VIZ PICTURES ANNOUNCES DVD RELEASE OF LIVE-ACTION FILM NANA

Manga-Inspired Film Offers Realistic Portrayal Of Two Modern Women
Searching For Love, Careers and A Sense of Purpose

San Francisco, CA, April 7, 2008 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ
Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has
announced the release of the manga-inspired live-action film NANA on DVD
set for tomorrow, April 8. The film, which features English subtitles,
will have an estimated retail price of $24.98. The release follows a
special week-run theatrical screening that began on Friday, April 4 in
New York’s IMAGINASIAN THEATRE.

NANA follows the adventures of two girls both named Nana. While they
share the same name, they couldn't be more different. Nana "Hachi"
Komatsu (played by Miyazaki Aoi) follows her boyfriend to Tokyo and
hopes to make a new start, while Nana Osaki (played by Nakashima Mika),
who arrives in the city at the same time, is a punk rock beauty who has
the ambition to make it big in the world of rock and roll. Although
these two young women come from vastly different backgrounds, they
quickly become best friends. What sets them apart, however, is the stark
difference between their lives. One Nana comes from a small town,
following her friends and boyfriend but ultimately looking for her own
goal to obtain, while the other Nana has a single-minded aim to make her
dream and band, the Black Stones, among the best in Japan.

NANA performed well at the Japanese box office upon its release in 2006,
grossing more than 4 billion yen and remaining in the Top 10 for several
weeks. The main theme song from the film, “Glamorous Sky,” took the
number 1 spot on Japan’s Oricon charts in its first two weeks of sales
and quickly sold over 450,000 copies. Another song from the film,
“Endless Story,” took the number 2 spot on the same chart in its first
week of release and sold over 300,000 copies.

NANA was inspired by a wildly successful shojo manga (graphic novel)
series of the same name by Ai Yazawa, which has sold over 22 million
copies in Japan. The English version of the manga, rated 'M' (for
mature) is published domestically by VIZ Media

“NANA is a stylish film with a rollicking soundtrack that depicts the
romantic and personal dramas of two women coming of age in Tokyo,” says
Manami Iiboshi, Director, Marketing, VIZ Pictures. “While it remains
true to the original story presented in Ai Yazawa’s manga series, the
film presents a fresh and edgy interpretation with strong on-screen
synergy between the two main actors. Music fans will especially delight
in seeing J-Pop star Nakashima Mika’s performance as the punk rock Nana
Osaki and witnessing the intense performances her band, the Black
Stones. We invite fans of all stripes to check out this newest film from
VIZ Pictures!”

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 TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, LINDA
LINDA LINDA, THE TASTE OF TEA, and PING PONG. 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.vizpictures.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
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.