News articles about the Disney-Tokuma Alliance

The original mailing list articles as well as the subsequent discussions can be found in the mailing list archive. An index of articles to follow and the 'source' of the information which they quote from/refer to:

   (00) Official Studio Ghibli "What's New" page, 31 July 1996.
   (01) Sankei Shinbun, 17 July 1996.
   (02) Sankei Shinbun, 18 July 1996.
   (03) Japan Economic Newswire, 17 July 1996.
   (04) Nikkei Net, 18 July 1996.
   (05) Jiji Press Ticker Service, 17 July 1996.
   (06) Reuters/Variety, under Yahoo!, 22 July 1996.
   (07) Reuters/Variety, under Yahoo!, 23 July 1996.
   (08) Tokuma Shoten Publishing web page, July 1996.
   (09) Reuter, under CNNfn, 23 July 1996.
   (10) Agence France Presse, 23 July 1996.
   (11) An email response from Studio Ghibli, 23 July 1996.
   (12) Los Angeles Times, 24 July 1996.
   (13) New York Times, 24 July 1996.
   (14) Agence France Presse, 23 July 1996.
   (15) Daily Variety, 24 July 1996.
   (16) The Hollywood Reporter, 24 July 1996.
   (17) USA Today, 24 July 1996.
   (18) Studio Ghibli web page, July 1996.
   (19) The Daily Yomiuri, 01 August 1996.
   (20) The Columbian, 26 July 1996.
   (21-30) 10 more articles.

== (01) ==============================================================


Date: Wed, 17 Jul 1996 20:02:13 +0900
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Fukumoto Atsushi 
Subject: NEWS FLASH


* Today's Sankei shinbun reports that Tokuma shoten and Walt Disney
  Studio are to announce their tie-up on July 23.

[ Other unrelated news omitted ]

                                                FUKUMOTO Atsushi
                                                fukumoto@imasy.or.jp


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== (02) ==============================================================


Date: Fri, 19 Jul 1996 00:47:03 +0900
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Fukumoto Atsushi 
Subject: News flash, continued


This is the follow-up article appeared today.  I think it's more
interesting than the first report.

Translated by me without permission.  Since I'm not sure which of the
word "tie-up" or "alliance" is adequate, I'm using them
interchangeably.


                                                FUKUMOTO Atsushi
                                                fukumoto@imasy.or.jp
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sankei shinbun, July 18, morning edition.

Disney and Tokuma Shoten Tie-Up

"I'm Just Concentrating on Making Film"

Mr. Miyazaki Hayao In Afraid of Selling Cheap

    The Alliance of Walt Disney of U.S. and Tokuma Shoten makes
    Mr. Miyazaki Hayao's works such as "TONARI NO TOTORO" and "KURENAI
    NO BUTA" to be distributed in U.S., as well as the video sales in
    Japan to be handled by Disney.  In response to the SANKEI SHINBUN
    reporter's question by July 17, Mr. Miyazaki told his concern: "It
    will be problematic if Disney attempts to touch our film making."

Mr. Miyazaki told about this alliance that "Since we are leaving film
selling to Tokuma Shoten, it means nothing for us who are making
films," but on the other hand, he said that "if Disney tries to touch
in the film making, that will be problematic.  Some of the staffs are
worrying about it."

Also he criticised the Disney's business that "Disney is disposing
videos for cheap.  We aren't selling videos of our own films for
cheap."  He says that "I think Tokuma sold our films for plenty of
amount already.  Though I don't know whether the films sell well in
U.S., I wish we concentrate only on the film making."

Studio Ghibli, Mr. Miyazaki's animation production company, holds the
various rights of Mr. Miyazaki's films, and 75% of its stock is hold
by Tokuma Shoten.  Tokuma Yasuyoshi, the President of Tokuma Shoten,
is serving the studio's CEO as well, and Tokuma is handling the
distribution and video sales of the films.

In 1993, Tokuma showed "TONARI NO TOTORO" in 119 theaters in U.S., but
the box office result was not good.

Regarding this alliance, a person concerned with Tokuma Shoten told
that "the talk began when a Disney subsidiary (Buena Vista Japan) came
to Studio Ghibli telling that they wished to sell Studio Ghibli films
since their sales achievements were not good."

After that, the talk went on to the alliance, for Tokuma/Ghibli's
intention to sell Ghibli's films and video sales.

An animation industry insider speculates that "in U.S. and Europe,
animation means Disney.  Though Mr. Miyazaki's films are highly
evaluated in overseas, it's true they lack the sales network.  For
Tokuma who is willing to extend in overseas market, I guess they want
to utilize Disney's network."
[end]


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== (03) ==============================================================


Date: Wed, 17 Jul 1996 23:36:44 EDT
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Ryoko Toyama 
Subject: Disney to distribute Ghibli movies !!!! (was: NEWS FLASH)


 I know some of you don't like Disney, but we've been wishing Ghibli
 movies release in the US for so long!

