VIZ Pictures Set to Release Train Man: Densha Otoko

SAN FRANCISCO, June 30:
VIZ Pictures, a new sister company of VIZ Media, is set to release the romantic
comedy Train Man: Densha Otoko
in on DVD in North America in January.

Adapted from the Japanese
bestseller by Hitori Nakano, Train Man:
Densha Otoko is the story of
computer engineer who falls in love with a woman, after rescuing her the
advances of a drunken man on a train. He begins chronicling his dates with the
woman on popular Internet threads, which were eventually compiled into the book
that inspired the film.

“Train
Man: Densha Otoko is a unique and heartwarming romantic story and
its focus on what ultimately attracts people will likely make this film a
favorite,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the president and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “Good
stories always have an underdog or an unlikely hero to root for, and Train Man: Densha Otoko presents a believable
and genuine protagonist. We are pleased to launch VIZ Pictures with the release
of this acclaimed film. The story will make people think fondly about their own
first experiences with love and the thrill and rush it caused. Perhaps it will
even inspire a few to take a chance on someone they like!”

VIZ Pictures will preview Train
Man: Densha Otoko at Anime Expo
2006 in Anaheim on July 1. The film will have its theatrical
premiere in September 2006 beginning in New York with major cities to follow.
The companion manga series will be published by VIZ Media in October.