Comprehensive Edition Debuts as Famed Director`s Latest Animated Film PONYO Hits North American Theatres this Summer Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq and Erik Jansen

VIZ Media, LLC has announced the publication of the first of a new collection of essays, interviews, memoirs and manga from legendary animation director, Hayao Miyazaki, titled Starting Point: 1979-1996. The book has an estimated street date of August 4th and will carry an MSRP of $29.99 US and $34.99 Canada. At over 450 pages, Starting Point: 1979-1996 is a comprehensive and insightful look at the first-half of Miyazaki’s legendary career, during which he rose from humble beginnings to create some of the most seminal animated features ever made, including NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND, CASTLE IN THE SKY, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, KIKI`S DELIVERY SERVICE, and PORCO ROSSO, as well as his launch of Studio Ghibli. PONYO is Miyazaki’s newest feature film and will be released by Walt Disney in North America this August. A fitting introduction for Starting Point is offered by John Lasseter, the Chief Creative Officer at Pixar and Walt Disney. Hayao Miyazaki is one of the world’s most beloved animation directors. In September 2005 he was awarded the Venice International Film Festival`s Golden Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement, and his Studio Ghibli received the Festival`s Osella Award for overall achievement in 2004. His notable films include SPIRITED AWAY, winner of the 2002 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film, as well as PRINCESS MONONOKE and HOWL`S MOVING CASTLE, all of which have received tremendous acclaim in the U.S. Miyazaki’s other achievements include the highly regarded manga series Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind, which is also published domestically by VIZ Media (rated ‘T’ for Teens). VIZ Media also publishes many other Hayo Miyazaki books including the Film Comics for CASTLE IN THE SKY, HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE, SPIRITED AWAY, PRINCESS MONONOKE and more. VIZ Media also publishes many of Hayo Miyazaki’s beautiful and engaging Art Books and Picture Books.

“Hayao Miyazaki is known and loved around the world for his imaginative films that continue to delight children and adults,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales & Marketing for VIZ Media. “Starting Point presents, in Miyazaki’s own words, his philosophies towards life, his work, the animation industry both in Japan and abroad, and his creative inspirations and motivations. He also offers lots of stories, many of them quite humorous, which show the extent of his complete dedication to animated film and the people with whom he works. We invite fans to enjoy this chronicle of the life of a man whose own dreams have come true.” In the first two decades of his career, filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki laid the groundwork for his legendary movies. Starting Point: 1979-1996 is a collection of essays, interviews, and memoirs that go back to the roots of Miyazaki`s childhood, the formulation of his theories of animation, and the founding of Studio Ghibli. Before directing such acclaimed films as SPIRITED AWAY, Miyazaki was just another salaried animator, but with a vision of his own. Follow him as he takes his first steps on the road to success, experience his frustrations with the manga and animation industries that often suffocate creativity, and realize the importance of bringing the childhood dreams of the world to life. VIZ Media will also be releasing the Ponyo Picture Book and The Art of Ponyo, both due to release on August 4, 2009. Volumes 1 and 2 of The Ponyo Film Comic will be released on August 11th, with other volumes to follow.

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-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as Shonen Jumpand Shojo Beat, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; and web site at www.viz.com.