WHO: San Francisco-based ShoPro USA, a sister company of Shogakukan Production Co. Ltd. a leading provider of children's entertainment in Japan; San Francisco-based Viz Communications Inc., a leading U.S. publisher of Japanese animation and comics for English speaking audiences; Communities In Schools (CIS) (http://www.cisnet.org), the nation's leading community based organization helping kids succeed in school and prepare for life; Zeum, an innovative project of the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency fostering the creativity of young people of all backgrounds (http://www.zeum.org), and Hamtaro(TM).

WHAT: ShoPro USA and Viz Communications will announce the U.S. launch of Hamtaro in San Francisco at Zeum Theater, Yerba Buena Gardens. Hamtaro is a new children's anime series featuring Hamtaro (http://www.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 100 San Francisco Unified School District kids (K-5th graders) and
youth from CIS's San Francisco 49'ers Academy 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 a donation to Zeum, on behalf of CIS, there will be a ceremonial cutting of a Hamtaro cake to
officially launch Hamtaro in San Francisco.

In addition, ShoPro and Viz Communications representatives will be on hand to present CIS and Zeum with a check. 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: Tuesday, May 21, 2002
- 2:30 p.m. Media Reception, hosted by ShoPro USA and Viz Communications Representatives
- 3:00 p.m. Premiere of Hamtaro, Hamtaro Arrives, Presentation of Check, Cake Cutting

WHERE: Zeum Theater at Yerba Buena Gardens
221 Fourth Street, San Francisco