NEW PEOPLE CELEBRATES GANTZ II RELEASE WITH SPECIAL S.F. FILM SCREENINGS

NEW PEOPLE ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRATES GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER RELEASE WITH SPECIAL THEATRICAL FILM SCREENINGS AT S.F. JAPANESE POP CULTURE THEATRE

Exciting Concluding Chapter Of Kinetic Japanese Sci-Fi Film Epic Based On Popular Manga Series Released On DVD/Blu-ray; NEW PEOPLE In San Francisco To Screen GANTZ I and GANTZ II On January 14th

San Francisco, CA, January 4, 2012– NEW PEOPLE Entertainment celebrates the recently announced release of GANTZ II: Perfect Answer on DVD/Blu-ray with a special series of screenings of the entire GANTZ film saga on Saturday, January 14th at the S.F. Film Society | NEW PEOPLE Cinema located in San Francisco’s Japantown. Tickets are $10. Additional ticket and film info is available at: www.newpeopleworld.com/films.

GANTZ (Dubbed) 1:00pm
GANTZ II: Perfect Answer (Dubbed) 4:00pm
GANTZ II: Perfect Answer (Subtitled) 7:00pm

All those attending the screenings of GANTZ II: Perfect Answer will receive a free full-color GANTZ poster. A special ticket bundle is also available for $25 (DVD) or $30 (Blu-ray) that includes a movie pass, poster, and either the DVD or Blu-ray release.

How will we face the end? The GANTZ saga meets its ultimate conclusion in GANTZ II: Perfect Answer, which offers an intensely gripping story-line yet to be known to even readers of the original manga series. Determined to resurrect his friends who have died on previous missions, Kei and other members trapped in the world of GANTZ aim to score the 100 points needed to break through and regain their freedom. But with the emergence of a mysterious man investigating the Gantz members, Gantz begins to act up and the next target shocks the members. Some fight for love, some for justice but what will each member sacrifice?

GANTZ and GANTZ II: Perfect Answer are based on a popular manga series created by Hiroya Oku. The ongoing 31-volume sci-fi action epic has sold more than 16 million copies in Japan and is published in North America by Dark Horse Comics. The live-action films star leading Japanese actors Kazunari Ninomiya (Letters from Iwo Jima) and Kenichi Matsuyama (Death Note, Detroit Metal City).

Kazunari Ninomiya, best known in America for his role in Clint Eastwood’s 2006 blockbuster, Letters from Iwo Jima, is both an actor and a singer. He is also world-renowned as a member of the Japanese boy band “Arashi,” which topped Japan’s music charts in 2009 with the three best-selling singles.

Kenichi Matsuyama is currently one of the most sought-after actors in Japanese film and he has won several awards including Japanese Academy Awards Best New Actor (2007) and Most Popular Actor (2009). Matsuyama is widely recognized for his part as L in Death Note (2006), Death Note II: the Last Name (2006) and Death Note: L, change the WorLd (2008) and also for his portrayal of Johannes Krauser II in the outlandish rock and roll comedy, Detroit Metal City (2009).

For more information on GANTZ and other NEW PEOPLE Entertainment films, please visit: www.newpeopleent.com.

NEW PEOPLE STARTS HOLIDAY FUN JAPANESE STYLE w/ 3 FILM SCREENINGS ON 12/17

Japanese Pop Culture Venue Welcomes The Holiday Season And Presents Eatrip, DOCUMENTARY Of AKB48 to be continued, and GANTZ II: Perfect Answer At The Bay Area’s Hottest Movie Theatre

San Francisco, CA, December 6, 2011 – NEW PEOPLE, the nation’s only entertainment complex dedicated to Japanese popular culture, has announced a trio of Japanese live-action films to screen on Saturday, December 17th at the venue’s SF Film Society | NEW PEOPLE Cinema. The screenings will include the culinary documentary Eatrip, which plays at 1:00pm, the newly released music biopic, DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 to be continued, which plays at 3:00pm and again at 8:30pm, and finally the action-packed conclusion of the celebrated GANTZ sci-fi saga with a showing of GANTZ II: Perfect Answer at 5:00pm. Tickets are $10.00 each per film. Information and advance tickets are available at: www.newpeopleworld.com.

