FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES DVD RELEASE OF NARUTO THE MOVE 2: THE LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL

Latest Feature Length Animated Adventure Has World’s Favorite Ninja In Training Battling A Mysterious New Threat

San Francisco, CA, July 1, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the highly anticipated DVD release of NARUTO THE MOVIE 2: THE LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL on July 29. The 2-disc set continues the exciting saga of a mischievous young boy training to become a ninja and features 60 minutes of special bonus features.  The DVD, rated T for Teens, has an estimated retail price of $29.98.

In the latest feature film, Naruto, Shikamaru and Sakura are in the middle of returning a lost ferret to its owner, supposedly the easiest mission ever. Or so they think! When a young knight, Temujin, attacks them out of nowhere, they are drawn into a fierce struggle over a treasure harboring legendary power – the Stone of Gelel. Temujin’s master wants to use the stone’s power to create a utopia, while the last of the clan who once controlled the stone wants to keep it sealed away forever. Naruto and the others, along with help from Gaara and Kankuro, must protect the stone from those who want to misuse its power. When the dream of utopia becomes a nightmare, it’ll take a ninja to set things right!

Several never-before-seen bonus segments on NARUTO THE MOVIE 2 include a feature on “Creating the World of Naruto 2” and one on how to “Write and Adapt Like a Ninja,” plus “Words From Japan,” “Production Art Gallery,” “Original Storyboards,” and the “Original Japanese Movie Trailers.” In addition, the disc contains a director’s commentary track and a trailer for the upcoming third NARUTO movie, Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom, which will be released by VIZ Media in the near future.

“NARUTO fans won’t want to miss this exciting latest adventure featuring everyone’s favorite band of young ninja,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Product Marketing, VIZ Media. “NARUTO THE MOVIE 2: THE LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL will have viewers at the edge of their seats as our hero and his friends face a menacing new threat. The new release also contains an array of insightful bonus features that give a rare behind-the-scenes look at some of the work that went into making the film. This thrilling new release is not one to miss!”

First introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999, NARUTO, created by Masashi Kishimoto, quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga (graphic novel) targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 80 million copies to-date. Today, Naruto is considered one of the most popular animated series in Japan’s history and has achieved immense success not only as a manga and TV series, but also in the realm of licensed categories such as toys, trading card games and video games. NARUTO enjoys further widespread domestic success where it debuted as the best selling manga title in North America. The manga series (also published by VIZ Media) has now sold over three million copies to-date in the US and regularly appears on USA Today’s Bestseller list and Bookscan’s Graphic Novel Top 50. NARUTO is one of the most popular animated series in North America and is also distributed domestically by VIZ Media. The show is regularly ranked as the #1 program for boys aged 6-17 on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block of programming.

For more information go to www.NARUTO.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

June 30, 2008

Wii-kly Update

One WiiWare Game and One Virtual Console Game Added to Wii Shop Channel

You want fireworks? Look no further than the Wii^™ Shop Channel, where vibrant bursts of classic gaming action and fresh WiiWare™ content will help fill your living room with a flurry of ooohs and ahhhs. Puzzle-game mavens can enjoy a wild new addition to the WiiWare library, while the Virtual Console^™ brings a truly classic fighting game to the fore. For an added holiday-week blast, fans of the WiiWare hit FINAL FANTASY^® CRYSTAL CHRONICLES^®: My Life as a King^™ can enhance the action with new Add-On Content.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points^™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new games are:

WiiWare

Magnetica^™ Twist (Nintendo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 1,000 Wii Points): The classic puzzle game Magnetica is now available on WiiWare , putting its own unique “twist” on the puzzle-game experience. You’re surrounded by marbles, marching slowly but surely down a track. Use a launcher (piloted by a Mii^™ of your choice) to shoot marbles with matching colors and wipe them out before they reach the end of the track. Control couldn’t be simpler, as all you need to do is twist the Wii Remote^™ controller to aim and press the A button to shoot. And the game play remains as addictive and deep as you’ve come to expect in Nintendo’s puzzle games, with five varied play modes, advanced mechanics such as the ability to lob marbles, and a never-ending supply of combos. This definitely isn’t your typical game of marbles.

