<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.77B ACCT LTTR
<SEQUENCE>4
<FILENAME>jeq17f2mgnt10312008.txt
<DESCRIPTION>MANAGEMENT STMT.
<TEXT>




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 subsections (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 effective
internal controls over compliance with those requirements.  We
have performed an evaluation of the Fund's compliance with the
requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of Rule 17f-2 as of
October 31, 2008, and from August 7, 2008 through October 31,
2008.

Based on this evaluation, we assert that the Fund was in
compliance with the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of
Rule 17f-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as of October
31, 2008, and from August 7, 2008 through October 31, 2008,
with respect to securities reflected in the investment account
of the Fund.


The Japan Equity Fund, Inc.


By:



John J. O'Keefe


Vice President and Treasurer

Title

February 5, 2009

Date





</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