Filmgoers that bring their movie ticket to NEW PEOPLE, The Store, located in the building’s lobby, before or after each show will receive $10.00 off any NEW PEOPLE Entertainment DVD or Blu-ray release that day.

Eatrip              Screens at 1:00pm
The film takes audiences on an intriguing journey throughout Japan and features interviews with interesting personalities from a variety of walks of life to look at how life can be led richly through the daily ritual of eating. To eat is more than a necessity – it’s a universal experience all human beings share. In the film, Yuri Nomura embarks on an insightful journey throughout Japan to examine the daily rituals of eating among people from different walks of life. Actor Tadanobu Asano, singer UA, and fashion designer Jurgen Lehl are among those featured. From the Tsukiji fish market to a farm in Okinawa, Eatrip offers poignant interviews with intriguing personalities including the head monk of a famous Buddhist temple; a distributor of Japanese soup stock (Bonito broth); an Okinawan woman leading a self-sustainable lifestyle devoid of modern conveniences; a tea ceremony master, and a musician and writer who recites poems about food. Eatrip is available now on DVD from NEW PEOPLE Entertainment.

DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 to be continued                    Screens at 3:00pm & 8:30pm
The new music biopic follows the unstoppable all-female Japanese pop idol group, AKB48, on their incredible rise to fame.  AKB48 was conceived in 2005 by Yasushi Akimoto, one of Japan’s most respected music producers. Beginning as a small all-girl singing group based in the Akihabara district of Tokyo – the city’s bustling electronics and anime/pop culture shopping Mecca – AKB48 has grown to 60 members and topped Japan’s Oricon music charts with the two best-selling pop singles in 2010 as well as another two singles ranking in the Top 10. The film was just released by NEW PEOPLE Entertainment on DVD on December 1st.

GANTZ II: Perfect Answer               Screens at 5:00pm
The GANTZ saga meets its ultimate conclusion in GANTZ II: Perfect Answer, which offers an intensely gripping story-line yet to be known to even readers of the original manga series. Determined to resurrect his friends who have died on previous missions, Kei and other members trapped in the world of GANTZ aim to score the 100 points needed to break through and regain their freedom. But with the emergence of a mysterious man investigating the Gantz members, Gantz begins to act up and the next target shocks the members. Some fight for love, some for justice but what will each member have to sacrifice? GANTZ is based on a popular manga series created by Hiroya Oku and star leading Japanese actors Kazunari Ninomiya (Letters from Iwo Jima) and Kenichi Matsuyama (Death Note, Detroit Metal City). GANTZ II: Perfect Answer will be released by NEW PEOPLE Entertainment on DVD and Blu-ray on January 17th, 2012.

The SF Film Society | NEW PEOPLE Cinema is a 143-seat subterranean theatre located at 1746 Post Street in San Francisco’s Japantown and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.

About NEW PEOPLE, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE, Inc. (www.newpeopleworld.com) offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as through licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE Entertainment (www.newpeopleent.com), a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, GANTZ, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, and THE TASTE OF TEA.

SAMPLE IMAGINATIVE AND TASTY GOURMET JAPANESE RICE BALL SNACKS FROM BAY AREA FOOD SENSATION ONIGILLY AVAILABLE NOW IN CINAMA CAFÉ AT NEW PEOPLE

Popular Bay Area Food Cart Embarks On First Non-Mobile Food Venture Offering Healthy Rice Snacks Filled With Delectable Fillings At Premiere Bay Area Japanese Pop Culture Venue

San Francisco, CA, October 11, 2011 – NEW PEOPLE, the dynamic San Francisco entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, expands its delectable menu of imaginative snacks and tasty Japanese entrees with the addition of Onigiri rice balls from Onigilly, a popular local food cart that has been a part of Bay Area’s renowned food incubation program provided by La Cocina (NPO).

