VIZ PICTURES ANNOUNCES DVD RELEASE OF LIVE-ACTION DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME FEATURE FILM
Highly Anticipated Sequel To Supernatural Action Mystery Based On Popular Manga And Animated Series
San Francisco, CA, January 30, 2009 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the highly anticipated DVD release of DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME, based on the hit supernatural action mystery manga (graphic novel) and animated series. The DVD will feature both the original Japanese dialogue with English subtitles and the English dubbed version by the outstanding voice cast of the animated series. The Red Hot Chili Peppers again contribute the theme song. Bonus features include a special segment, “Making of DEATH NOTE II” and the original Japanese theatrical trailer. The DVD will carry a suggested retail price of $24.92 and will be distributed in North America by VIZ Media. The estimated street date for DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME is February 10, 2009.
DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME is the sequel to the phenomenal hit live-action movie DEATH NOTE, based on the hit manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The DEATH NOTE live-action DVD, released in September 2008, was ranked as #1 in Japanese Films in North America and #34 in the Live-Action category. As the sequel of DEATH NOTE and once again directed by the renowned monster filmmaker Shusuke Kaneko, DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME concludes the titanic battle between the two geniuses Light and L.
The story picks up with Light Yagami (Tatsuya Fujiwara) joining the investigation team in pursuit of the serial killer known as ‘Kira’. While L (Kenichi Matsuyama) still strongly suspects that Light is ‘Kira’, Light continues to seek out the real name of L so that he can kill him with his Death Note. Making things even more unpredictable is the 'Eyes of Death' that the second Kira possesses, enabling the owner to know the true identity and lifespan of any person. Light Yagami soon learns the identity of the other Kira and wants to join forces to get rid of L. Will L be able to catch "Kira" before he gets killed? Who will be the last name written in the Death Note?
“We’re very excited to announce the highly anticipated DVD release of DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “Is Light Yagami a crazed serial killer or merely society’s self-appointed solution to crime? DEATH NOTE is the latest manga and anime series to gain widespread international popularity, and the success
of the first live-action film has primed audiences for this edgy sequel. As interest in DEATH NOTE continues to grow, we invite fans to delve into the psychological drama of this newest release from VIZ Pictures.”
VIZ Pictures has also announced 2 special giveaway promotions to coincide with the DVD release. Fans are encouraged to go to www.viz-pictures.com and answer the quick survey before February 28. 10 random winners will be selected to receive a special DEATH NOTE II poster.
Readers of SHONEN JUMP magazine are encouraged to enter the exclusive DEATH NOTE II contest where 10 lucky fans will each win a copy of the DEATH NOTE II DVD, and 3 very lucky fans will each win a copy of the DVD and an autograph from one of the lead actors (Kenichi Matsuyama, Tatsuya Fujiwara and Erika Toda). Contest details will be in the March 2009 issue of Shonen Jump magazine, which will hit newsstands on February 3.
The DEATH NOTE manga and animated series have become extremely popular domestically. The 37-episode animated series is seen by millions each week on cable broadcast and the series is also distributed on DVD by VIZ Media (rated T+ for Older Teens). On the print side, DEATH NOTE 13: HOW TO READ, a companion volume to the successful manga series, also published domestically by VIZ Media, was recently ranked in USA Today's Top 150 list of America's best-selling books.
For more information on the DEATH NOTE live action films and other VIZ Pictures films please visit www.viz-pictures.com or www.deathnotefilms.com. For more information on the DEATH NOTE manga and animation, please visit deathnote.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 DEATH NOTE, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, LINDA LINDA LINDA, PING PONG, THE TASTE OF TEA, TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO and others. 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 www.VIZ.com.



JapanFiles brings the SKA with Hoi Festa and All Japan Goith!
January 28, 2009 - JapanFiles.com debuts two new Japanese ska bands on its website this week - All Japan Goith and Hoi Festa!
High-energy party band All Japan Goith was hand-picked by Orange Range to join them on their label Spice Records, then opened for Orange Range on a national tour of Japan. The four releases by All Japan Goith are accompanied by two more releases under their former artist name, SKA Shippe.
Hoi Festa is best known to anime fans for their opening theme for "Powerpuff Girls Z."
For Japanese ska fans who just can't get enough, Asakusa Jinta just announced their return to SXSW for the 2009 Japan Nite show! Their debut CD "SKY Zero" is also on JapanFiles.com.
All Japan Goith
ARTIST BIO:
All Japan Goith (SKA Shippe) was formed in 2001 for a school event, then began performing local live concerts. Orange Range liked their performance and brought them to their label Spice Records. In 2002, they released their first album "We are SKA Shippe." They supported Orange Range's Japan concert tour, joined SummerSonic, and released their second album "Skashitamin AG" in 2004. After the Peaceful Love Rock Festival in Okinawa, they changed their name to All Japan Goith..
Hoi Festa
ARTIST BIO:
Formed in 2003, all the members of Hoi Festa came from different cities, were born in different years, and are both tall and short. With lyrics written by vocalist Achi, bass player Minami does double-duty on lyrics and music with additional musical help from keyboardist Marcy. Hoi Festa is gaining popularity in Japan for their female-focused lyrics and powerful live concerts.
Their song "Jig the Upper" was featured as one of the opening themes for "Powerpuff Girls Z" in Japan.
All Japan Goith and Hoi Festa appear on JapanFiles.com by arrangement with Spice Records.
Links!
All Japan Goith on JapanFiles.com - http://www.japanfiles.com/
All Japan Goith Official MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/
All Japan Goith Official Website - http://ajg.spicemusic.jp/
SKA Shippe on JapanFiles.com - http://www.japanfiles.com/
Hoi Festa on JapanFiles.com - http://www.japanfiles.com/
Hoi Festa Official MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/
Hoi Festa Official Website - http://hoifesta.com/
Asakusa Jinta on JapanFiles.com - http://www.japanfiles.com/
Video!
All Japan Goith - Asayake
All Japan Goith - Shall We Dance (live)
Hoi Festa - Asuka
About JAPANFILES.COM:
Supporting Japanese artists since 2004, JapanFiles.com specializes in MP3 sales and media promotion for Japanese music, with over 250 indie and major bands reaching their USA fans - rock, hip-hop, punk, and techno! All downloads are DRM-free and only 99 cents each!
CHRISTOPHER HART, author of KIDS DRAW BIG BOOK OF EVERYTHING MANGA, is the world’s best-selling author of drawing and cartooning books, with more than 2.5 million copies in print in 20 languages. Renowned for up-to-the-minute content and easy-to-follow steps, Hart’s books have become staples for a new generation of aspiring artists and professionals.
Kids are drawn to manga like magnets, and Christopher Hart’s manga titles are among the hottest sellers of all his books. Now, Watson-Guptill has gathered four of Hart’s best-selling Kids Draw books and combined them into one giant manga book: KIDS DRAW BIG BOOK OF EVERYTHING MANGA!
This book is a must-have for several reasons:
· Manga, or Japanese comics, is the fastest-growing section of the comic and graphic novel industry, but it had no representation at all in the children’s arts and crafts area until Christopher Hart launched several of his book series.
· This book is continues a successful presence in the children’s area for manga lovers and is a must-have for fans of Christopher Hart’s fabulous how-to draw instruction books.
· These days, many teachers incorporate the use of cartoons to help in the classroom. Cartoons and comics spark children’s imaginations and can often make a lesson seem more fun and exciting, allowing conversations to flow in new and interesting ways.


