INUYASHA, NARUTO, BLEACH, MONSTER And DEATH NOTE Among The Popular Anime and Manga Series Nominated

San Francisco, CA, January 12, 2007— VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the nominations of several of the company’s anime and manga series for the first annual American Anime Awards.

The awards program will spotlight and celebrate the growing popularity of anime and manga in North America and recognize properties that have established themselves with fans and critics. Fans are invited to vote on the nominated titles in a variety of categories on the award’s official web site at: http://www.americananimeawards.com/. Winners will be announced at an industry gala on February 24 during the 2007 New York Comic-Con, at which VIZ Media will be a major exhibitor and participant in the programs offered.

VIZ Media properties received nominations in nearly every voting category that includes major selections for Best Anime Series, Best Manga Series, Best Animated Feature and Best Short/Long Anime Series among others. Anime series INUYASHA, MAISON IKKOKU, RANMA ½, ZATCH BELL!, BLEACH and NARUTO were nominated. On the manga side, popular VIZ Media properties MONSTER, DEATH NOTE, BLEACH and NARUTO have also been nominated.

“We are pleased to have so many fine VIZ Media manga and anime properties nominated for the 2007 American Anime Awards,” states Liza Coppola, Sr. Vice President, Marketing, VIZ Media. “The awards are a unique event, VIZ Media has been a dominant figure on the North American anime and manga scenes for over 20 years and we look forward to fans responding enthusiastically and lending their support to our titles.”

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. (ShoPro 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.

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.

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