The collaboration with NEW PEOPLE is the first retail venture for Onigilly at non-mobile food service location. The Bay Area start-up company, founded by Koji Kanematsu, makes Onigiri – tightly-packed balls of 30% polished brown rice with a simple seaweed wrapper and filled with a variety of scrumptious and nutrient rich fillings. Onigilly is very particular about the delicious and healthy ingredients it uses. Everything is made from scratch with no artificial ingredients and prepared fresh daily. More information on Onigilly is available at: www.onigilly.com.

A selection of Onigilly’s healthy and tasty Japanese treats, including Spicy Shrimp, Eggplant, Hijiki (a type of Japanese seaweed), and Ume (Japanese plums) flavored rice balls are now available from the Cinema Café at NEW PEOPLE located in the venue’s lobby. Selections are available individually for $2.75 each and also as a lunch box for $7.00, which features 3 Onigilly rice balls, edamame and pickled ginger.

“Onigilly is an inspiring start up and is developing a big gourmet following around the Bay Area with their healthy and delectable creations, and we’re very excited to collaborate with them and make their food available in our café,” says Seiji Horibuchi, president and founder of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. “Onigilly shares NEW PEOPLE’s core mission to inject a clever and sophisticated dose of  Japanese popular culture into all they do and we look forward to the Japantown community and NEW PEOPLE visitors joining with us to welcome our newest tasty addition.”

NEW PEOPLE opened in 2009 and has become a unique must-see attraction of San Francisco’s cultural landscape. The 20,000 square foot contemporary venue features the latest examples Japanese popular culture expressed though film, art, fashion, and a variety of specialty boutiques and ongoing monthly events. NEW PEOPLE is located at 1746 Post Street in the city’s Japantown.

About NEW PEOPLE, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE, Inc. (www.newpeopleworld.com) offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as through licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE Entertainment (www.newpeopleent.com), a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, GANTZ, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, and THE TASTE OF TEA.

NEW PEOPLE ENTERTAINMENT LICENSES THE JAPANESE POP MUSIC BIO FILM DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 – TO BE CONTINUED

New Film Follows The Rise To International Fame Of Japan’s Most Popular  Pop Idol Group And Will Have Exclusive U.S. Premiere August 28th At The 2011 J-Pop Summit Festival
In San Francisco

San Francisco, CA – August 15, 2011 – NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. that focuses on the licensing and distribution of Japanese films and media, has announced that it has licensed the film, DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 – To Be Continued, in the U.S. and Canada. The film follows the unstoppable all-female Japanese idol group, AKB48, and offering an insightful glimpse into the challenges that the group’s members have faced during their rise to international stardom. A trailer is available to view at: www.newpeopleent.com/AKB48

The U.S. premiere of DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 – To Be Continued will take place on Sunday, August 28th at 1:00pm at NEW PEOPLE’s cinema as part of the 2011 J-Pop Summit Festival. Tickets to the DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 are $12 and on sale now at www.newpeopleworld.com/films.

The annual J-Pop Summit, held in San Francisco’s Japantown, celebrates Japanese pop culture and is highlighted by a variety of film screenings, panel discussions, DJ dance parties, fashion shows, and live performances from several notable Guest of Honor artists. More information on J-Pop Summit Festival is available at www.J-Pop.com.

AKB48 was conceived in 2005 by Yasushi Akimoto, one of Japan’s most respected music producers. Starting as a small all-girl singing group based in the Akihabara district of Tokyo – the city’s bustling electronics and anime/pop culture shopping Mecca – AKB48 has grown to 60 members and topped Japan’s Oricon music charts with the two best-selling pop singles in 2010 as well as another two singles ranking in the Top 10.