 Enjoy the following article.

 Ryo

______________________________________________________________________


                     Japan Economic Newswire, JULY 17, 1996

HEADLINE:  Disney  to distribute Miyazaki's animated movies in U.S.

DATELINE: TOKYO, July 17 Kyodo

 BODY:
   Walt  Disney  Co. has agreed with a Japanese publisher to distribute
English-language versions of the animated films of Hayao Miyazaki
through its global network, officials of the publisher, Tokuma Shoten
Publishing Co., said Wednesday.

   Miyazaki's animated movie, 'My Neighbor TOTORO' has been translated
into English and the film is also available on videotape. Some of the
animator's better-known movies include 'Kiki's Delivery Service' and
'Laputa, Castle in the Sky.'

   The Tokyo-based publishing house has the right to market Miyazaki's
works and it holds a majority equity stake in his company, Studio
Ghibli Co.

   Walt  Disney  will distribute the English versions of Miyazaki's
animated movies in the United States, Tokuma officials said.

   A Japanese subsidiary of Walt  Disney  will market Miyazaki's
animated movies on videotape in Japan and other countries, and Tokuma
will focus on the distribution of his animated movies in Japan, they
said.

   Miyazaki has long wished to have his movies seen by children around
the world, they added.

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

LOAD-DATE: July 17, 1996


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== (04) ==============================================================


Date: Thu, 18 Jul 1996 01:45:54 EDT
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Ryoko Toyama 
Subject: Re[2]: Disney to distribute Ghibli movies !!!! (was: NEWS FL


[ Discussion omitted ]

I found more article about it.  It seems that Disney is going to
*video* release them.  So, I guess Tokuma finally abandoned this 'we
go for theater release first' policy.

The following is from Nikkei Net:
(Now, this 'expand their cooperation further' part scares me...)

[ Under the 18 July, 1996 edition in the Nikkei Net web page ]

______________________________________________________________________

Disney to market Miyazaki animation features in the U.S.

Walt Disney Co. will market videos in the U.S. of popular feature-
length animated films by Hayao Miyazaki, said sources at Tokuma
Shoten Publishing Co. Tokuma has also agreed to have Disney handle
video sales in Japan through its subsidiary Buena Vista Japan Ltd.
Tokuma is the largest shareholder in Studio Ghibli, the director's
production outfit.

Tokuma and Disney will formally announce the deal on July 23. Miyazaki
has directed such hit animation features as "Nausicaa of the Valley of
the Wind" and "My neighbor Totoro."

The Japanese publishing firm also hopes to distribute in the U.S. a
popular film produced by affiliate Daiei Co. titled, "Shall We Dance?"

Tokuma and Disney can be expected to expand their cooperation further,
industry watchers say.


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== (05) ==============================================================


Date: Thu, 18 Jul 1996 19:20:49 EDT
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Ryoko Toyama 
Subject: Re[4]: Disney to distribute Ghibli movies !!!!


I got one more article, but I'm not sure what this 'joint project'
exactly means.  Well, I guess we have to wait till next Thuesday.

______________________________________________________________________

Jiji Press Ticker Service, JULY 17, 1996

Headline:  Tokuma-Tisney  tie-up eyed for film, video biz

Dateline: Tokyo, July 17

Body:
   The Tokuma Shoten Publishing Co. group and U.S. entertainment giant
Walt Disney Co. will join hands in supplying movies and videos
worldwide, it was learned Wednesday. Tokuma group head Yasuyoshi
Tokuma and Walt Disney Studio chairman Joe Roth will announce the
business tie-up here Tuesday next week, industry sources said. The
group contains film and video maker daiei and a cartoon animation
studio of Hayao Miyazaki. Cartoon films produced by Miyazaki, such as
"Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind" and "Porco Rosso," have attracted
Japanese audiences more than Disney Movies. Miyazaki movies are
reputed for well-thought story development and high-quality visual
effects, critics say. Given the Miyazaki movies' international
recognition, Disney has sounded out the Tokuma group on possibilities
of joint projects, the sources said. Tokuma and Disney could join
hands on not only Miyazaki movies but on a new film to be directed by
Masayuki Subo, whose "Shall We Dance?" scored a big hit in japan last
year, they noted.


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== (06) ==============================================================


Date: Mon, 22 Jul 1996 23:04:38 -0700
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: David Goldsmith 
Subject: It's official


Posted to www.yahoo.com's Reuters news section tonight:

[ Under the Entertainment section ]

Monday July 22 10:53 PM EDT

Walt Disney, Japan's Tokuma Announce Movie Deal

TOKYO, July 23 (Reuter) - Walt Disney Co and Japan's Tokuma Shoten
Publishing Co said on Tuesday they have formed a
tie-up for the international distribution of Tokuma's animated movies.

