Press release

Tokyo, Japan, 18th April 2007 - Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT / TSE:6501) today announced that France is to confer the order of the Légion d’honneur on Etsuhiko Shoyama, Chairman of Hitachi, with the rank of officier. The Légion d’honneur was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and is France’s highest order, conferred on individuals and organizations deemed to have made a major contribution to France through their endeavors in the areas of culture, science, the military, industry, and commerce.
France’s Ambassador to Japan, Gildas Le Lidec, will confer the award today at a ceremony to be held at the French Embassy in Japan from 5:30 p.m.

The Hitachi Group started operating in earnest in France in the 1970s, implementing a range of activities that included research and development, production, and sales. Currently, these activities are carried out by 15 French subsidiaries with some 840 employees, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic growth. In addition, the Hitachi Group has been praised for its good relations with the government of France and with French corporations, and for its business strategies in Europe and the contributions it has made to local communities, all of which have contributed to France’s growth and led to this award.

The Hitachi Group will continue to contribute to France’s economic growth by moving forward with its diverse range of business activities, which includes information equipment, construction equipment, automotive equipment, air conditioner and digital consumer electronics, and the research and development that underpin those products.

Comment by Mr. Shoyama
The Hitachi Group ranks France as an important base in Europe where it is moving forward with a range of activities. It is deeply gratifying to have these efforts recognized, in this way, by the government of France, and by everyone else concerned, and I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the honor. Hitachi Group looks forward to continuing to be a bridge between France and the Hitachi Group.

About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 356,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2005 (ended March 31, 2006) consolidated sales totaled 9,464 billion yen ($80.9 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at http://www.hitachi.com.

Invest in France Agency (IFA)
Invest in France Agency (IFA) is the national body responsible for promoting, prospecting and facilitating the international investment in France. It also coordinates initiatives promoting the appeal and image of France. The IFA network operates worldwide, with offices in France at both national and local level. It draws on the expertise of specialists in a range of disciplines based at its head office in Paris, as well as in offices in North America, Europe and Asia. In France, IFA works in partnership with regional development agencies to offer international investors outstanding business opportunities and customized services. Please see website for more information. www.investinfrance.org