“Pop culture and J-Pop music fans will delight in the news of our licensing of the DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 and we invite them to attend the special North American premiere at NEW PEOPLE during the upcoming J-Pop Summit,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. “AKB48 has become massively popular in Japan and also enjoys a fast-growing U.S. fan base. This is a group unlike any other in pop music and we hope more people will discover AKB48 through this film. Stay tuned for more news coming soon on the release of the DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 on DVD!”

With a complicated balance of competition and friendship among its members, the group’s bond is extremely strong. DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 – To Be Continued traces AKB48’s history with scenes from concerts and rehearsals, member general elections, and fan activities both in Japan and abroad. The film also includes personal interviews with select members that reveal each of the girls’ personal struggles, joys, path to growth, and dreams.

One unique aspect of AKB48 is that the group is divided into “Teams.” When AKB48 debuted in 2005, originally there were only 24 girls. Now there are 16 girls each on Team A, Team K, and Team B, who are the core members of the group. In addition, there are trainees who are aspiring members. Members total to around 60 girls as some graduate and some new members come in. In the recent years AKB48 has begun holding elections to determine the members who will participate in the recording of upcoming singles. Fans vote for their favorites and the girl ranked Number 1 performs at the center of the group.

About NEW PEOPLE, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE, Inc. (www.newpeopleworld.com) offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as through licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE Entertainment (www.newpeopleent.com), a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, GANTZ, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, and THE TASTE OF TEA.

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SF JAPANTOWN ANNOUNCES THE WINNING DESIGN FOR “HOPE FOR JAPAN’S RECOVERY” BANNER CONTEST IN SPECIAL COLLABORATION WITH HATSUNE MIKU

San Francisco, CA, August 10, 2011 – NEW PEOPLE, San Francisco’s dynamic entertainment destination showcasing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture, and the San Francisco Japantown Merchants Association have announced the winning banner design inspired by Hatsune Miku and carrying the theme of “Hope for Japan’s Recovery,” to be displayed in the city’s Japantown and throughout the upcoming J-Pop Summit Festival. The design contest was a special collaboration with Crypton Future Media, Inc., the creators of Hatsune Miku.

The banner will go up in the week of Friday, August 12thth on Post Street, the main Japantown thoroughfare where the upcoming J-Pop Summit Festival is set take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 27th and 28th. With the recent earthquake and tsunami tragedies in Japan still fresh in everyone’s minds, the J-Pop Summit Festival has incorporated multiple benefit events into this year’s programming.

The annual J-Pop Summit Festival is a unique Japanese Pop Culture celebration that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion and DJ dance events, and celebrity appearances. A dedicated web site is now available at J-pop.com and features many new updates.

The “Hope for Japan’s Recovery” banner design was created by shiratama, an artist from Japan, and depicts a whimsical character inspired by the striking, blue-haired Vocaloid pop music phenomenon Hatsune Miku. This design will be featured on t-shirts, USB flash cards, tote bags and coffee mugs that will be for sale as part of charity programs during the J-Pop Summit Festival. A variety of shiratama’s other creations are available to view at: http://piapro.jp/ssmsub.

“We would like to send our sincerest appreciation and applause to shiratama, who designed this banner filled with love featuring Hatsune Miku holding a warm heart tightly, which delivers a message of hope from us to the people in Japan,” says Richard Hashimoto, President of the Japantown Merchants Association. “We would also like to thank the many artists who entered this contest from all over the world. Please come visit San Francisco’s Japantown to see Miku praying for Japan.”

“It’s a pleasant coincidence for us to have this banner up during the week of our second anniversary of NEW PEOPLE.” Seiji Horibuchi, the founder/CEO of NEW PEOPLE Inc, which produces the J-Pop Summit Festival. “We’re grateful to Hatsune Miku and Crypton Future Media to give the 2011 J-Pop Summit and Japantown an exciting opportunity to strengthen the bridge between the U.S. and Japan.”

NEW PEOPLE opened in 2009 and has become a unique must-see attraction of San Francisco’s cultural landscape. The 20,000 square foot contemporary venue features the latest examples Japanese popular culture expressed though film, art, fashion, and a variety of specialty boutiques and ongoing monthly events. NEW PEOPLE is located at 1746 Post Street in the city’s Japantown.

