Crunchyroll and Kadokawa Pictures Bring Fans a Piece of Heaven

Adaptation of Kadokawa Shoten's Offbeat Manga Coming to Crunchyroll Starting October 5th

San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (October 1, 2009) — Crunchyroll and Kadokawa Pictures announced today the addition of SORA NO OTOSHIMONO to Crunchyroll's Fall 2009 Anime Lineup. Adapted from the hit manga published in Shōnen Ace by Suu Minazuki and animated by AIC A.S.T.A., SORA NO OTOSHIMONO, which translates to “Misplaced by Heaven” in Japanese, features the iconic video game and anime thespian Souichiro Hoshi in the lead role of Tomoki Sakurai. More information can be found at http://www.Crunchyroll.com/soraoto.

“There are a lot of so-called 'late night' anime titles airing in Japan every season, but few of them exude the quality in storytelling and visual animation that we see in SORA NO OTOSHIMONO” said Vince Shortino, President of Crunchyroll's Japan office. “I think this show will attract a broad audience and be a great success on Crunchyroll.”

“We are excited about directly showcasing our anime content on Crunchyroll for the very first time,” added Yucca Seki, Chief Manager of International Sales at Kadokawa Pictures. “For the first time, Crunchyroll lets us reach fans directly and monetize in major markets around the globe just after airing in Japan.”

SORA NO OTOSHIMONO will be available in the United States, Canada, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates in standard definition free of charge to all visitors of Crunchyroll's website and across the Crunchyroll network one week after airing in Japan. Crunchyroll's Anime Members will receive early access to the program in 480P within twenty-four hours after its Japanese airing, starting October 5th.

SORA NO OTOSHIMONO joins over 20 other titles to form Crunchyroll's Fall 2009 Anime Lineup. Find out what else will be simulcasting at http://www.Crunchyroll.com/lineup

All fans can enjoy all content on the site for free, but Crunchyroll Anime Members benefits include higher quality streams of all shows (in some cases at 720p High Definition Video) with no advertisement and early access to all simulcast shows as early as one (1) hour after its Japan Broadcast. Crunchyroll Anime Membership costs as little as $5 a month and goes directly towards supporting Japan Animation companies. More information, including a two week free trial membership can be found at http://www.Crunchyroll.com/freetrial.

Title Synopsis:

SORA NO OTOSHIMONO
There's a student, Tomoki Sakurai, who is a pacifist that lives in a small town covered with lush natural surroundings. One day, a young lady falls from the sky, Ikaros, who ends up complicating his life of pacifism.

She introduces herself as an android and calls Tomoki "Master" when they meet. She is able to grant his wishes with the strange power she possesses.

He wants $1 billion, to be invisible, and to stop time! What is Tomoki's last desire to satisfy a wholesome man's wish?

In the mist of the beautiful surroundings, all the characters begin to unfold. This will be a heartwarming comedy that is bound to touch your soul.

About Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the largest online community and video site for the very best in Japanese Anime and Dramas from Asia. Crunchyroll's content is provided by Asian media leaders including TV TOKYO, Shueisha, d-rights, Fuji Creative Corporation (FCC), Media International Corporation (MICO), Pony Canyon, Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation, Toei Animation, Gonzo, Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation America and many others.

Crunchyroll was founded in June 2006 and has offices in both San Francisco and Tokyo. Crunchyroll is a pioneer and innovator within the Japanese anime industry and the only video service in the world to offer hit programs like NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, GINTAMA and many others online to its subscribers within one hour of its Japanese broadcast. Crunchyroll is a member of the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) and the Licensing International Merchandisers Association (LIMA) and is funded by leading venture capital firm, Venrock. More information can be found at its website http://www.Crunchyroll.com <http://www.crunchyroll.com/> .

The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Crunchyroll.com's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.