Toonami picks up ‘YO-KAI WATCH’ in Asia

HONG KONG (June 25, 2015) – YO-KAI WATCH, the No. 1-rating cartoon sensation from Japanese creators Dentsu, will makes its debut across South and Southeast on Toonami later this month. The kids network has snapped up 65 half-hour episodes and will be available on an exclusive basis in almost all countries around the region.

YO-KAI WATCH follows the adventures of Keita, a boy who unearths a magical watch that allows him to meet and befriend friendly Yo-kai. Originating from Japan, YO-KAI WATCH has inspired a massive loyal following among kids and adults alike – leading to a nationwide dance sensation to one of the show’s featured tunes.

Starting on June 27, Toonami will air the quirky series as part of its Anime Siege primetime programming block which runs on weekends from 9:30am and also includes Beast Saga, Beywheelz, Beywarriors Beyraiderz, Inazuma Eleven Go Galaxy, Beywarriors Cyborg and Dragonball Z Kai.

Commenting on the acquisition, Mark Eyers said, “YO-KAI WATCH is the perfect complement to Toonami’s dynamic anime line-up. We’ve seen kids in North Asia react so positively to this unique series with its eccentric and surprising characters – and uplifting music. In both Japan and Korea, the franchise’s success has extended way beyond the screen to become a genuine phenomenon loved by both kids and families. We can’t wait to see YO-KAI WATCH enthrall Toonami’s audiences in South and Southeast Asia.”

The IP first began as a Nintendo computer game and contains the catchy theme song, Gera Gera Po, which is sung and danced to by thousands of children around the world. The franchise has so far generated an estimated US$1.5 billion in merchandise. Video sales have so far exceeded 6.5 million units, one million CDs, complemented by 4 million comic sales. Last December, the YO-KAI WATCH movie premiered in 347 screens in Japan garnering more than 6.5 billion yen from the box office in 3 weeks.

A special 90-second Gera Gera Po music video is also airing, teasing the premiere, as well as a watch-and-win competition. Toonami is a 24-hour action and anime destination designed for fanboys and girls – young and old – seeking a full-tilt, rollercoaster ride of adventure and fun.

YO-KAI WATCH Synopsis:
Keita Amano is just a regular boy living in a regular place called Sakura New Town. One summer’s day, he encounters a strange white Yo-kai called Whisper, who starts following him around. Whisper gives Keita a strange timepiece known as the Yo-kai Watch, and with it, he starts finding Yo-kai all over his hometown!

Keita soon learns that most everyday troubles are caused by Yo-kai, and that by persuading and sometimes battling with them, he can solve people’s problems, and make new Yo-kai friends in the process!

What is a Yo-Kai?
They’re not ghosts or monsters or creatures. You see, Yo-kai are, quite simply, Yo-kai. They can’t be seen by the human eye, but they’re everywhere. Whether born from the soul of a deceased human, or an everyday object discovering its higher purpose, their personalities are distinctly humanlike. That’s what makes Yo-kai special.

Watch YO-KAI WATCH!
Watch the Gera Gera Po dance here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-Ant_kXW64.
YouTube embed Code:
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For media enquiries, contact:
James Moore, Turner International Asia Pacific
James.Moore@turner.com
(+852) 3128-3720

About Toonami in Asia
Toonami is the ultimate home of the superhero. Packed with high-octane, top-rating animated series, Toonami is a dedicated destination for young action and adventure enthusiasts. Toonami is a superhero fantasy: a full-tilt, rollercoaster ride of adventure, quips, drama and a whole lot more. Featured action franchises include Justice League Unlimited, YOKAI-WATCH, Dragon Ball Z, Teen Titans, WAKFU: The Animated Series, Transformers: Robots in Disguise and Batman. The channel is currently available in several countries in Asia including India, Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. Toonami is a brand created and distributed by Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc., a Time Warner Company.

About Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific
Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc. creates and distributes award-winning brands throughout Asia Pacific. In the region, Turner runs 49 channels in 13 languages in 38 countries, including CNN International, CNNj, CNN, HLN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang, POGO, Toonami, World Heritage Channel, Warner TV, Oh!K, Turner Classic Movies, truTV, WB, MondoTV, TABI Channel and HBO in South Asia. Turner also manages distribution for HBO Defined and HBO Hits in India. Turner is a Time Warner company.

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