About NEW PEOPLE, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE, Inc. (www.newpeopleworld.com) offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as through licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE Entertainment (www.newpeopleent.com), a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, GANTZ, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, and THE TASTE OF TEA.

About Crypton Future Media
Crypton Future Media, Inc. (Head Office: Sapporo, Director: Hiroyuki Itoh) is a company that specializes in various sound generation software. In 2007 they released the Character Vocal Series 01: Hatsune Miku”, (“http://www.crypton.co.jp/mp/pages/prod/vocaloid/cv01.jsp”) and since its release there have been hundreds of thousands of songs created using Miku’s voice – she has created an international sensation on the internet, which is only growing bigger. In 2010 Crypton also introduced a web-based music distribution service – over 1000 music labels are using it to distribute media.

NEW PEOPLE WELCOMES JAPANESE FASHION DESIGNER h. NAOTO TO 2011 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

Edgy Designer Inspired By Gothic, Lolita And Punk Will Have A Fashion Show Showcasing New Work, Screen A Tokyo Collection Film, And Preview New Store To Open In October At NEW PEOPLE

San Francisco, CA, August 1, 2011 – NEW PEOPLE, San Francisco’s dynamic entertainment destination showcasing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture, welcomes edgy fashion label h. Naoto to its 2011 J-Pop Summit Festival, happening in the city’s Japantown for two days – Saturday and Sunday, August 27th and 28th. A dedicated web site is now available at J-pop.com and features regular updates.

h. Naoto will open his long waited U.S. debut flagship store in October and will showcase new designs for sale in a special pop-up boutique during the J-Pop Summit. The brand will also host several events including a fashion show on Saturday, August 27th inside NEW PEOPLE’s SUPERFROG Gallery, and screen footage from the brand’s latest Tokyo Collection fashion show on Sunday, August 28th in NEW PEOPLE’s cinema. h. Naoto will also appear to participate in a Q&A session immediately following the film

Tickets to fashion show and film screening will be given to shoppers with over $100 purchase at the h. Naoto pop-up boutique on the first come, first served basis while supplies last. Seating is limited.

In preparation for these events, h;.NAOTO has also issued a public call for volunteer models, hair and make-up artists. Information is available at www.newpeopleworld.com, and applications may be sent to: h.naoto@newpeoplesf.com.

h. Naoto is the essence of Gothic-Lolita and Punk fashion and represents the type of innovative fashion forward design for which Japan is known worldwide. The label’s one-of-a-kind unique designs, inspired by punk and goth, are widely sees in Tokyo, and are now gaining a new market in the United States. With inventive ensemble and separates, h. Naoto is poised to bring a new side of Japanese fashion and pop culture couture to North America. More information on the brand and its collections are available at: www.s-inc.com/hnaoto.

“h. Naoto incorporates the essence of the Gothic and punk-inspired styles and synthesizes an ultra-modern look that delivers the latest in Harajuku fashion to a new U.S. audience,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. “The launch of their first U.S. retail store is very exciting and J-Pop Summit attendees will get a sneak preview of their latest designs and even be able to participate in the fashion show! More events will be announced shortly and are sure to make the 2011 J-Pop Summit celebration the best one we’ve done yet!”

NEW PEOPLE opened in 2009 and has become a unique must-see attraction of San Francisco’s cultural landscape. The 20,000 square foot contemporary venue features the latest examples Japanese popular culture expressed though film, art, fashion, and a variety of specialty boutiques and ongoing monthly events. NEW PEOPLE is located at 1746 Post Street in the city’s Japantown.

About NEW PEOPLE, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE, Inc. (www.newpeopleworld.com) offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as through licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE Entertainment (www.newpeopleent.com), a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, GANTZ, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, and THE TASTE OF TEA.

