Character Designer Masashi Kudo And Producer Ken Hagino To Give Unique Insights On New Feature Film Based On Hit Animated Supernatural Action Series

San Francisco, CA, June 2, 2008 – Viz Media, LLC (Viz Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced a special event for its New York City movie event Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody on Wednesday, June 11 at the Regal Union Square Stadium 14 Theatre at 7:00pm. Theatre information follows at the end of this press release.

Viz Media will welcome rare in-person appearances by Bleach Character Designer Masashi Kudo and Producer Ken Hagino, who will offer insights to the audience prior to the start of the film. A costumed version of the character KON from the movie will also be on-hand to welcome guests and pose for pictures. The first 100 attendees on June 11, at the Regal Union Square Stadium 14 location, will also receive a special Bleach armband courtesy of Great Eastern Entertainment, Inc., a leading licensed manufacturer of animation and entertainment merchandise.

Adapted from the wildly popular animated series and best-selling manga series (both distributed and published in North America by Viz Media) by acclaimed Japanese artist Tite Kubo, Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody will make its North American debut in a special two-night theatre experience in 300 cities nationwide on June 11 and 12. The screening will also include an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the talent behind the characters as well as interviews with the Japanese Director, Noriyuki Abe, Producer Ken Hagino and Character Designer, Masashi Kudo. Viz Media has partnered with NCM FATHOM, the entertainment division of National CineMedia, to present this epic action anime hit nationwide. For a complete list of theatre locations and prices, please visit the www.FathomEvents.com website (theatres are subject to change).

Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody begins as unidentified beings known as “Blanks” start popping up. They are soon followed by a Soul Reaper named Senna who makes them disappear. Puzzled by these unknown beings and the even more mysterious girl, Ichigo and Rukia set out to learn more, but uncover an evil plot when a menacing clan tries to kidnap Senna. Banished from the Soul Society long ago, the clan’s leader has sent sending the World of the Living and the Soul Society on a collision course, and Senna seems to be the key to his diabolical plot for revenge. Can Ichigo and his fellow Soul Reapers save the two worlds from annihilation?

“Anticipation is steadily building for this special movie event of Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody and we are very excited to welcome character designer Masashi Kudo and producer Ken Hagino for rare in-person appearances at the June 11 New York City screening,” says Liza Coppola, Sr. Vice President “This will be a unique opportunity to see one of the hottest animated supernatural action thrillers on the big screen and glean some insights straight from the creative forces behind the film.”

Bleach is a tremendously successful multimedia property internationally. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for teens) has been licensed to more than a dozen countries, and has sold over 50 million copies in Japan alone. In North America the manga has been a sales hit and the popular animated series is viewed weekly by millions in the United States and Canada. This success has further spawned an array of related video games, apparel, action figures, trading cards and other merchandise. Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody is rated T for Teens.

Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody will screen at the following theatre in New York City June 11 and 12
Regal Union Square Stadium 14
850 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
(212) 253-6266

Fans are encouraged to show up in their in their best Bleach gear in support of this exciting movie. For more information on Bleach and Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody please visit the official Bleach website at Bleach.viz.com or www.viz.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. (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 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.