Virtual Console

FATAL FURY 2 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen—Animated Blood, Violence, 900 Wii Points): Released in 1992 by SNK, FATAL FURY 2 is the second installment in the renowned fighting-game series. In addition to Terry, Andy and Joe, who appeared in the original game, another five distinctive fighters gather from around the world to compete for the championship title. Also newly added are stage-specific hazards and the ability to perform desperation attacks when a character’s strength is low. These particularly deadly techniques create the chance for a come-from-behind victory achieved with a single strike. Moreover, the innovative two-line battle, which proved popular in the previous version, also has been radically enhanced. Pressing the weak-attack and strong-attack buttons simultaneously enables players to move their fighters to another line themselves, or to launch an attack that pushes opponents back to another line. This game mechanic, unique to this title in the series, allows the player to take advantage of the depth of the screen and create even more exciting bouts. Can you prove yourself the king of fighters again?

VIZ PICTURES DEBUTS NEW SLAPSTICK GEISHA COMEDY MAIKO HAAAAN!!! ON DVD

Company Also Launches Special Giveaway Promotion To Coincide With Release Of Hilarious New Film About Japanese Culture And The Mysterious Geisha World

San Francisco, CA, June 20, 2008

– VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the DVD release on June 24 of MAIKO HAAAAN!!!, a zany romantic slapstick comedy, directed by Nobuo Mizuta, about a nerdy Japanese office worker and his obsession with the little-seen Maiko (apprenticeGeisha) world. MAIKO HAAAAN!!! features English subtitles, and will be distributed by VIZ Media with an anticipated retail price of $24.98. A dedicated web site is also available at

www.maikothemovie.com <http://www.maikothemovie.com/> . 

VIZ Pictures has also announced a special giveaway promotion to coincide with the DVD release. Fans are encouraged to go to

www.maikothemovie.com and enter the contest before June 24. Ten random winners will be selected to receive a special MAIKO HAAAAN!!! movie package that includes the DVD, poster, Japanese style geisha fan and a wallet keychain. 

From acclaimed screenwriter Kankuro Kudo of PING PONG, Yaji and Kita:

The Midnight Pilgrims and Takashi Miike’s Zebraman, MAIKO HAAAAN!!! is a slapstick comedy with an energetic twist of manic Japanese humor that centers on a geeky salary man named Kimihiko Onizuka (Sadawo Abe, from KAMIKAZE GIRLS) who dumps his girlfriend because he believes he can only fall in love with an apprentice Geisha, otherwise known as a ‘Maiko.’ He decides to pursue his dream of courting a real Maiko in Kyoto. The lavish and private Maiko Houses become a social barrier partly caused by a rival who is actually also a millionaire baseball player (Shinichi Tsutsumi). But Kimihiko remains undaunted and embarks on a wild journey using some outlandish premises to gain entry to the Geisha inner sanctum. Meanwhile, Kimihiko’s girlfriend (Kou Shibasaki) tries to win him back by leaving Tokyo to become a Maiko herself.

“Kankuro Kudo is a multi-talented creative force in Japan, winning critical acclaim as a comedian, musician, screenwriter, radio DJ and actor in addition to his talents as a film director,” says Manami Iiboshi, Director, Marketing, VIZ Pictures “His delightful new comedy, MAIKO HAAAAN!!!, puts a funny slant on the austere and seldom-seen world of geishas and audiences will delight in the outrageous events that transpire as one man takes his geisha fetish to a hilarious extreme.

Domestic interest in Japanese cinema continues to grow, partly as a complement to the success of manga and anime, but it’s also gaining popularity with decidedly mainstream audiences drawn to the unique stories and characters these films present. As this interest grows, we invite everyone to enter a special MAIKO HAAAAN!!! giveaway and receive the VIZ Pictures newsletter which will give timely updates on new and upcoming releases and the latest in Japanese cinema!”

For more information on VIZ Pictures please visit:

www.viz-pictures.com <http://www.viz-pictures.com> . For more information on other DVDs distributed by VIZ Media please go to www.viz.com. 

About VIZ Pictures, Inc.

Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese “kawaii

(cute) and cool” pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from a J-pop fan’s point of view to serve manga and anime generation in North America. VIZ Pictures titles include TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, LINDA LINDA LINDA, THE TASTE OF TEA, and PING PONG. The company will continue to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S.

publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular “NARUTO” animated TV series. For more information please visit

www.viz-pictures.com. © 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc 

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation.

The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at

http://www.viz.com/> .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RIGHT STUF & NOZOMI ENTERTAINMENT at ANIME EXPO 2008
Panel, Convention Premiere of MARIA WATCHES OVER US & Screenings!