NEW PEOPLE IN SAN FRANCISCO EXPANDS THE 2011 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL FOR AUGUST

NEW PEOPLE ADDS A BIGGER DOSE OF JAPANESE POP CULTURE TO THE SUMMER AS IT EXPANDS THE 2011 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

Annual Bay Area Event Expands To 2-Days In August And Features Japanese Fashion Designers, Film & Anime Premieres, And The “Vocaloid” Phenomenon In A Special Weekend-Long Pop Culture Celebration In
San Francisco’s Japantown; Special Design Contest Also Announced

San Francisco, CA, July 7, 2011 – NEW PEOPLE, San Francisco’s dynamic entertainment destination showcasing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture, has announced the expansion of its annual J-Pop Summit Festival. The 2011 J-Pop Summit Festival will take place August 27th- 28th across the city’s Japantown.

The weekend-long celebration brings back many popular attractions that have made the J-Pop Summit Festival a must-attend event for fashion, film, anime and music fans as well as hipsters, pop culture enthusiasts, Bay Area residents, and as tourists visiting the city. A dedicated web site is now available at J-pop.com and will feature regular updates.

“The expansion of the J-Pop Summit Festival is a result of the overwhelming support from our partners and sponsors and strong attendance by a wide array of people from all backgrounds and interests,” says Seiji Horibuchi, president of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. “From rock music to fashion shows, film premieres, interactive video game displays, and a special focus this year on the ‘Vocaloid’ music phenomenon, there will be something for everyone at this year’s event! We look forward to announcing more details and additional participants and sponsors in coming weeks.”

“Vocaloid” music has become the latest pop phenomenon sweeping Japan and the trend is spreading fast to the U.S. with the advent of personalities like Hatsune Miku, who has become the world’s first true virtual pop star. The J-Pop Summit, where made her first film concert debut last year, returns for 2011 with even more exciting projects featuring Hatsune Miku. More details will be announced soon!

With the recent earthquake and tsunami tragedies in Japan still fresh in everyone’s minds, the J-Pop Summit Festival has incorporated multiple benefit events into the programming. New People and San Francisco Japantown merchants are partnering with Piapro.jp (run by Hatsune Miku’s Crypton Future Media), to host two unique design competitions.

The first is for a banner design, carrying the theme of “Hope for Japan’s Recovery,” to be displayed on Post Street, the main Japantown thoroughfare where the J-Pop Summit Festival will take place. The banner should feature at least one (or more) of the following Volcaloid characters: Hatsune Miku, Rin Kagamine, Len Kagamine, Luka Megurine, MEIKO or KAITO. Special charity goods with the winning design will be available at the J-Pop Summit to benefit Japan’s ongoing relief efforts. Grand Prize will be a roundtrip trip to San Francisco (flexible travel dates) from anywhere in the United States, furnished by NEW PEOPLE and the Japantown Merchants Association. For complete entry details, please visit J-pop.com.
The second competition will be to develop a new character design for “Hatsune Miku U.S. Version” and also will award the winner with a special Grand Prize roundtrip trip to San Francisco (flexible travel dates) from anywhere in the United States, furnished by Crypton Future Media. For complete entry details, please visit J-pop.com.

NEW PEOPLE opened in 2009 and has become a unique must-see attraction of San Francisco’s cultural landscape. The 20,000 square foot contemporary venue features the latest examples Japanese popular culture expressed though film, art, fashion, and a variety of specialty boutiques and ongoing monthly events. NEW PEOPLE is located at 1746 Post Street in the city’s Japantown.

About NEW PEOPLE, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE, Inc. (www.newpeopleworld.com) offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as through licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE Entertainment (www.newpeopleent.com), a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, GANTZ, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, and THE TASTE OF TEA.