The two companies said in a statement issued at a joint news
conference in Tokyo that the tie-up calls for the distribution of
eight animation motion pictures on video made by Japanese director/
animator Hayao Miyazaki as well as his new animation feature to be
released in 1997, titled ``Princess/Mononoke (Princess/Ghost).''

It will also cover other movies.

Reuters/Variety

I'll look for more later.
David


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== (07) ==============================================================


Date: Tue, 23 Jul 1996 22:17:22 -0700
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: David Goldsmith 
Subject: Another news story


Another story from Reuters/Variety, courtesy of Yahoo. Check out the
line about tens of millions of new viewers.

David

Tuesday July 23 3:48 PM EDT

Disney Moves Further Into Asia With Animation Deal

By Rika Otsuka

TOKYO (Reuter) - Walt Disney Co. agreed Tuesday to distribute the work
of Japan's top animated filmmaker in a deal that heralds a new step by
the U.S. giant into Asia and opens a creative pipeline for it back
home.

No money changed hands in the deal between Disney and Japan's Tokuma
Shoten Publishing Co., under which Disney will distribute animated
movies made for Tokuma by Hayao Miyazaki, one of Asia's top animators.

Officials of the two companies said in a joint news conference that
the agreement calls for distribution of eight of Miyazaki's animated
films on video as well as his new animation feature `Princess/Mononoke
(Princess/Ghost)' to be released in 1997.

Joe Roth, chairman of Walt Disney Studios, described Miyazaki's work
as ``extraordinary'' and said in a satellite linkup from Disney
headquarters in Burbank, Calif., that Disney's extensive distribution
network would show Miyazaki's movies to tens of millions of people.

Miyazaki is Japan's most popular animated filmmaker, creating box
office hits such as ``Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind'' and ``My
Neighbor Totoro,'' featuring a rabbit-like sprite.

Since 1989, Miyazaki has had five box office hits in Japan.

He is equally popular in other parts of Asia, particularly Hong Kong
and Taipei, where ``Totoro'' is a favorite of children.

``We believe we can increase the marketability of our videos by
letting Disney do the whole distribution because of Disney's strong
sales network,'' said Yasuyoshi Tokuma, president and chief executive
of the Tokuma group.

Disney plans to distribute other movies from the studio.

A Disney official said the Japanese-language movies would be dubbed
into local languages.

The first to be distributed will be ``Shall We Dance,'' which was one
of Japan's top box office hits this year.

The movie, a romantic comedy set in Tokyo, is about a middle-aged
businessman learning social dancing.

``These kinds of tie-ups are likely to take place more between
Hollywood and Japanese companies in the future,'' said Tsuyoshi
Taniguchi, an analyst at Nikko Research Center.

Taniguchi said Japanese animators have a high reputation and the
agreement is good for Disney since media companies need large amounts
of programming for the ever-growing number of television channels.

Hidekazu Umemura, analyst at Yamaichi Research Institute of Securities
and Economics Inc., said the deal makes Disney a bigger player in Asia
and could signal further deals to act as distributor for filmmakers in
the region.

``Disney must be thinking that the agreement could be another step for
it to expand business here further,'' Umemura said.

Reuters/Variety


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== (08) ==============================================================


Date: Tue, 23 Jul 1996 19:32:01 +0900
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Yasutaka MIWA 
Subject: Re: "Eight" films by Miyazaki??


 Hello, all.

David said:
> Well, I couldn't find any more information on Tokuma/Ghibli than the
> one brief item. It said there was a joint statement, presumably that
> will surface somewhere on the Net within a few days.

  You can get more information from
  [ www.tokunet.or.jp (in Japanese) ]  
  In that article, eight films are as follows:

  - Kaze no Tani no Nausicaa (Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind)
  - Tenku no Shiro Laputa (Laputa:Castel in the Sky)
  - Tonari no Totoro (My Neighbor TOTORO)
  - Majo no Takkyubin (Kiki's Delivery Service)
  - Omoide Poroporo (Only Yesterday)
  - Kurenai no Buta (Porco Rosso)
  - Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko (Pompoko)
  - Mimi wo Sumaseba (Whisper of the Heart)

--------
miwa@mt.cs.keio.ac.jp


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== (09) ==============================================================


Date: Tue, 23 Jul 1996 13:39:53 -0700
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: David Goldsmith 
Subject: More from CNNfn

Here's more, from CNNfn's web site

Disney in Japan alliance

Disney, aiming for bigger Asian presence, cuts deal for Japanese films

July 23, 1996: 12:06 p.m. ET

TOKYO (Reuter) -- Walt Disney Studios, cutting a deal that marks a new
step by the U.S. giant into Asia, reached agreement Tuesday to
distribute the work of Japan's top animated filmmaker.

No money changed hands in the deal, involving Walt Disney Studios and
Japan's Tokuma Shoten Publishing Co. However, analysts said Disney
could use the agreement as leverage for future Asian deals.