GRIMES, IA, June 26, 2008 – Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. and Nozomi Entertainment unveiled their events schedule for Anime Expo 2008, which takes place July 3-6, at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California.

Right Stuf & Nozomi Entertainment at Anime Expo 2008:

•  

  Right Stuf & Nozomi Entertainment Industry Panel
  Day 2: Friday, July 4 at 3 p.m. PDT / Location: LP2 (LACC Rm. 502)
  Join Right Stuf President and C.E.O. Shawne Kleckner for the inside scoop on Nozomi Entertainment’s DVD releases of Emma: A Victorian Romance, Maria Watches Over Us (Maria-sama ga Miteru) and Aria, plus the latest news about upcoming projects.

  Right Stuf’s Nozomi Entertainment Premieres:
  Convention Premiere of MARIA WATCHES OVER US, plus EMMA: A VICTORIAN ROMANCE
  Day 3: Saturday, July 5 at 4:30 p.m. PDT / Location: LP2 (LACC Rm. 502)
  Preview Maria Watches Over Us (Maria-sama ga Miteru) at its first official convention screening, and check out Nozomi’s recent release Emma: A Victorian Romance.

   

  Screenings! Lots of Screenings!
  See the Anime Expo video schedule for updated times/locations.
  Watch out for the following titles from Right Stuf’s Nozomi Entertainment: Astro Boy, Boogiepop Phantom, Boys Be…, Emma: A Victorian Romance, Gravitation, His and Her Circumstances, The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, Kimba: The White Lion, Lost Universe, Ninja Nonsense, Piano: The Melody of a Young Girl’s Heart, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Super Gals: Season 2, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye and To Heart!

Visit www.rightstuf.com and the Anime Today forums at www.animetoday.com, and follow Right Stuf and Nozomi on Twitter (http://twitter.com/animetoday) for breaking news throughout the convention weekend.

ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC.
Currently celebrating its 21st year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation (”anime”) industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.

Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.

From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye and Emma: A Victorian Romance, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com.

Originally announced in 2006, Eric Sherman and Bang Zoom! Entertainment have expanded from their planned single detailed interview documentary to a three-volume series covering anime, games, and animation. Voice actors, directors, casting producers, and even publishers weigh in on a wide range of subjects, answering both the novice and advanced questions. Adventures in Voice Acting: Volume One takes an in-depth look at the anime industry, from acting to dubbing to whether this is the right career choice for you. Oh, and it has Steve Blum acting silly and Vic Mignogna being directed on how to read the FBI warning. How can you not love that? (more…)

Nintendo and Starlight’s New Fun Centers Featuring Wii Give Sick Children a Boost

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Anime Festival Orlando 9 Announces Guest Updates

Orlando, FL (June 24, 2008) - Anime Festival Orlando 9 is pleased to announce that they will bring Reuben Langdon, the star of the Devil May Cry video game series, to Orlando, FL.  Not only is Reuben the voice of Dante, the lead character in Devil May Cry 3 and 4, but he is also the motion capture model.  Reuben has many years experience working as a stunt actor with credits on “Power Rangers”, “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” and James Cameron’s current project: “Avatar.” 

Reuben will be participating in a number of panels during AFO where he will discuss his work on various projects, explain the process of motion capture for video games and demonstrate how stunts are choreographed.

Already confirmed guests for AFO9 are Aaron Dismuke (Alphonse Elric, “Fullmetal Alchemist”), Travis Willingham (Roy Mustang, “Fullmetal Alchemist, ” Ginko, “Mushishi”)  Christopher Patton (Sousuke Sagara, “Full Metal Panic”), Doug Smith (Kintaro, “GoldenBoy”, Graphic Artist), Colleen Clinkenbeard (Riza Hawkeye in “Fullmetal Alchemist,” Éclair in “Kiddy Grade”), Monica Rial (Sakura, “Tsubasa Chronicle,” Lumiere in “Kiddy Grade”), Jason David Frank (Tommy Oliver the “Green Ranger,” “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers”) and Stephanie Yanez (Pop Singer).  