RARE AUCTION OF POP/ANIME ART BY YOSHITAKA AMANO NEXT WEEK AT NEW PEOPLE

RARE AUCTION OF ORIGINAL POP/ANIME ART BY YOSHITAKA AMANO TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ONGOING JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF AT NEW PEOPLE NEXT WEEK

Yoshitaka Amano: FOR JAPAN Features Auction Of 3 New Bush Works By The Acclaimed Artist In A Special Auction Event On July 9th

San Francisco, CA, June 28, 2011 – Don’t miss a rare opportunity to own an original artwork by pop and anime artist Yoshitaka Amano as NEW PEOPLE presents Yoshitaka Amano: FOR JAPAN, a very special art exhibition and auction event at the venue’s SUPERFROG Gallery to fund ongoing Japanese disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts. The special auction event is scheduled for Saturday, July 9th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Guests must RSVP here to attend. NEW PEOPLE is located at 1746 Post St. in San Francisco’s Japantown. Additional details are available at: www.newpeopleworld.com/arts/yoshitaka-amano-for-japan .

Yoshitaka Amano has donated three striking new brush works on canvas to be auctioned for the tsunami and earthquake victims of Japan. Fully 100% of all proceeds will be received by the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund by JCCCNC (www.jcccnc.org ).

All bidders must pre-register to participate. Bidders may register online here or also on-site at the SUPERFROG Gallery. Credit Card information will be attained via phone after registration, along with a Bidder Number that will be used for identification during the auction Bidding will be open to on-site as well as text bidding beginning at 12:00pm (PST) on Saturday, July 9th. Bid amounts will be updated LIVE on NEW PEOPLE’s TWITTER page.

Yoshitaka Amano: FOR JAPAN will further exhibit a range of the acclaimed artist’s works that were originally created as a testament to his childhood love for American pop culture, comics, and automobiles. Reinterpreted with his signature manga and anime-influenced graphic style, these breathtaking and vibrant pieces are boldly coated in auto paint and metallic glitter.

Legendary artist Yoshitaka Amano is widely acclaimed for his work in animation and video games. He is also renowned for designing the characters for the hit video game, Final Fantasy, as well as for anime films including Vampire Hunter D, Guin Saga, Final Fantasy, and Front Mission.

For more information on NEW PEOPLE, please visit www.newpeopleworld.com .

NEW PEOPLE BRINGS EPIC SCI-FI ROBOT ANIME TO THE BAY AREA WITH WEEKEND SCREENING OF MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM UC (UNICORN)

Latest Gundam UC Blu-Ray Discs Also For Sale Ahead Of General Release Date In The NEW PEOPLE Store For Special Discounted Price

San Francisco, CA, March 22, 2011 – NEW PEOPLE, the nation’s only entertainment complex dedicated to Japanese popular culture, brings the latest chapter of the venerable Gundam saga to the Bay Area for an exclusive series of weekend screenings. Prepare for big screen sci-fi action and impressively designed mobile suits with the premiere of the 3-episode Gundam UC (Unicorn) anime series throughout the weekend of Saturday April 2nd and Sunday April 3rd.

The cinema will present both subtitled and dubbed versions of the series on each day. Tickets for Mobile Suit Gundam UC (Unicorn) are $8.00 for Episode 1 and $10.00 each for Episodes 2 and 3. Special combo tickets are available for $26.00 online or from the NEW PEOPLE box office for all 3 Episodes in any combination over the weekend. Tickets, trailers and more details are available at: http://www.newpeopleworld.com/films

Advance copies of Mobile Suit Gundam UC (Unicorn) on Blu-ray, distributed by Bandai Entertainment, Inc., will also be on sale (on April 2-3 only) for a discounted price in the NEW PEOPLE retail store – ahead of the series’ April 7th general release.

Vol. 1:　 Special discounted price – $44.98 (Suggested Normal Retail Price $49.98)

Vol. 2: Special discounted price – $49.98 (Suggested Normal Retail Price $59.98)

Vol. 3: Special discounted price – $49.98 (Suggested Normal Retail Price $59.98)

U.C. (Universal Century) 0001…

A New Era is about to begin with the announcement that the settlement of space has commenced. But as the calendar change ceremony is in progress, the space station Laplace, official residence of the Earth Federation prime minister, is shattered by a terrorist bombing.

