2007/09/19

Lotus Forms a Comprehensive Global Distribution System for Japanese Animation and Manga: katanaXtreme.com

KatanaXtreme cuts through the red tape of rights acquisition and management becoming the first gateway for Japanese Anime, Manga and game software content aimed at the world's entertainment industry.

(Tokyo) Lotus, Inc., President Hiroshi Koizumi, announced the grand opening of KatanaXtreme (katanaXtreme.com), the first business-to-business web portal site designed specifically to showcase Japanese Anime, Manga and game software content to the world's entertainment industry. "We facilitate business opportunities for global rights acquisition and licensing, especially in the US market, and help with marketing and promoting the content," said Koizumi. KatanaXtreme will provide beta service for next three months while expanding partnerships with international content holders. The ultimate goal of KatanaXtreme is to provide new Japanese content for Hollywood feature films.

The purpose of KatanaXtreme

- Hollywood feature film production based on content shown on KatanaXtreme.
- Expansion of global distribution for TV Anime programs and direct-to-DVD package releases.
- Development and implementation of content business in the global market (merchandising, and international joint production)

Business Opportunities

1. Providing new ideas and opportunities for to the entertainment industry.
(Continued remakes and sequels of is an indication the new content is needed.)
2. Increasing the value of and demand for Japanese animation and Manga content
(Japanese character designs and stories have been recognized for their high quality. However, the difficult and complicated licensing procedure in Japan has so far obstructed business opportunities in the global market.)

Services

KatanaXtreme provides the following services:
1. Sales and promotion of package releases and rights of Japanese Anime, Manga and game software content
2. Rights-status research and facilitation of rights acquisition
3. Facilitation of international joint production of feature films and television

Characteristics

KatanaXtreme facilitates exploitation and realization of business opportunities in cooperation with the following partners:
1. Comic Book Movies: partner in the development and production of Hollywood feature films
2. Lexicon Filmed Entertainment: film financing and production partner
3. Capitol Films Ltd.: film financing and production partner
4. Harbor Light Entertainment: production and distribution partner

Future Actions

1. Implementation of promotional campaigns in the North American market
- Event participation (Licensing International Expo, ComiCon, etc.)
- Advertisement in industry magazines and Internet websites
- Press Releases (adaptations for feature films, television series, DVDs, etc.)
2. Hollywood movie projects
- Selection and development of content intended for feature films with alliance partners
3. Partnerships with North American companies
- Expand partnerships with film makers and content distributers
4, European franchising
- Expansion of KatanaXtreme franchises in Italy, France, Spain and Germany
- Localization of language, promotion, and sales

Content Holder Partner List

Anime International Company Inc.
K2N, Inc.
OGGI Co., Ltd.
Production I.G, Inc.
STUDIO HARD DELUXE Inc.
Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd.
Time Line Pictures, Inc.
Tsuburaya Dream Factory Inc.
(September, 2007)

Hollywood Film Production Partner List

Comic Book Movies LLC
Lexicon Filmed Entertainment, Inc.
Harbor Light Entertainment, Inc.

■Press Contact:
Lotus, Inc.
Takayuki Takeda
Phone: +81-3-5475-2561 　　　
e-mail: takeda@lotus-tyo.com