Bijinda

Cypress, Calif. (September 18, 2002) - Bandai Creation, a division of Bandai America Inc., announced today the launch of Bandai StudioWorks, a compilation of highly detailed collector figures designed by famous Japanese artists based on classic Japanese live action and animé properties. Bandai StudioWorks first compilation of collector figures, based on the popular Japanese live action series, Kikaida, were released this spring.

Hakaida

The first set of the 7-inch figures, based on the characters from the Kikaida series, include: Bijinda, Hakaida and Kikaida. Each figure comes with a certificate of authenticity. These figures are expected to be popular with collectors due to the extremely detailed features and design, exquisite packaging and high collectability.

Bandai StudioWorks collector figures will be sold at specialty and select major retailers for $19.99 (SRP).

Kikaida

"Bandai StudioWorks was developed to provide animé fans with a new and exciting look at some of Japan's most renown and beloved live action and animated properties," said Aki Nakanishi, senior vice president, Creation Division. "The Kikaida series has won the hearts of millions overseas and we expect the legacy will continue in the U.S."

Kikaida, which launched in Japan in 1998, has been a top-rated series and collector line for more than four years. Since its inception, there have been more than 15 different Bandai StudioWorks Kikaida collector figures sold and the Kikaida franchise has seen 43 television series, novels, comics, videos and toys totaling over $30 million in retail sales.

The Kikaida story follows Dr. Komyoji, a brilliant robotics professor who is kidnapped by Professor Gill, the evil ruler of the Dark Demolition Corps. Professor Gill forces Dr. Komyoji to build an army of androids that would assist Professor Gill in his fight for world domination. Secretly, Dr. Komyoji builds Kikaida, a mechanical man capable of defeating the androids from the Dark Demolition Corps. The fight to save Dr. Komyoji and the world from the Dark Demolition Corps. lies in the hands of Kikaida.

Bandai America Inc. is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd., the world's third largest toy company, with 27 subsidiaries in 8 countries worldwide. Global interests include toys and children's entertainment, video game software, multimedia, music, full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies and licensed apparel. Bandai America Inc. is the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties in children's toys and entertainment, including the Power Rangers, Digimon, Gundam, Strawberry Shortcake and Hello Kitty product lines. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California and company information is available at bandai.com.