Right Stuf's ANIME TODAY Interviews VIZ Media's Wendy Shimamura

Plus hot products in Japan, reviews and more in episode 56.

GRIMES, IA, December 21, 2007 – Anime producer and mega-online anime retailer Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Wendy Shimamura – associate product manager for VIZ Media's Home Entertainment division – to episode 56 of ANIME TODAY.

In this all-new interview, Shimamura discusses the highlights of VIZ Media's 2007 anime releases, its download-to-own products and Toonami Jetstream project, next-generation formats, growing the shoujo anime market, the challenges facing the anime industry and what's coming up in 2008.

Also in episode 56 of ANIME TODAY:

  • Chad tells listeners "What's Hot" in the world of anime and manga.
  • Shawne provides an update to the "12 Days of Anime" – a second "Bundle of Anime Joy"(!) – with an assist from the Right Stuf Glee Club. (Remember: The promotion only lasts through midnight on December 25, 2007.)
  • Kris and Judy share a list of Japan's "hot products" for 2007 in the "Anime and Gamers' Guide."
  • Rich and Nick announce the winners of the Anime Today and Nozomi Entertainment MySpace contest and remind listeners about the contest for Geneon Entertainment "Volume 1" gift packs.
  • Marie recommends the manga Her Majesty's Dog by Mick Takeuchi.
  • Judy-sensei teaches about "New Year's" greetings in the latest installment of Japanese 101.
  • Rich and Nick provide a rundown of upcoming conventions, courtesy of AnimeCons.com.
  • And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.

Visit www.rightstuf.com for this episode, as well as an archive of all ANIME TODAY episodes and extended liner notes. Listeners can also download and subscribe to ANIME TODAY via the Apple iTunes Music Store.

Meet other ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the official ANIME TODAY forums at AnimeOnDVD.com: (http://www.animeondvd.com/forum/showforum.php?fid/57/).

Visit ANIME TODAY on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/animetoday.

ABOUT ANIME TODAY
Released every other week, ANIME TODAY is the first commercially-produced podcast aimed at enthusiasts of Japanese animation and comics ("anime" and "manga"). Each episode features fresh content and gives listeners a glimpse into what's new and what's hot in the world of anime and manga. Segments include reviews of titles from all major anime studios, insights into the industry from anime producers, tips on traveling to and around Japan, interaction with listeners, contests, prizes and more.

"If you're into anime and what's happening in the anime market then this is the podcast for you!"
- User review on iTunes

ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC.
Founded in 1987, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation ("anime") industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.

Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf's production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi's focus is on "what fans want." By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.

From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart and The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com.