For Immediate Release September 26, 2012

Series to be Named "Manulife Climax Series - Pacific League" for Third Consecutive Year

Tokyo -Manulife Life Insurance Company (Manulife Japan), Pacific League Marketing (a joint venture company of the six-team Pacific Baseball League ("PBL")), and the six teams of the PBL have reached agreement for Manulife Japan to serve as the title sponsor for the 2012 PBL Climax Series.

Pacific League Marketing President & Representative Director Hiroaki Nishina made the following statement.

"It has been nine years since the Pacific Baseball League, looking to the future, introduced the playoff system that has become the Climax Series. We extend our deep gratitude to Manulife Japan for their third year of sponsorship of the Series. With the Series winner advancing to the Japan Series, each game opens with the promise of dramatic play. With Manulife Japan's support, I look forward to seeing the teams go all out as they compete, providing the fans with a moving and memorable experience. I welcome everyone to cheer on the teams at the 2012 Manulife Climax Series."

Manulife Japan has been a sponsor of the PBL regular season and the title sponsor of the PBL Climax Series since 2010. The sponsorships underscore Manulife Japan's recognition that professional baseball provides a positive contribution to communities. Manulife Japan supports the six teams of the PBL in their activities which strengthen local communities, and supports Pacific League Marketing in implementing a new business style to promote the popularity of baseball.

Manulife Japan President & CEO Hitoshi Morita made the following statement regarding Manulife Japan's 2012 sponsorship of the PBL Climax Series.

"In June this year, the Manulife Group celebrated its 125th global anniversary. Our first operations in Japan opened more than 100 years ago. As a trustworthy and professional company, Manulife Japan continues to build on the Manulife Group's long heritage as a strong partner of communities, actively supporting initiatives that benefit society.

Manulife Japan identifies strongly with the PBL, which from Hokkaido to Kyushu carries on the long tradition of Japan's national pastime, and is growing baseball's fan base with great success through providing support to regional areas and attracting new fans through unique promotions.

We are pleased to continue our sponsorship of the PBL Climax Series in 2012. Through our sponsorship activities we look forward to promoting the PBL, professional baseball, and the dreams and hopes they inspire."

About Manulife
Manulife Life Insurance Company("Manulife Japan") isa 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.

Media Contact
Joel Sievers
Communications Department
Manulife Life Insurance Company
Tel: 042-442-7180



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