<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.77B ACCT LTTR
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>jeqmgtcompliance-0604.txt
<DESCRIPTION>JAPAN EQUITY FUND-MGT. COMPLIANCE 6-30-04
<TEXT>
THE JAPAN EQUITY FUND, INC.
C/O DAIWA SECURITIES TRUST COMPANY
ONE EVERTRUST PLAZA
JERSEY CITY, N.J. 07302



Management Statement Regarding Compliance with
Certain Provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940


We, as members of management of The Japan Equity Fund, Inc.
(the "Fund"), are responsible for complying with the
requirements of subsection (b) and (c) of rule 17f-2, Custody
of Investments by Registered Management Investment Companies,
of the Investment Company Act of 1940.  We are also
responsible for establishing and maintaining an effective
internal control structure over compliance with those
requirements.  We have performed an evaluation of the Fund's
compliance with the requirements of subsection (b) and (c) of
Rule 17f-2 as of June 30, 2004, and from October 31, 2003 (the
date of our last statement) through June 30, 2004.

Based on this evaluation, we assert that the Fund was in
compliance with those provisions of
Rule 17f-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as of June
30, 2004 and from October 31, 2003 through June 30, 2004, with
respect to securities and similar investments reflected in the
investment account of the Fund.

The Japan Equity Fund, Inc.

By:



___________________________________
Hiroshi Kimura
Chairman


___________________________________
John J. O'Keefe
Vice President and Treasurer


_                         _____________________
Date
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
