Charming and original story is the latest VIZ release from the Academy Award™ winning titan of anime and manga - Hayao Miyazaki

San Francisco, CA, October 26, 2004 - VIZ, LLC, one of the leading publishers and distributors of manga and anime for North American audiences, has announced the release on November 8 of the Ani-Manga™ for Hayao Miyazaki's MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO. The four-volume full color series is rated 'A,' appropriate for any age group, and will have an MSRP of $9.99.

The critically acclaimed, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, is a story about childhood innocence, friendship and the belief that magic is all around us. Volume 1 of TOTORO opens with eleven-year-old Satsuki and her sassy little sister Mei, who are both excited about moving into a historic country house with their dad. But the girls don't realize what a delightful adventure that awaits them there. While exploring their sprawling new home and the beautiful rural area that surrounds it, Satsuki and Mei meet Granny, a sweet old woman, and her timid grandson Kanta. They also experience first hand the magic of the Soot Sprites, mysterious creatures that live in the walls, and discover a huge camphor tree that just might be enchanted. The scene is set for the sisters to meet Totoro, a gentile tree guardian, and an amazing cast of fabulous characters that inhabit the woods as a wonderful adventure begins.

Hayao Miyazaki is regarded as the most beloved animator in Japanese history and his well developed and imaginative stories feature compelling characters and original plots that have found mass appeal with both children and adults. He won the first Academy Award™ for an anime film in 2002 for Spirited Away, for which VIZ also publishes the Ani-Manga: MIYAZAKI'S SPIRITED AWAY, THE ART OF MIYAZAKI'S SPIRITED AWAY and MIYAZAKI'S SPIRITED AWAY PICTURE BOOK. Readers of all ages will discover breathtaking artwork and fantastic adventures in this latest Studio Ghibli Library Ani-Manga from VIZ. VIZ also publishes MIYAZAKI'S NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND and the Ani-Manga for CASTLE IN THE SKY. Disney will offer the DVD of NAUSICCA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND and PORCO ROSSO in February 2005.

"VIZ is privileged to present MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO as the latest addition to our library of Ani-Manga graphic novels," states Alex Spence, product marketing manager for VIZ. "Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most talented and original storytellers in this genre and VIZ offers several of his most renowned stories as part of our Studio Ghibli Library collection. MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO captures the wonderment and curiosity of being a child and presents a loveable and unique cast of characters that will remain in reader's minds long after the story ends. I invite children as well as parents to explore the amazing world that Miyazaki presents in this story which is sure to create new fans as well as delight old ones."

About VIZ, LLC
Founded in 1986, VIZ is a multi-media entertainment company specializing in Japanese entertainment properties for U.S. audiences. VIZ offers an integrated product line including magazines, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks. Each month, VIZ publishes three magazines - ANIMERICA, ANIMERICA EXTRA and SHONEN JUMP; over 20 graphic novel titles, including ALICE 19th, BOYS OVER FLOWERS, DRAGON BALL Z, FUSHIGI YÛGI, GUNDAM, INUYASHA, RANMA 1/2, and YU-GI-OH!; and distributes home video for BOYS OVER FLOWERS, HAMTARO, INUYASHA, POKÉMON, PROJECT ARMS, and ZOIDS.

Based in San Francisco, VIZ is one of the top five comics publishers in the U.S. and a subsidiary of Shogakukan and Shueisha Inc., two of the top publishers in Japan. VIZ is the leading publisher of manga for English speaking audiences, serving a growing market of dedicated fans of all ages. Estimating a core audience of nearly 15 million fans, the company holds more than a 50% market share of Japanese comics in the U.S. With some of the most innovative products in the industry, VIZ has expanded its offerings to its loyal fans through web sites such as www.animerica-mag.com, www.shonenjump.com, and its corporate site, www.viz.com.

Contact VIZ, LLC at: 655 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94107-1612; Phone: (415) 546-7073; Fax: (415) 546-7086; Web site: www.VIZ.com

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