About Anime Festival Orlando
AFO is a multi-day celebration of all things related to Japanese animation and pop culture held at the Wyndham Orlando Resort August 15, 16 and 17, 2008.  Ticket prices are only $45.00 for an adult 3-day membership badge, $20.00 for a Friday or Sunday Only wristband and $25.00 for a Saturday Only wristband. 
Growing in attendance nearly 20% each year since its inception in 2000, Anime Festival Orlando has earned the title of “Florida’s Favorite Anime Convention” as well as being voted one of the “Top 10 Things To Do In Orlando” by DK Publishing’s Travel Guide.

This year, Anime Festival Orlando’s staff has crafted an original story/game called “Swords of Orlandia” and will feature an interactive RPG story for our attendees to voluntarily participate in; in addition to the traditional fare offered at anime conventions. 

For more information about Anime Festival Orlando, please visit http://www.animefestivalorlando.com/

The third generation gentleman’s thief has returned in his first big screen, live action adventure as Monkey Punch’s Lupin III finds himself dealing with a sexy burglar, an ace gunman willing to serve him, and an inspector wanting to toss him in jail. Arsène Lupin III (Yuki Meguro; Shogun) happens to notice a beautiful woman in a paddywagon on her way to prison. Fujiko Mine (Hideko Ezaki) has her eyes set on robbing a jewelry show and this gentleman thief may be the perfect rube to help her. Add the entire Maccherone crime family wanting to stop this third-generation thief from reviving the Lupin Empire and you have just a hint of the zany plot in Discotek Media’s Lupin the Third: Strange Psychokinetic Strategy. (more…)

June 23, 2008

Wii-kly Update

One WiiWare Game and Two Virtual Console Games Added to Wii Shop Channel

Everybody loves a classic battle between good and evil. With the latest additions to the Wii^™ Shop Channel, your greatest challenge will be choosing where to wipe out the bad guys—in deep space, on mean city streets or in a monster-ridden fantasy world. Whatever the venue, be ready for outrageous enemies and memorable missions you’ll relish from beginning to end.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii^™ owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points^™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new games are:

WiiWare^™

Gyrostarr^™ (High Voltage Software, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Fantasy Violence, 700 Wii Points): Gyrostarr challenges you and up to three additional players to pilot your ships through a series of twisting, turning technoplasma tracks while battling a variety of deadly alien foes at ever-increasing speeds. While fighting and maneuvering, you must collect enough energy to activate the ancient warpgate at the end of each track. Succeed, and you can journey to the next, even deadlier track. Fail, and the gate will slam shut, destroying your ship. Enhance your ship with weapon pickups, coordinate attacks with your friends to fire powerful combined blasts and use your grapple to snag energy and pickups in the midst of combat. Control your ship with the Wii Remote^™ controller, Nunchuk^™ controller or Classic Controller^™, or use the “paired” control system that allows two players to use a connected Wii Remote and Nunchuk or Classic Controller at the same time. Offering 50 levels of intense action, powerful pickups, high-speed bonus levels and mayhem for up to four players, Gyrostarr is a killer arcade challenge.

Virtual Console^™

Alex Kidd in Miracle World (Sega Master System, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): In this platformer from the 1980s, you’re Alex Kidd, looking for your lost brother Egle. In order to find your brother, you’ll have to contend with the evil Janken the Great, who will send his henchmen and monsters at you to thwart your progress. One aspect of this adventure is that you’ll have to play the classic game of “rock, paper, scissors” against the henchmen in order to defeat them. With 16 different levels to conquer in order to save Egle, this classic is sure to test your skills and your wits at the same time.

BURNING FIGHT (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older—Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence, 900 Wii Points): Released in 1991 by SNK, BURNING FIGHT is a side-scrolling hand-to-hand-combat action game. In pursuit of Casterora, leader of a huge syndicate that has escaped from New York to Osaka, the protagonists are three detectives: Duke, Ryu and Billy. Each character fights using a combination of punches, kicks and jumps, plus his own particular special move, activated by simultaneously pressing the jump and attack buttons. These lethal techniques have enormous destructive force, but they also consume a great deal of energy. For this reason, players must use their special moves with skillful timing. Luckily for the detectives, new weapons and additional health can be found by breaking things like phone booths and street signs along the way. A boss, who must be defeated in order to continue the mission, awaits players at the end of each stage. You can also take on the gang with a friend, but beware—attacks by one player can damage the other, so keep an eye on where your partner is in the heat of the battle. End Casterora’s reign of terror once and for all.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Right Stuf’s ANIME TODAY Talks Blood+ & More With Translator John Thomas Plus Anime Expo, kids activities in Japan, contests, & Auroranote in episode 69!