"Japanese animated films are growing in Asia, and Disney knows it
could increase its business there, as well as other parts of the
world," said Yasuhiko Arai, analyst at Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

Tuesday's deal calls for Disney to distribute animated movies made
for Tokuma by Hayao Miyazaki, one of Asia's top animators.

The two companies told a Tokyo news conference that the pact covers
distribution of eight of Miyazaki's animated films on video, as well
as of his upcoming animation feature, "Princess/Mononoke
(Princess/Ghost)."

Joe Roth, chairman of Walt Disney Studios, described Miyazaki's work
as "extraordinary."

Speaking via satellite from Disney's Burbank, Calif., headquarters,
Roth said Disney would show dubbed versions of Miyazaki's movies to
tens of millions of people worldwide.

Miyazaki is Japan's most popular animated filmmaker, creating such
box office hits as "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" and "My
Neighbor." [sic]

Since 1989, he has had five No. 1 box office hits in Japan.

David


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== (10) ==============================================================


Date: Tue, 23 Jul 1996 23:13:20 EDT
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Ryoko Toyama 
Subject: Re: It's official


I found one more article.  Not much new info, but you might get a kick
out of the last sentence. ^_-

It seems that the deal is only about *video* right.  Does this mean
Tokuma still holds the right to theater release their films outside
Japan (if they could find a distributor, that is)?

Also, did they get Fox's right for Totoro cleared, or 'global' for
'Totoro' means outside the US?  (And what is this 'Princess/Ghost'? 
It can't be the official English title, can it?)

Ryo
______________________________________________________________________

                    Agence France Presse, July 23, 1996

HEADLINE:
Walt Disney announces alliance with Japanese animation distributor

DATELINE: TOKYO, July 23

BODY:
   Walt  Disney  Studios Inc. announced here Tuesday an alliance with
Japanese animation distributor  Tokuma  Shoten Publishing Co. Ltd.
and Daiei KK, the fourth-largest film production company in Japan.

   The deal includes the global video rights for eight feature-length
animated movies by acclaimed Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki. The
alliance also covers international distribution of a new animated
feature by Miyazaki to be released next year along with several
live-action titles from Daiei, a statement said.

   Miyazaki, whose work is noted for its stunningly detailed
backgrounds, has produced several feature-length animated movies
including "Laputa, Castle in the Sky", "My Neighbour Totoro" and
"Kiki's Delivery Service".

   Although Miyazaki's films are primarily targetted at children, his
work has also attracted a strong following among adults both at home
and abroad.


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== (11) ==============================================================


Date:         Tue, 23 Jul 1996 11:24:06 -0400
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
Reply-To: alanlb@rrinc.com
From: Alan Batongbacal 
Subject:      Response from Ghibli


A friend of mine wrote to Ghibli about the concerns expressed
regarding Ghibli's continued exercise of creative control with respect
to the Disney/Tokuma deal.  Here is the response he received:

] >From: STUDIO GHIBLI 
] >To: "'doc@mail.vt.edu'" 
] >Subject: RE: The Disney Deal
] >Date: Tue, 23 Jul 1996 16:14:54 +0900
] >
] >Dear Brian Doss,
] >
] >Thank you very much for your letter.
] >
] >As you have already read our strategy toward abroad in "10 years of
] >STUDIO GHIBLI," what we have been seeking for is to find a good
] >partner who won't alter and/or edit our works without our
] >permission and have a strong marketing power in overseas markets.
] >We finally find out and decide that Disney will make it. That is
] >why we have tied-in with them today and we are happy to say that
] >people in foreign countries now have a chance to see our works in
] >the near future.
] >
] >Please do not be afraid, because our STUDIO is the first one who
] >gets anxious, and the last one who always take care of, and will be
] >able to protect the qualities of works of both directors, Miyazaki
] >and Takahata.
] >
] >Best regards,
] >
] >
] >STUDIO GHIBLI
]
] Good enough for me!
]
] Brian


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== (12) ==============================================================


Date: Wed, 24 Jul 1996 15:04:56 -0700
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Jefery Roberts 
Subject: L.A. Times article on Disney - Tokuma Agreement


The Los Angeles Times had an article on the Disney - Tokuma agreement.
[...]

Interestingly enough, the web version is a bit more complete, as the
last sentence was missing from the article as it appeared in this
morning's edition.

The Disney exec's comment on Totoro is also interesting.

Jefery Roberts          PLATINUM Solutions, Inc.       jrr@platsol.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Disney Dives Into Japanese Film Business

Entertainment: In an unusual deal, the firm gains
global distribution rights to works of a popular animator.

By SONNI EFRON, Times Staff Writer

     Walt Disney Studios plunged into the Japanese film
business Tuesday by acquiring worldwide distribution
rights for the works of Japan's best-loved animated-film
director, Hayao Miyazaki.
      "In the U.S., when people think of animation, they
think of Disney; in Japan . . . they think of Miyazaki," Joe
Roth, chairman of Walt Disney Studios, said in a satellite
linkup from Los Angeles.
      The deal is unusual in two respects. First, it is a major
investment by a U.S. studio in Japanese-made
entertainment, which has generally not shown
mass-market appeal in America.

