THE LEASE - THE MEMORANDUM OF RENEWAL - Date: April 7th, 2000 Lease Term: For 2 years between May 1st, 2000 and April 30th, 2002.

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                                                                EXHIBIT 10.20(a)




                                    THE LEASE
                          - THE MEMORANDUM OF RENEWAL -



Date:               April 7th, 2000


Lease Term:         For 2 years between May 1st, 2000 and April 30th, 2002.


Lease Office:       Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxx. 2F
                    3-5, Higashi-Gotanda 0-xxxxx,
                    Xxxxxxxxx-xx, Xxxxx
                    (150.84 m2)


Lessor:             CHUO TOCHI K.K.
                    5-3, Yaesu 0-xxxxx, Xxxx-xx, Tokyo
                    Representative Director  Xxxxx XXXXXXX


Lessee:             Genomic Solutions K.K.
                    3-5, Higashi-Gotanda 0-xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx-xx, Tokyo
                    Representative Director  Xxxxxxxx XXXXXXX