SEATTLE, May 15 -

WHO: ShoPro USA, a sister company of Shogakukan Production Co. Ltd., a leading provider of children's entertainment in Japan, Nintendo of America Inc., Communities In Schools (CIS), a non-profit organization that partners with families, local schools, businesses and other organizations to enhance better lifestyles for kids; Zion Preparatory Academy, and Hamtaro(TM).

WHAT: ShoPro USA and Nintendo will announce the U.S. launch of Hamtaro in Seattle at Zion Preparatory Academy. Hamtaro is a new children's anime series featuring Hamtaro (http://hamtaro.com) and his hamster pals, the Ham-Hams. Hamtaro is currently one of Japan's most popular children's television series and one of the top children's brands exceeding over $2.5 billion in retail sales since the TV launch in 2000.

The heartwarming adventures and fun of Hamtaro will premiere on Cartoon Network June 3. The story line of Hamtaro promotes teamwork, respect and responsibility to kids.

Over 250 Zion Preparatory Academy students K-5th graders will have the opportunity to meet and greet Hamtaro in person, do the Ham-Ham dance and see an episode of Hamtaro before it debuts nationally. In addition to the donation there will be a ceremonial cutting of the Hamtaro cake to officially launch Hamtaro in Seattle.

In addition, ShoPro and Nintendo representatives will be on hand to present Communities In Schools and Zion Preparatory Academy with a donation check to support CIS' efforts at Zion. This is the first effort, in a newly formed alliance with CIS. A more formal announcement of a partnership is expected in New York during the International Licensing Show, June 11-13.

WHEN: Monday, May 20, 2002

1:00 p.m. Media Reception, hosted by ShoPro USA and Nintendo Representatives
1:30 p.m. Premiere of Hamtaro
2:00 p.m. Hamtaro Arrives, Presentation of Check, Cake Cutting