      Second, Tokuma Shoten Publishing Co. has
relinquished the rights to distribute Miyazaki's films on
home video not only abroad but also in Japan. Japanese
companies typically keep tight control over their
domestic markets even when signing international
agreements.
      Disney executives say they control 65% of the
Japanese market for children's videotapes. Tokuma sells
only to video rental stores, and a consumer wishing to
purchase a Miyazaki classic would have to pay the rental
store price of up to $140 per tape. Disney executives said
they could market Miyazaki videos for the same price as
Disney films, $42 each--a bargain by Japanese standards,
but a highly lucrative market for Disney.
      So far, only one Miyazaki film, "My Neighbor
Totoro," has been released in the United States. A Disney
executive said privately that it did not do as well as
hoped, in part because of poor dubbing.
      Disney expects to make most of its money in the
Japanese market as well as in Taiwan, where Miyazaki
has a following.
      Miyazaki himself has in the past been critical of the
quality of Disney's recent films, but said Tuesday that he
distinguishes between film production and film
distribution, and is not disturbed by having the U.S. film
giant market his work. He said he has earned enough
money to last him a lifetime, but added: "I sincerely hope
this alliance will be good for Mr. Tokuma."


Copyright Los Angeles Times


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== (13) ==============================================================


Date: Wed, 24 Jul 1996 18:00:16 -0700
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: David Goldsmith 
Subject: NY Times on Disney/Tokuma


The New York Times weighs in. Note that the reference to "sugary"
films is probably because the reporter checked back on the Times' own
review of Totoro, which was uncomplimentary because it was "too
sugary". I guess it didn't have enough dysfunctional people in it to
qualify for "non-sugary" ;-)

[...]

David

July 24, 1996


Disney in Deal to Distribute Japanese Animator's Films

By ANDREW POLLACK

   [T]OKYO -- Walt Disney Co. may be the world's most famous producer
of animated films, but in Japan, it is Hayao Miyazaki who reigns
supreme. The full-length movies produced by Japan's greatest animator
routinely outdraw Disney films like "Aladdin" and "The Lion King" at
the box office here.

Now, in what might be an example of "if you can't beat them, join
them," Disney announced Tuesday that it had gained the worldwide
rights to distribute Miyazaki's films on videocassettes.

The agreement will give much greater exposure to the works of
Miyazaki, who is little known outside his home country. His biggest
success in the United States has been "My Neighbor Totoro," about two
girls befriended by a plump, mythical creature. About 560,000
cassettes were distributed by Fox starting in 1994, according to
Miyazaki's production company, Studio Ghibli.

The new alliance was announced Tuesday by Disney and Tokuma Shoten
Publishing Co., which controls Studio Ghibli. In addition to the home
video rights for eight Studio Ghibli films, Disney will be able to
distribute Miyazaki's next film, "Princess-mononoke," in theaters
worldwide. It also gets rights to a few live action films from another
studio owned by Tokuma.

"Miyazaki's films feature the same kind of quality family
entertainment that Disney strives to produce," Joe Roth, chairman of
Walt Disney Studios, said in remarks delivered by satellite to a news
conference in Tokyo. Another Disney executive said the films had
"tremendous potential" to sell in Japan and abroad.

For Disney, the pact strengthens the product lineup of Buena Vista
Home Entertainment, its home video division, and gives the company an
entry into Japanese animation, which is gaining a following around the
world.

An unusual aspect of the agreement is that Disney will be the
distributor in Japan. Usually, Japanese companies do not give to
foreign companies the rights to distribute their products within
Japan. But Disney is stronger in home video, even in Japan, than
Tokuma's record company, which has been handling distribution until
now.

Miyazaki is known for lush animation techniques that are revered even
by many of Disney's own animators. His recent movies have had story
lines that are sugary even by Disney standards.

But Disney's admiration for Miyazaki is not always reciprocated.
Miyazaki said in an interview last year that recent Disney animations
lacked "decency."

Miyazaki has never made much effort to have his films distributed
outside Japan, in part because foreign distributors wanted to cut them
or otherwise alter them. Industry officials said he had been
approached by Fox and Warner Brothers as well as by Disney.

Tuesday at the news conference he said he had agreed to the Disney
contract mainly to help Tokuma, which had backed him when he was
starting out and which now apparently needs the money, including what
is expected to be a $10 million to $30 million payment at the outset.
The 55-year-old animator then skipped the gala reception after the
news conference.


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== (14) ==============================================================


Date: Thu, 25 Jul 1996 02:03:44 EDT
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Ryoko Toyama 
Subject: More articles on Disney/Tokuma [ Part 1 of 4 ]


I found more articles on Agence France Presse, Daily Variety,
Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today.

