GENEON ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES RIGHTS TO WILDLY POPULAR ANIME SERIES, PARADISE KISS

From The Acclaimed Manga From Internationally-Celebrated Author Ai Yazawa, The Quintessentially Stylish Series Showcases
The Rising Trend In “Gothic & Lolita” Fashion

LONG BEACH, CA – Geneon Entertainment, a leading anime distributor, announced today the acquisition of the Paradise Kiss series, based on the hit manga by famed writer Ai Yazawa.  Paradise Kiss follows the unsure path of a young Japanese woman in-search of her place in the world.  In addition to home entertainment rights – which have the DVD slated for later this year – Geneon Entertainment will also be the sole distributor of Paradise Kiss merchandise in North America.

From Ai Yazawa, the internationally-acclaimed creator of the serialized Nana manga, Paradise Kiss was first released in 2000 by Tokyopop.   Its popularity grew so rapidly that the series was re-released in 2004 with all-new cover art, pushing the domestic sales of the manga north of 20,000 units.  The style of the series itself has generated attention and interest, launching a trend known as “Gothic & Lolita” fashion, which is increasing in popularity with America through support from celebrities Gwen Stefani and Amy Lee (Evanescence).

“Paradise Kiss is on the cutting edge of so many popular Japanese trends, and its success thus far truly signifies the increase in American acceptance of Japanese pop culture,” said Mark Roche, VP of Marketing & Publicity, Geneon Entertainment.  “Combining hit fashions, great anime and cool songs, this series will resonate through a larger audience base than just traditional anime fans.”

Paradise Kiss Synopsis
Yukari, a beautiful high school student, is studying for the college entrance exam. Her entire life is based on the education formula, which means the most important objectives are to get good test scores and get into a good college. As a result, she has been ultimately stressed out by trying so hard to please her parents.  One day, she ran into a group of students from Yazawa School of Design that calls itself “Paradise Kiss,” and her life began to change… They want Yukari to model their creations in the annual Yazawa School of Design fashion show! At first, she is hesitant about doing anything other than studying, but as Yukari is influenced by the unique members of “Paradise Kiss,” she begins to notice that there is more to life than school.

DVD Features
The Paradise Kiss DVD will include cast and staff interviews about the series and the growing trend of “Gothic & Lolita” fashion, as well as trailers and image galleries.