GRIMES, IA, June 20, 2008

– Anime producer and mega-online anime retailer Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome John Thomas – the translator of Dark Horse’s Blood+ novels and the media columnist for Portland, Oregon’s Yuuyake Shimbun newspaper – to episode 69 of ANIME TODAY.In this new interview, Thomas discusses his career in Japanese translation and reviewing, the differences between translation and adaptation, the intricacies of translating novels versus manga, and some of the challenges that come into play when translating a property that spans multiple media (and domestic licensors), such as Blood+ and The Dirty Pair.

Also in episode 69 of ANIME TODAY:

- Chad tells listeners “What’s Hot” in the world of anime and

manga.

- Shawne shares how listeners can up the drama with savings on

Korean dramas and comedies from YA Entertainment.

- Kris and Judy talk about things visitors to Japan can do with

their kids in the “Anime and Gamers’ Guide.”

- Rich and Nick announce the winners of the FUNimation Full Metal

Panic! The Second Raid and the Viz Pictures’ Honey and Clover and Love*Com contests. Plus, they remind listeners about the EMMA: A Victorian Romance contest for a replica of creator Kaoru Mori’s Emma art and copies of the Emma graphic novels from CMX Manga, and they kick off a new contest celebrating the Viz Pictures’ release of Maiko Haaaan!!!

- Liyin Liang, the convention chair for Anime Expo 2008, previews

the event and shares details about its new location and shuttle service.

- Marie checks out Takashi Hashiguchi’s manga Yakitate!! Japan.

- And listen to musical clips from the JapanFiles.com CDs Short

Stories and Play Life Enjoy Pop by Auroranote.

Have a question about anime and manga? Want to comment on one of the podcast’s segments? Call our Anime Today Hotline at 1-800-338-6827, ext.

7424. You may hear yourself on a future episode of Anime Today!

Visit

www.rightstuf.com <http://www.rightstuf.com> and www.animetoday.com <http://www.animetoday.com> for this episode, as well as an archive of all ANIME TODAY episodes and extended liner notes.Listeners can also download and subscribe to ANIME TODAY via the Apple iTunes Music Store.

Meet other anime fans, talk with ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the new ANIME TODAY forums:

http://www.rightstuf.com/ubbthreads/<

http://www.rightstuf.com/ubbthreads/> . Visit ANIME TODAY on MySpace at

http://www.myspace.com/animetoday <http://www.myspace.com/animetoday> .ABOUT ANIME TODAY

Released every other week, ANIME TODAY is the first commercially-produced podcast aimed at enthusiasts of Japanese animation and comics (”anime” and “manga”). Each episode features fresh content and gives listeners a glimpse into what’s new and what’s hot in the world of anime and manga. Segments include reviews of titles from all major anime studios, insights into the industry from anime producers, tips on traveling to and around Japan, interaction with listeners, contests, prizes and more.

“If you’re into anime and what’s happening in the anime market then this is the podcast for you!”

- User review on iTunes

ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC.

Currently celebrating its 21st year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation (”anime”) industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.

Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.

From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye,

Emma: A Victorian Romance and Maria Watches Over Us. Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit

www.rightstuf.com <http://www.rightstuf.com> and www.nozomient.com <http://www.nozomient.com> .

VIZ MEDIA PARENT COMPANY SHUEISHA INVESTS IN JAPANESE PUBLISHER SHOGAKUKAN’S LICENSING

AND MERCHANDISING SUBSIDIARY TO FORM NEW PARTNERSHIP – SHOGAKUKAN-SHUEISHA PRODUCTIONS CO., LTD.   

New Entity Will Help Streamline Operations And Increase Flexibility To License Titles For Global Manga And Anime Markets

San Francisco, CA, June 19, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced that one of its parent companies, Japanese publisher Shueisha, Inc., has made an investment in Shogakukan Production Company Ltd., the licensing and merchandising subsidiary of Japanese publisher Shogakukan, Inc., another of VIZ Media’s parent companies.   ShoPro will be renamed Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd.

Representatives from both Shueisha and Shogakukan stated in a recent press conference in Japan that the strategic move was made to give more flexibility in developing titles for the overseas marketplace, including the burgeoning graphic novel/manga market in North America and Europe, and to streamline internal operations. Masao Yagi has been named President of the new Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd.

