Crunchyroll to Exclusively Simulcast Strike Witches 2

Second Season of Humikane Shimada's magical military fanservice anime to simulcast exclusively on Crunchyroll starting July 08

July 07, 2010

San Francisco, Calif. – Crunchyroll, Inc., announced today the simulcast acquisition of the second series of the bestselling fanservice anime from Mecha Musume creator Humikane Shimada – Strike Witches 2. A sequel to 2008's Strike Witches, which also streamed on Crunchyroll, the second series continues the story of the witch Yoshika Miyafuji, voiced by Japanese voiceover superstar Misato Fukuen. More information can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com/strikewitches

President of Crunchyroll's Japan office Vince Shortino said: “The continued partnership with Kadokawa Pictures is important not just to Crunchyroll, but to its fans as well. Having streamed the previous series, we are thrilled to be able to simulcast Strike Witches 2 exclusively on Crunchyroll.”

“All the countries of the world joined forces to battle the Neuroi, a vicious enemy of mankind, who suddenly appeared. The only ones with the power to oppose them were an elite group of young girls who possessed special, magical powers. The protagonist, Yoshika Miyafuji, was dispatched from the Fuso Empire to Europe. She brilliantly succeeded in defeating the Neuroi in Gallia and made many friends along the way.

The members of the 501st Joint Allied Wing, more commonly known as the Strike Witches, have been enjoying six months of peace in Europe after the end of Season 1. But suddenly, the Neuroi appear anew! In order to protect Europe from the horrific threat that the Neuroi pose, the Strike Witches take to the sky once again!”

Strike Witches 2 will be available in the United States, Canada, and the rest of the Americas, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Middle East and Africa. Each episode will be available exclusively in high definition to Crunchyroll's premium members same day as Japan broadcast, and then available in standard definition for free ad-supported streaming on Crunchyroll and syndication partners one week thereafter.

About Crunchyroll, Inc.

Crunchyroll is a leading global video network and developer of social media applications for Japanese anime and Asian media. Through applications like Crunchyroll for iPad and Naruto Shippūden Official, set top boxes, affiliate websites and its own site, Crunchyroll delivers officially-licensed content from leading Asian media producers directly to consumers.

Crunchyroll has offices in San Francisco, Calif. and Tokyo, Japan, and is a member of the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) and Licensing International Merchandisers' Association (LIMA). Founded in 2006, Crunchyroll is funded by leading venture capital firm, Venrock, Japanese entertainment giant TV TOKYO, digital publishing leader Bitway and a group of angel investors representing some of the brightest and most successful entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. More information can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

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 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 companies may change their intentions, beliefs or expectations, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the companies' assumptions or otherwise. The companies undertake 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.