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Barrick Alliance Approves 2021 Budget for Completion of Regional Exploration Programs Across Japan

Exploration Programs

NEWS RELEASE

Barrick Alliance Approves 2021 Budget for Completion of Regional Exploration Programs

Across Japan

Vancouver, British Columbia- February 23, 2021 - Japan Gold Corp. (the “Company”) (TSXV:JG)

(OTCQB:JGLDF) is pleased to announce approval by the Barrick Alliance of a USD $4 million dollar

budget, solely funded by Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) (TSX:ABX), to complete the

proposed 2021 regional exploration work program s. The approved 2021 budget and work program s

will complete the 2-year Initial Evaluation P hase regional exploration over the expanded 29 project

portfolio covering 1,889 square kilometers, with Japan Gold acting as the Operator.

Regional exploration programs commenced following formation of the Barrick Alliance on February

23, 2020. The exploration programs are aimed at identifying new gold prospects through the systematic

sampling of stream sediments for bulk leach extractable gold ("BLEG"), and gold and multi- element

pathfinder analysis of rock samples . Geophysical gravity surveys are also being carried out over all

projects to gain better definition of regional and prospect scale structures associated with gold

mineralisation.

To date 73% of the 1,889 square kilometer project portfolio, across the islands of Hokkaido, Honshu

and Kyushu, has been covered by BLEG and rock float sampling. Gravity surveying has been completed

over 51% of the southern Kyushu project portfolio, Figures 1, 2 & 3. The regional BLEG , rock

sampling and project-scale gravity surveying are expected to be completed across all 29 projects by

July 2021.

Results from the 2020 exploration programs completed on eight Kyushu projects and three Hokkaido

projects have identified 19 d istinct gold in BLEG anomalies with supporting pathfinder elemen t

geochemistry. Detailed evaluation of all anomalies generated will be carried out to confirm

prospectivity and assist in target ranking. The detailed evaluation of these anomalies will commence

immediately and is expected to be complete by November 2021.

With the identification of new anomalies, the Barrick Alliance has been proactive in lodging new

prospecting rights applications to ensure full coverage of prospective ground. Since its inception in

February 2020, the Barrick Alliance project portfolio has increased by 24%, from 1,521 to 1,889 square

kilometers, over the major epithermal gold provinces of Japan.

The Barrick Alliance Executive Committee Chairman Robert Krcmarov stated, “We are very pleased

with the progress achieved and the anomalies generated to date notwithstanding the less than ideal

circumstances imposed by the global COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to completing the initial

phase of project screening and the potential opportunities that will come out of this work.”

Covid-19 Operating Plan

Japan Gold has taken appropriate steps and followed government advised health protocols to ensure

Barrick Alliance crews can operate safely and effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Japan Gold's Vice

President of Exploration and Country Manager, Andrew Rowe, BAppSc, FAusIMM, FSEG, who is a

Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Japan Gold Corp.

"John Proust"

Chairman & CEO

About Japan Gold Corp.

Japan Gold Corp . is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused solely on gold exploration

across the three largest islands of Japan: Hokkaido, Honshu and Kyushu. The Company has a country-

wide alliance with Barrick Gold Corporation to jointly explore, develop and mine certain gold

mineral properties and mining projects. The Company holds a portfolio of 31 gold projects which cover

areas with known gold occurrences, a history of mining and are prospective for high-grade epithermal

gold mineralization. Japan Gold's leadership team represent decades of resource industry and business

experience, and the Company has recruited geologists, drillers and technical advisors with experience

exploring and operating in Japan. More information is available at www.japangold.com or by email at

[email protected]

For further information, please contact:

John Proust

Chairman & CEO

Phone: 778-725-1491

Email: [email protected]

Cautionary Note

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the

policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this

release. This news release contains forward -looking statements relating to expected or anticipated

future events and anticipated results related to future partnerships and the Company's 2020 gold

exploration program. These statements are forward -looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to

certain risks a nd uncertainties that include, but are not limited to, general economic, market and

business conditions; competition for qualified staff; the regulatory process and actions; technical

issues; new legislation; potential delays or changes in plans; working i n a new political jurisdiction;

results of exploration; the timing and granting of prospecting rights; the Company's ability to execute

and implement future plans, arrange or conclude a joint-venture or partnership; and the occurrence of

unexpected events. Actual results achieved may differ from the information provided herein and,

consequently, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward -looking information. The

forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this News Release. The

Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward‐looking information or to

explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by

applicable law.

Figure 1: Barrick Alliance project locations

Figure 2: Barrick Alliance Southern Kyushu project locations and work completed to date

Figure 3: Barrick Alliance Hokkaido project locations and work completed to date