CYPRESS, CA, AUGUST 5, 2004 - Bold colors, funky hairstyles and fashionably layered looks are the hot new trends for young girls this fall as innovator Bandai America Incorporated launches its latest mini doll sensation at retail this month. Called T*neez, the hip new brand features a collection of stylish 3" figures that are bendable and poseable as they "kick it" in their favorite scenes. The gals also feature magnetic feet, to match their totally rockin' personalities, that trigger fun action, light, sound and voice features throughout the toy line.

Bandai America will launch with an assortment of 24 characters who love to get together and gab with one another. Each will reflect - at a much smaller scale, of course - today's young girls and who they are, what they like to do and the places they like to hang out.

"The T*neez are one-of-a-kind looking characters, capturing the unique fashion flavor of many teenagers found in the streets of Japan, but totally relevant in style and attitude to today's young girls," said Michael Riley, vice president of marketing for Bandai America. "We're sure every girl will be able to find that 'teeny' version of themselves, whether they be a fashionista, cheerleader or just someone who loves to hang out with their friends."

The core of the product line is the collectible T*neez Scenes, which feature 3-inch figures with groovy fashions, funky hairstyles, poseable legs and magnetic feet. Each comes with themed accessories and an interchangeable play environment where the figure can be posed. For instance, Josie loves to kick back in her plush bedroom. She can either crash on her comfy bed or IM her friends on her computer with the flip of the background scene.

In addition to the T*neez Scenes, the lineup also includes mini-playsets called Magnetic Flairs, which include a light or sound feature that can be activated via the figure's magnetic feet. Since young girls always seem to be on the go, the On the Move Vehicle will be able to get them there in style. Featuring a colorful SUV with various sound and voice features, the vehicle can be connected to the T*neez Cruiser for even more fun. The retro-style Cruiser opens up to reveal a colorful play environment with light and sound features, including the voice of the T*neez character, that are activated via the figure's magnetic feet. Numerous themed accessories also come with each assortment.

And just like girls today, the T*neez are always hanging out at the mall with their friends. The interactive Groove Mall is a two-story playset complete with action, light and sound features - even a moving sidewalk and over 13 voice phrases from the T*neez - which are activated without the need to push a button. Check out the latest flick on the projected movie screen, browse the hottest fashions in the various play environments, listen to the coolest music or just gossip with friends about the latest crush at the snack bar.

To ensure that the buzz gets out on the street for the T*neez, Bandai America will launch a comprehensive marketing campaign in the Fall that will include national advertising and promotions, outreach to girl/tween publications, celebrity seeding and an interactive Web environment at www.Tneez.com that will feature one-of-a-kind activities and introduce the individual characters.

About Bandai America Incorporated

Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd., the third largest toy company in the world, with 38 subsidiaries in 13 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 Incorporated is the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties and brands in children's toys and entertainment, including the Power Rangers, Gundam, Teen Titans, Strawberry Shortcake and Tamagotchi product lines. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California and company information is available at www.Bandai.com.