Executive Summary (New Information):
1.Disney would hold theatrical distribution rights for
"Princess-mononoke" in Brazil, France, Italy and other markets as well
as the United States while Tokuma would hold the theatrical rights for
14 markets in Asia including Japan.

2.Disney Executive said the deal is like Disney-Henson deal.

3.They said the alliance can expand "as far as our creative energies
will take us' (Scary!)

4.Miya-San said 'It's a public knowledge that I don't like some of
Disney movies'.

5.Disney will also distribute 'Gamera 2' (to be on-topic, the
screenplay of this film was by ITOH Kazunori, the screenwriter of
'Patlabor')

Enjoy!

Ryo

___________________________________

Agence France Presse, July 23, 1996

HEADLINE: Walt  Disney  forms alliance with Japan's top animator

BYLINE: Miwa Suzuki

DATELINE: TOKYO, July 23

BODY:
Walt Disney Co. announced Tuesday an alliance with Japanese animation
distributor Tokuma Shoten Publishing Co. Ltd.

The deal comes almost two years after Disney was accused of
plagiarising the late Japanese animation master Osamu Tezuka in its
animated movie "The Lion King".

It includes the global video rights for eight feature-length animated
movies already produced by acclaimed Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki,
whose production company Studio Ghibli Co. Ltd. is affiliated with
Tokuma Shoten.

The alliance also covers world distribution of "Princess-mononoke", a
new feature by Miyazaki to be released in July next year, plus several
movies from Daiei Co. Ltd., the fourth-largest film production company
in Japan.

Daiei has also been involved in Miyazaki productions including
"Laputa, Castle in the Sky" (1986), "My Neighbour Totoro" (1988),
"Kiki's Delivery Service" (1989) and "Porco Rosso" (1982).

"Miyazaki's films feature the same kind of quality family
entertainment that Disney has always strived to produce," Walt Disney
Studios chairman Joe Roth told a news conference in Tokyo via
satellite fom Los Angeles.

Roth said Disney's "extensive and effective distribution system will
make it possible for his brilliant work to received by tens of
millions of people."

Robyn Miller, senior vice president of Walt  Disney  sales, marketing
and disrtibution unit Buena Vista Home Entertainment, said there was
"tremendous potential" for Miyazaki's films in the international
marketplace.

"People are looking for quality family animation," she said.

Under the deal, Tokuma president Yasuyoshi  Tokuma  said that Walt
Disney would hold theatrical distribution rights for
"Princess-mononoke" in Brazil, France, Italy and other markets as well
as the United States while Tokuma would hold the theatical rights for
14 markets in Asia including Japan.

Walt Disney will meanwhile acquire the worlwide video distribution
rights for all of Miyazaki's films, Tokuma said.

In addition, he said the recent Japanese box-office hit "Shall We
Dance?" would be distributed worldwide by Walt Disney next year, along
with the new monster movie "Gamera II" and the yet-to-be-made "Opium
Wars" which is due to be released in June next year before Hong Kong
reverts to Chinese rule.

Daiei, which is involved with all three Japanese movies, has been
trying to get Britain's Princess Diana to play Queen Victoria in
"Opium Wars", which recounts the stormy period of Sino-British ties in
the 19th century.

The distribution of Miyazaki's animated films abroad has until now
been largely limited to markets such as Hong Kong and Taiwan, although
some have made it to larger markets such as the United States and
France.


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== (15) ==============================================================


Date: Thu, 25 Jul 1996 02:03:44 EDT
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Ryoko Toyama 
Subject: More articles on Disney/Tokuma [ Part 2 of 4 ]


-----------------------------------

Daily Variety, July 24, 1996

HEADLINE:  Disney  to distrib Tokyo's top toon vids

BYLINE: MICHELLE MAGEE

DATELINE: TOKYO

BODY:
Walt Disney Studios pacted with Japanese animation distributor Tokuma
Shoten Publishing Co. Tuesday to distribute its films worldwide
through Buena Vista Home Entertainment, a division of Walt Disney
Studios.

The deal gives Walt  Disney  global video rights to market eight
feature-length animated movies already produced by acclaimed animator
Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli Co., a subsidiary of Tokuma Shoten.
Walt Disney also gains world distribution rights to "Princess
Mononoke," a new feature by Miyazaki due out next July.

Gaining the distribution rights to "the brilliant works of Miyazaki is
specially meaningful for our company. This kind of wholesome
entertainment is embraced by people of all lands," Walt Disney Studios
chairman Joe Roth told a news conference in Tokyo via satellite.
Miyazaki's animated titles include "My Neighbor Totoro,""Kiki's
Delivery Service" and "Porco Ross."


"We see tremendous potential for this product around the world," Robyn
Miller, senior vice president of marketing for Buena Vista Home
Entertainment, said at the news conference.

