SINGAPORE (Standard&Poor's) April 16, 2002--Standard&Poor's today lowered its insurer financial strength rating on Sompo Japan Insurance Co (Asia) Pte Ltd. (formerly Yasuda Fire&Marine Insurance Co Asia Pte Ltd.) to double 'A'-minus from double-'A'. The rating, reflects the explicit support of the company's parent, Yasuda Fire&Marine Insurance Co. Ltd. (Yasuda Fire; AA-/Negative/--), and follows Standard&Poor's earlier announcement that it has lowered its long-term sovereign rating on Japan to double-'A'-minus, with a negative outlook.