominated assets.

   2.  Monthly dividend distribution is scheduled for the accounting settlement on the 20th (or the next business day
         in the event of a holiday) each month.

• Dividend distribution is sourced from income gain, capital gain and the like. There may be times when no dividend distribution occurs.

   3.  The fund is managed by Canadian-based Manulife Asset Management Limited.

About Manulife Investments Japan Limited
Manulife Investments Japan Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manulife Life Insurance Company ("Manulife Japan"), a member of the Manulife Financial Group.

Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. In 2012, we celebrate 125 years of providing clients strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$514 billion (US$504 billion) as at June 30, 2012.

The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com. Manulife Japan can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.co.jp. Manulife Investments Japan Limited can be found on the internet at www.mlij.co.jp.

Media Contact
Kei Miura
Client Service Department
Manulife Investments Japan Limited
Tel: 03-6267-1901