Verizon Wireless Adds TOKYOPOP Content to V CAST Platform

BASKING RIDGE/LOS
ANGELES/LAS VEGAS, January 9: TOKYOPOP has launched a mobile video channel
featuring anime and other Asian content on the Verizon V CAST platform.

The channel features manga
videos and anime clips and other Asian entertainment. Fifteen to 20 four- to
six-minute videos will appear on the service each week. Already lined up to air
on the channel are videos such as Bizenghast, a manga movie following a young girl who uncovers
a collection of lost souls that lead her to the brink of insanity; Rave
Master, in which an unlikely hero
sets out to beat the Dark Bring; PiNMeN, featuring aliens who enjoy deceiving humans; as well as some Asian
sports and wrestling entertainment.

“We are seeing a
groundswell of interest in manga and other Asian-influenced entertainment
content right now,” said Ryan Hughes, the VP of digital media programming for
Verizon. “Our relationship with TOKYOPOP serves as another proof point to our
commitment to deliver the best snack-sized entertainment available on mobile
phones to Verizon Wireless customers.”

Stu Levy, TOKYOPOP’s CEO
and chief creative officer, added, “TOKYOPOP is dedicated to delivering the
East-meets-West aesthetic of manga and anime via cutting-edge delivery platforms.
Verizon Wireless’ V CAST service is the perfect platform to mobilize a
globally-minded youth audience with 24/7 on-the-go access to the manga
lifestyle.”

—By Ned Berke