LOS ANGELES (September 10, 2003) � TOKYOPOP Inc., a driving force in entertainment, announced plans for an exclusive licensing agreement with cutting-edge die cast producer Jada Toys, Inc. The partnership calls for the two innovative companies to produce a series of meticulously detailed tuner die casts from the Initial D series, along with action figures based on the main characters from the smash-hit anime. The die casts � scheduled for release in early 2004 � signal another move by TOKYOPOP to give Initial D fans the ultimate opportunity to relive the series' action- packed, racing sequences.
"One of our goals with the Initial D series was to bring the passion of the series to our fans," says Stuart Levy, TOKYOPOP Founder and CEO. "By giving collectors and enthusiasts a high-quality, detailed Initial D die cast line of tuner vehicles and action figures, we'll be taking the Initial D experience to the next level."
Always a leader in capturing red-hot automotive trends, Jada Toys was impressed with the street credibility the Initial D anime carried with fans and collectors. The Southern California headquartered toy company is now working with TOKYOPOP on producing a break-through line-up of tuner cars with the same exacting quality the company is known for in its Import Racer!, Road Rats and Dub City lines.
To help generate awareness in the collector and street racing scenes, Jada Toys has also acquired a real-life representation of the legendary Eight-Six Toyota Trueno driven by Initial D's main character Tak. The company plans to use the iconic vehicle as a display car for fans at several major automotive events across the country.
"Jada Toys is always about finding the trend ahead of the curve for our collectors. We keyed in the Initial D fan base immediately and knew we had something there," said Jada Toys Vice President of Marketing Luis Tanahara. "We're definitely excited about working with TOKYOPOP on their Initial D property and touring the Eight-Six across the country."
About TOKYOPOP
TOKYOPOP Inc. is the leading North American publisher of manga, the fastest growing segment within the publishing industry. With exclusive rights to hundreds of licensed and original book, video and music properties, the company has rapidly become a media convergence leader. TOKYOPOP has millions of books in print and publishes many hit manga series, including Love Hina, Chobits, Rave Master, Initial D, GTO, Battle Royale and Cowboy Bebop. The company pioneered Cine-Manga™, releasing titles such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Lizzie McGuire, Spy Kids 2, Kim Possible and Jackie Chan Adventures. TOKYOPOP television properties include Reign: The Conqueror and the upcoming Rave Master, both airing on Cartoon Network. As a licensor, TOKYOPOP represents merchandising rights for Rave Master, Initial D, Stray Sheep and others. Visit www.TOKYOPOP.com for additional information.
About Jada Toys, Inc.
Headquartered in Los Angeles with satellite offices and showrooms in New York City, Dallas and Hong Kong, and manufacturing facilities in Asia, Jada Toys, Inc. is the leading die-cast manufacturer in the customized vehicle category. The company's network of licensors includes Chevrolet, Cadillac, Hummer, GMC, Ford, Lincoln, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Mazda, Subara, Lexus, BMW, Yamaha, Kawasaki and others. First to the marketplace with the "hottest rides, " Jada Toys products can be found at major retailers including Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, Target, KB Toys and Spencer Gifts as well as more than 5,000 hobby shops in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.jadatoys.com.