Since it was established in 1967, ShoPro has handled a variety of popular properties related to Shogakukan manga and animated properties, such as Pokémon, Doraemon, INUYASHA, HAMTARO, DETECTIVE CONAN, and MEGAMAN, as well as other third-party licenses for the Japanese market. As a result of Shueisha’s investment, Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions will now handle properties related to manga from both Shogakukan and Shueisha.

“The formation of Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions by two of our key parent companies will undoubtedly speed the licensing process of future properties for domestic release,” says Hidemi Fukuhara, CEO, VIZ Media. “Our close relationship with both Shueisha and Shogakukan has played a key role in the success of VIZ Media and allows us to continually offer some of the best and most unique manga titles from Japan. We look forward to working with Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions to prepare new properties for release in North America as well as for other emerging markets in Europe and Oceania.”

VIZ Media was established in 1986 with seed money from Shogakukan under the name VIZ Communications. Shueisha became an investor in VIZ in 2002, and was a key collaborator on the development of SHONEN JUMP magazine, which is the leading monthly manga anthology in North America. When VIZ and Shogakukan’s ShoPro Entertainment merged in 2005, the new company was named VIZ Media.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RIGHT STUF’S NOZOMI ENTERTAINMENT Announces the ARIA THE ANIMATION DVD Collection First season of Aria anime adaptation scheduled for September 30, 2008

GRIMES, IA, June 19, 2008

– Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. and Nozomi Entertainment are pleased to announce the release of the ARIA the ANIMATION DVD Collection on September 30, 2008.Aria the Animation is the first of three television seasons, plus an OVA (original video animation), that comprise the anime adaptation of Kozue Amano’s best-selling manga of the same name. The Aria anime is helmed by Director Junichi Sato (Princess Tutu, Sgt. Frog, Sailor Moon/ Sailor Moon R) and features animation by Hal Film Maker (Boys Be…, Pretear, Slayers Premium, Sketchbook ~full color’S~). The franchise’s third season, Aria the Origination, completed its TV Tokyo broadcast in March 2008.

Amano’s 12-volume Aria manga and its two-volume prequel, Aqua, are both published in North America by TOKYOPOP. In Japan, Aria was originally serialized in Mag Garden’s Comic Blade magazine.

Visit aria.rightstuf.com for more information about Aria and the Aria the Animation DVD Collection.

About ARIA the ANIMATION (Season 1)

In the early 24th century, Mars has been terraformed by mankind into a sparkling planet covered in water. Akari Mizunashi, at the age of 15, has left everything behind to travel to that reborn world, now known as Aqua. More than anything, Akari wants to be an “undine”

– a female gondolier who navigates the canals of the Aquan city of Neo-Venezia. As she begins her training with the prestigious Aria Company, will she be up to the challenges that await her on the path to achieve her dream? Contains the complete 13-episode first season.ARIA THE ANIMATION DVD Collection (Season 1

– TV)Pre-Book: 8/26/2008

Street Date: 9/30/2008

Runtime: Approximately 325 minutes, Dolby Digital Stereo, Color

Genre: Science Fiction / Drama

Suggested Rating: 13+

Format: DVD (2.0 Japanese, English Subtitles, English On-Screen

Translations)

Catalog #: RSDVD0822

ISBN: 1-57032-786-6

UPC: 7-42617-0822-2-1

SRP: $49.99

Discs/Set: 4

Item Measurements: TBA

Case Qty: TBA

DVD Features:

Scene access, Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo audio for Japanese dialogue, English subtitles and English on-screen translations. PLUS: More features to be announced.

Cover Art:

http://outgoing.rightstuf.com/sleeves/rsdvd0822.jpg<

http://outgoing.rightstuf.com/sleeves/rsdvd0822.jpg> * ARIA THE ANIMATION © 2005 Kozue Amano / Mag Garden - ARIA Company.* To view this image, cut and paste the URL into your Web browser.

** Product specifications and content may be subject to change.

ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC.

Currently celebrating its 21st year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation (”anime”) industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.

Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.

From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye and Emma: A Victorian Romance, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit

www.rightstuf.com <http://www.rightstuf.com> and www.nozomient.com <http://www.nozomient.com>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VIZ MEDIA AND KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAIMENT, INC. ANNOUNCE LICENSING DEAL

VIZ Media Licenses BLUE DRAGON Trading Card Game Rights

To Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.

