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Densha Otoko Theatrical Release

Quirky Romantic Tale Of An Otaku Who Finds Love To Make North American
Premiere in New York

San Francisco, CA, September 7, 2006 - Viz Pictures, an affiliate of
VIZ
Media LLC, the leading U.S. publisher of Japanese animation and comics
that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced
the forthcoming theatrical release of the quirky romantic comedy TRAIN
MAN: DENSHA OTOKO. The film, which received widespread critical acclaim
and caused a sensation in Japan upon its release in 2005, will have a
private press screening on September 12, 2006 at the ImagineAsian
Theatre in New York with the theatrical premiere and exclusive one week
showing begin on September 22, 2006.

TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO is the film inspired by the phenomenal
bestseller by Hitori Nakano that took Japan by storm. Based on true
events that took place on a popular Internet Bulletin Board website
(BBS) in Japan called "2ch," this fairy tale-like story has become a
media sensation, and been adapted in book, comic, television drama, and
movie formats. Released in 2005, the movie became an instant hit,
grossing over 35 million dollars in Japan.

TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO is the story of a computer engineer otaku (the
Japanese term for 'geek'), who is an average young man dressed in
unstylish clothes and dorky glasses. As luck would have it, he
encounters a pretty young woman on a commuter train and saves her from
a
lecherous molester, falling in love with her at first sight. A few days
later he receives a thank-you message from the woman along with a set
of
Hermes teacups. Having never had a girlfriend or received a gift from a
girl in his life, the otaku seeks out his pals on the BBS website for
advice using his codename Train Man (Densha Otoko). Deeply interested
in
Train Man's first love, his BBS pals eagerly supply him with advice.
Encouraged by their support, Train Man undergoes a total makeover for
his first-ever date with "Hermes." Little does he know that he is about
to ignite an Internet phenomenon.

"TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO is a unique and heartwarming romantic story
and
its focus on what ultimately attracts people will likely make this film
a favorite," states Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO for VIZ
Pictures.
"Good stories always have an underdog or an unlikely hero to root for,
and TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO presents a believable and genuine
protagonist. We are pleased to launch Viz Pictures with the release of
this acclaimed film. The story will make people think fondly about
their
own first experiences with love and the thrill and rush it caused.
Perhaps it will even inspire a few to take a chance on someone they
like!"

After it's initial premiere in New York the movie will move on to
Portland, Chicago, Seattle and other major cities. TRAIN_MAN: DENSHA
OTOKO, the manga will be released by Viz Media on October 3.

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 film release
from a J-pop fan's point of view. TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO is the first
Viz Pictures title, and the company will continue to offer the most
entertaining live action motion pictures 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 "NARTO" animated TV series.
© 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 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. (Sho-Pro Japan), Viz Media is a leader
in
the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking
audiences in North America and 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, videos,
DVDs, 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.

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