Neither company would comment on how much money the deal is worth. In
addition to Tokuma Shoten's animated films, Walt Disney will
distribute several live-action films, including the Japanese box
office hit "Shall We Dance?" The film, produced by Daiei Co., another
Tokuma unit and Japan's fourth-largest film production company, is
expected to be released in the U.S. next year.

Yasuyoshi Tokuma, president of Tokuma Shoten, said, "By entrusting
Disney, with its strong distribution network in Japan, to distribute
our films here, I believe we will see our sales increase dramatically.
And internationally, we have no presence, so this is a great
opportunity for us."


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== (16) ==============================================================


Date: Thu, 25 Jul 1996 02:03:44 EDT
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Ryoko Toyama 
Subject: More articles on Disney/Tokuma [ Part 3 of 4 ]


____________________________________

The Hollywood Reporter

July 24, 1996

LENGTH: 415 words

BODY:
Dis will distribute Japanese aniMDNM By Wayne Karrfalt
The Hollywood Reporter

TOKYO _ Walt Disney Studios and Japan's Tokuma Shoten Publishing Co.
have formed an alliance for the international distribution of animated
and live-action product from Tokuma's Studio Ghibli and Daiei Studios.
The deal, announced Tuesday, includes an unprecedented agreement for
Buena Vista Home Video International to take charge of Ghibli's
domestic video marketing and distribution. The catalog includes eight
animated features by Hayao Miyazaki, Japan's most highly acclaimed and
successful animation director. Robyn Miller, senior vp of Buena Vista
Home Entertainment, likened the deal to Disney's marketing and
distribution alliance with Henson, except that this is the first deal
of its kind between Disney and a foreign production company. Speaking
from Los Angeles via satellite, Disney Motion Pictures Group chairman
Joe Roth compared Miyazaki's name recognition in Japan to Disney's in
the United States. ''Now that our video division has the rights to
distribute these videos in Japan, and in many countries outside of
Japan, we plan to put all of our resources behind the marketing and
distribution of them,'' Roth said. Miyazaki's films include ''Laputa:
Castle in the Sky,'' ''Kiki's Delivery Service'' and ''My Neighbor
Totoro,'' the only Miyazaki release thus far distributed
internationally (by Fox). Under the deal, Disney also owns the
theatrical and video distribution rights for Miyazaki's latest film,
''Princess Marinoke,'' which is in production and due for release
next year.  The deal includes international theatrical and video
rights to three live-action Daiei releases, including the sleeper hit
''Shall We Dance,'' due for release in the United States this year.
While praising Disney's international clout, Tokuma Group chairman and
CEO Yasuyoshi Tokuma said the domestic tie-up would increase sales and
profits locally. Ironically, Miyazaki, who is known for challenging
social issues through his work, has criticized the content of Disney's
animated offerings in the past.  ''It is public knowledge that I don't
like some of the  Disney  products, but distribution is a wholly
separate issue,'' the 55-year-old director said.  The alliance is open
to ongoing arrangements. ''This relationship can expand as far as our
creative energies will take us,'' BVHE president Michael Johnson said
from Los Angeles.


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== (17) ==============================================================


Date: Thu, 25 Jul 1996 02:03:44 EDT
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Ryoko Toyama 
Subject: More articles on Disney/Tokuma [ Part 4 of 4 ]


_________________________________________

USA TODAY, July 24, 1996

HEADLINE:  DISNEY  DEAL

BODY:
Walt  Disney  Studios agreed Tuesday to distribute the work of Japan's
top animated filmmaker. The deal heralds a new step by the U.S. giant
into Asia and opens a creative pipeline for it back in the USA. No
money changed hands in the deal between Walt Disney Studios and
Japan's Tokuma Shoten Publishing Co. Disney will distribute animated
movies made for Tokuma by Hayao Miyazaki, one of Asia's top animators.
Since 1989, Miyazaki has had five box office hits in Japan.


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== (18) ==============================================================


Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 00:50:50 EDT
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Ryoko Toyama 
Subject: New on Ghibli Home Page


We now have an official announcement from Ghibli about Disney deal on
Official Ghibli Home Page:

http://www.ntv.co.jp/ghibli/forum/what_e.html

The most important thing in it was:

'With Disney's commitment to maintaining the quality of the original
titles, there will be no changes to music and sequences in foreign
language versions.'

Yeah!!!

[ Unrelated stuff omitted ]

Ryo


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== (19) ==============================================================


Date: Sat, 3 Aug 1996 00:22:19 EDT
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Ryoko Toyama 
Subject: Articles on Disney/Tokuma Deal [ Part 1 of 2 ]


I found a couple more articles about Disney/Tokuma deal.

New information:
1. Mononoke Hime is set to open in July, 1997.
2. The talk of the deal started when Mr. Tokuma met a certain person,
named Michael Johnson ^_^
3. A Disney Executive said that her daughter is a big fan of 'Kiki'.
(So, will 'Kiki' be the first one to be released?)