 For North America

San Francisco, CA, June 18, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, and Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (KDE), a leading publisher of mass market video games and manufacturer of trading card games (TCG), today announced that KDE will exclusively manufacture and distribute the BLUE DRAGON Trading Card Game and Trading Card Game Accessories in North America. The agreement further extends the scope and popularity of the BLUE DRAGON franchise. VIZ Media is the master North American licensor for the television, home video and non-video game merchandising rights for BLUE DRAGON.

The BLUE DRAGON animation is based on the Xbox 360 video game Blue Dragon, developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of “Final Fantasy”, and featuring character designs by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the best-selling DRAGON BALL series of manga (which is published in North America by VIZ Media and featured in SHONEN JUMP Magazine). The new trading card game is also based on the Xbox 360 video game.

The animated series debuted in Japan on TV Tokyo on April 7, 2007 and is produced by Studio Pierrot, which is well known for its work on NARUTO and BLEACH, also licensed by VIZ Media.  The highly anticipated BLUE DRAGON animated series, rated TV Y7FV, debuted across the United States on Cartoon Network on Saturday, April 5, 2008 and now airs regularly at 9 a.m. on Saturday mornings.

The BLUE DRAGON video game and animated series is a classic adventure story of magical Shadow powers, flying air fortresses, and unbounded heroism! Brought together by fate, Seven Soldiers of Light must awaken the Shadow within themselves in time to overcome a despotic power and bring peace to their land. Their ensuing journey through a rich fantasy world is also an internal journey to awaken the great power within each of them. Journey with them into the world of BLUE DRAGON!

“Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. welcomes the opportunity to further build the popularity of the BLUE DRAGON franchise with this licensing agreement with VIZ Media and is thrilled to have the opportunity to work on its first ever role playing card game with a dynamically advancing game mechanic,” said Yumi Hoashi, Vice President, KDE’s Card Division. “We look forward to reaching out to an array of players of all ages and sharing the excitement of the group-oriented role playing card game, Blue Dragon.  It is our expectation that the character designs of esteemed creator Akira Toriyama, combined with the unique game play of Blue Dragon, will create countless new fans within the card game community.”

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of card and electronic entertainment properties. The most notable of KDE’s card genre is the wildly popular Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game, which is welcoming its 10^th anniversary this year.  In addition to Yu-Gi-Oh!, KDE’s other titles, although released only in Japan, include such hits as The Prince of Tennis, D. Gray-man, MÄR, Eyeshield 21 and more.

“The creative forces behind BLUE DRAGON include some of the most notable talents from the worlds of gaming, animation and manga/graphic novels,” says David Rewalt, Senior Director - Licensing and Retail Development, VIZ Media. “The continued development of BLUE DRAGON from a video game to an animated series and now a Trading Card Game demonstrates the successful convergence of all these entertainment and media genres. With established legacies in these arenas, VIZ Media and KDE will continue to develop the BLUE DRAGON brand through a variety of innovative and fun products.”

About Konami

Konami is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties. Konami titles include the popular franchises Metal Gear Solid^®, Silent Hill^®, Dance Dance Revolution^® and Castlevania^®, among other top sellers. The latest information about Konami can be found on the Web at www.konami.com. Konami Corporation is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami Digital Entertainment, Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. in the United States and Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH in Frankfurt, Germany. Konami Corporation is traded in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KNM. Details of the products published by Konami can be found at www.konami.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the UK, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT HELPS LUCKY STAR MAKE NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT

Studio Provides English Dub For Highly Anticipated New Anime Comedy From Bandai Entertainment And Kadokawa Pictures 

Burbank, CA, June 17, 2008 – Bang Zoom! Entertainment, a leading full-service audio post production company and producer of original entertainment content, recently helped prepare Lucky Star, the latest new anime series from Bandai Entertainment, Inc. and Kadokawa Pictures USA, for its North American release. Bang Zoom! provided critical Japanese-to-English translation, voice casting, scriptwriting, ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), and final mixing for the 24 episode series which made its North American debut on May 6^th.

Lucky Star is based on a popular manga comic by Kagami Yoshimizu and was turned into an anime series by Kyoto Animation, the renowned studio that created the widely acclaimed series The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, which was also dubbed by Bang Zoom!. Lucky Star focuses on the lives of four girls attending a Japanese high school. The series’ main character is Konata Izumi, a lazy high school girl who isn’t interested in anything besides anime and video games. The zany comedic situations that ensue evoke comparisons to Seinfeld. The series is often described as the ultimate “otaku anime,” and is notable fo