San Francisco, CA, February 11, 2008 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced a special theatrical run of HONEY & CLOVER, a romantic comedy based on the bestselling shôjo manga (graphic novel) series at the FACETS CINEMATHEQUE in Chicago, IL February 15-21.

HONEY AND CLOVER, directed by Masahiro Takata focuses on five college students at the Hama Art College. When talented painter Hagumi Hanamoto (played by actress Yu Aoi, from HULA GIRLS) enrolls in the program, her presence and unique approach to art dramatically affect the entire school and her new friends. The plot thickens as Hagumi becomes embroiled in a complicated love triangle as she struggles to find her artistic voice. HONEY AND CLOVER showcases the journey that everyone must take to transform from adolescence into adulthood and the long and challenging road these five young people must navigate to balance the demands of school, work, and love.

The HONEY & CLOVER manga series was created by Chica Umino and has sold more than 5,300,000 copies in Japan. In 2003, the series won the 27th Kodansha Manga Award, Japan's most prestigious comics award. The series was also adapted into an anime series in 2005 and finally into the live action film in 2006.

The English version of the HONEY AND CLOVER manga is currently serialized in VIZ Media’s SHOJO BEAT magazine. VIZ Media is set to publish the title as a self-contained manga series in March 2008.

”HONEY AND CLOVER is an endearing and romantic comedy about a talented group of young people trying to scrape by as they stand on the precipice of adulthood,” states Manami Iiboshi, Director, Marketing, VIZ Pictures. “The film, and the manga that inspired it, were smash hits in Japan and audiences will delight in seeing the transformation the story makes from the illustrated page to the big screen. We are pleased to bring this film to audiences in Chicago and look forward to it warming the hearts and bringing smiles to all who see it.”

HONEY & CLOVER will screen at the following theatre:

FACETS CINEMATHEQUE
1517 West Fullerton Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614 
(773) 281-4114
For program information and show times: www.facets.org/cinematheque

HONEY & CLOVER is the first of four live-action films based on successful shôjo manga titles that VIZ Pictures has licensed for North American release this year. The other titles include LOVE*COM THE MOVIE, (which will be available on DVD on February 19th) as well as NANA and NANA 2.

For more information about HONEY & CLOVER, go to http://www.honeyandclover.us/.

About VIZ Pictures, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese "kawaii (cute) and cool" pop culture.  VIZ Pictures approaches each release from a J-pop fan's point of view to serve manga and anime generation in North America. VIZ Pictures titles include TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, LINDA LINDA LINDA, THE TASTE OF TEA, and PING PONG. The company will continue to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular "NARUTO" animated TV series. Contact: VIZ Pictures at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073 http://www.viz-pictures.com/
© 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

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