The second article isn't much useful, but the headline is funny :)

Ryo
_______________________________________________________________________


                       The Daily Yomiuri, August 1, 1996

HEADLINE:  Disney's  animated deal

BYLINE: Yoko Mizui ; Yomiuri

BODY:
   The Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli will be flying with
the likes of Aladdin, The Lion King and Pocahontas now that a deal has
been inked between The Walt  Disney  Co. and  Tokuma  Group.

   Animation features such as Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, My
Neighbor TOTORO and Kiki's Delivery Service--which were produced by
Studio Ghibli, a member of  Tokuma  Group--will be distributed through
Disney's  international distribution company, Buena Vista Home
Entertainment.

   Old and new works by Studio Ghibli, which is led by animator Hayao
Miyazaki, will be distributed on the home video market as well as in
cinemas around the world.

   Princess-Mononoke, an animation feature now under production by
Studio Ghibli, which is set for release next July, will be distributed
in the United States and Europe by Buena Vista.

   "I'm sure that this 2 billion yen film will appeal to audiences
around the world, as it is a story about the relationship between
people and nature," Yasuyoshi Tokuma, president of Tokuma Shoten said
at a press conference in Tokyo last week.

   Also, feature films produced by the Daiei film company, which also
belongs to the  Tokuma  Group, will be distributed internationally by
the  Disney  arm.

    Tokuma  added that the deal was initiated last year when he met
Michael Johnson, president of Buena Vista Home Entertainment, in the
United States.

   Joe Roth, chairman of Walt  Disney  Studios, did not attend the
news conference but he did address the press via satellite from the
Walt  Disney studio in Los Angeles: "In the United States, when people
think about animation, they think of  Disney.  In Japan, when people
think about animation, they think of Miyazaki. This historic agreement
with Tokuma Shoten brings the Disney Studios and Studio Ghibli
together."

   "Thanks to this agreement, which gives  Disney  the right to market
and distribute these films in many countries outside of Japan, the
works of Mr. Miyazaki will soon be enjoyed around the world," he said,
adding that Miyazaki's films provide the same kind of family
entertainment that  Disney  has always tried to produce.

   Johnson, who was scheduled to visit Japan but could not because he
broke his leg just before his scheduled departure, sat next to Roth in
the  Disney studios, saying that the agreement would benefit people
around the world who love animation.

   "We do see tremendous potential for Studio Ghibli films in the
global market because people are looking for animation films aimed at
the family. The marketing and distribution network that we have set up
around the world will be extremely powerful. We are confident that
many, many consumers around the world will see the films," said Robyn
Miller, marketing vice president of Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

   This is not the first time that Buena Vista Home Entertainment has
agreed to distribute works they didn't produce. The company also has a
relationship with the Jim Henson Group to market and distribute the
Muppet pictures.

   Miller said that her 9-year-old daughter liked Miyazaki's Kiki's
Delivery Service very much and "has seen it many, many times."

   "I think the most beautiful aspect of the movie is the multiple
sense of fantasy and innocence," she added.

   Animation videos by Studio Ghibli used to be distributed through
Tokuma Japan, a recording company affiliated with  Tokuma  Shoten.

   "Because we didn't have an overseas distribution route, we are glad
that we will now be able to target the international market,"  Tokuma
said.

   He added that Buena Vista would handle all video sales of Studio
Ghibli works, including domestic sales, "but we will continue to
manage theater release in Japan and 14 Asian countries."

   The works to be released outside of Asia through Buena Vista
include eight Studio Ghibli animations and the live-action feature
Shall We Dansu?, a recent Japanese hit directed by Masayuki Suo.


Back to Index

== (20) ==============================================================


Date: Sat, 3 Aug 1996 00:22:19 EDT
To: Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group 
From: Ryoko Toyama 
Subject: Articles on Disney/Tokuma Deal [ Part 2 of 2 ]


______________________________________________________________________
The Columbian, July 26, 1996

BODY:
Disney  turns to Japan

Mickey, meet King Totoro.

Walt  Disney  Studios signed an agreement for worldwide distribution
rights for the works of Japanese animated film director Hayao
Miyazaki.  The deal announced Tuesday marks the first major investment
by a U.S. studio in Japanese-made entertainment.

"In the U.S., when people think of animation, they think of  Disney.
In Japan ... they think of Miyazaki, " said Joe Roth, chairman of Walt
Disney Studios.

Disney  expects to make money from the deal by selling Miyazaki
videotapes in Japan and Taiwan, Roth said.  Miyazaki's biggest success
in the United States has been "My Neighbor Totoro," a film about two
girls befriended by a plump, mythical creature named King Totoro.

Miyazaki has criticized recent  Disney  films, but said he is happy to
have his work marketed by  Disney.

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== (21-30) ===========================================================

10 more articles.