A young man named Syam, who joined the terrorists because of poverty, is caught in the explosion of Laplace and discovers something amid the wreckage. This is the forbidden box that will later be known as Laplace’s Box. Laplace’s Box is never to be opened. There are few who even know what it is. The secret of the box continues to sleep with Syam…

U.C. 0096…The manufacturing colony Industrial 7, which is still under construction, floats at Lagrange point 1.

A youth named Banagher Links, who grew up without knowing his father, meets a mysterious girl who has stowed away on a ship bound for Industrial 7. As the white mobile suit Unicorn undergoes repeated tests and becomes the subject of diverse speculations, the hands of time begin to move. Banagher does not yet know that he has been caught up in the conflict surrounding Laplace’s Box.

What is Laplace’s Box?

What secret does it contain?

The hundred-year curse of the Universal Century is about to be resolved.

Mobile Suit Gundam UC (Unicorn) Screening Schedule:

Saturday, April 2nd: Episode 1 (Subtitles) 1:00pm $8.00

Episode 2 (Subtitles) 2:30pm $10.00

Episode 3 (Subtitles) 4:00pm $10.00

Episode 1 (Dubbed) 5:30pm $8.00

Episode 2 (Dubbed) 7:00pm $10.00

Episode 3 (Dubbed) 8:30pm $10.00

Sunday, April 3rd: Episode 1 (Dubbed) 1:00pm $8.00

Episode 2 (Dubbed) 2:30pm $10.00

Episode 3 (Dubbed) 4:00pm $10.00

Episode 1 (Subtitles) 5:30pm $8.00

Episode 2 (Subtitles) 7:00pm $10.00

Episode 3 (Subtitles) 8:30pm $10.00

NEW PEOPLE features the nation’s only movie theatre devoted to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located inside NEW PEOPLE at 1746 Post Street in San Francisco’s Japantown and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.

About NEW PEOPLE, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE, Inc. (www.newpeopleworld.com) offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as through licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE Entertainment (www.newpeopleent.com), a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, GANTZ, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, and THE TASTE OF TEA.

NEW PEOPLE PRESENTS SCI-FI ACTION THRILLER GANTZ FOR ONE-NIGHT-ONLY THIS SATURDAY

Sci-Fi Live-Action Film Based On Hit Anime/Manga Series Screens With Original Japanese Dialogue; Attendees Will Receive Free GANTZ Poster

San Francisco, CA, February 15, 2011 – VIZ Cinema at NEW PEOPLE, the nation’s only movie theatre dedicated to Japanese and Asian film, is proud to present a special screening of the kinetic sci-fi thriller GANTZ, for one-night-only, on Saturday, February 19th at 7:15pm. The film will be screened with original Japanese dialogue and English subtitles, for the first time ever in North America. All attendees will also receive a special full color GANTZ poster. Tickets are $12.00 and are available at www.VIZCinema.com and at the box office.

GANTZ is based on a hit manga series created by Hiroya Oku and stars leading Japanese actors Kazunari Ninomiya (Letters from Iwo Jima) and Kenichi Matsuyama (Death Note, Detroit Metal City). The film tells the story of two childhood friends that are accidentally killed while trying to save another man’s life. Rather than find themselves in the hereafter, however, they awaken in a strange apartment in which they find a mysterious black orb they come to know as “GANTZ.” Along with similar abductees, they are provided with equipment and weaponry and manipulated into playing a kind of game in which they are sent back out to the greater world to do battle with alien beings, all while never quite knowing whether this game is an illusion or their new reality.

VIZ Cinema at NEW PEOPLE is the nation’s only movie theatre devoted to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located inside NEW PEOPLE at 1746 Post Street in San Francisco’s Japantown and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.

About NEW PEOPLE, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE, Inc. (www.newpeopleworld.com) offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as through licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE Entertainment (www.newpeopleent.com), a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, GANTZ, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, and THE TASTE OF TEA.

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