VIZ Media Redesigns And Expands Interactive Naruto Website

Website For Popular Ninja Series Features Comprehensive Episode Guide, New Artwork, Character Details And Online Games

San Francisco, CA, October 30, 2007 - VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has redesigned the look and expanded the content of its popular NARUTO website at http://naruto.viz.com.

The site, which went live on October 12, features 109 comprehensive episode summaries, illustrated character bios, new e-cards, new art, and a map of the world of NARUTO. An extras page features downloadable NARUTO wallpapers and an interactive Ninja Academy online game. The VIZ Media NARUTO online store (http://narutostore.viz.com) also offers a vast collection of manga, DVDs, apparel, collectable figurines and other items. News and new episode and product information will be added regularly, along with other web games and online-only content.

The story of NARUTO takes place in another world where ninja are the ultimate power. In the Hidden Leaf Village live some of the stealthiest and most respected ninja in the land. But 12 years prior, they faced a fearsome threat - a nine-tailed fox spirit which terrorized the village and caused massive destruction before it was finally defeated. The Fourth Hokage, the village leader and most powerful ninja, was able to subdue the fox by sealing its soul inside the body of a baby boy. Now that boy, Naruto Uzumaki, has grown up to become a ninja-in-training, learning ninjutsu with his classmates Sakura and Sasuke. The trio of student ninja study under the instruction of their teacher, Kakashi. The group faces a series of dangerous and daunting tests and challenges, but through their adventures, the young ninja learn the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and right vs. wrong.

"The newly expanded and upgraded NARUTO website will give fans a one-stop location to get all the official news and information about everyone's favorite band of ninja," says Liza Coppola, Senior Vice President, Marketing, VIZ Media. "As NARUTO continues to capture the attention and imagination of millions of fans, the new redesigned website is an ideal way to obtain updated information, check out summaries of missed or much-loved episodes and even shop for special NARUTO items. We invite everyone to check it out and revel in the exciting world of NARUTO!"

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. (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 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.