Anime Series OZMA to be Released on Viki
Viki, an international video site where TV shows and movies are translated into dozens of languages by a community of avid fans, has announced the worldwide premiere of Leiji Matsumoto’s OZMA, a new 6-part series by the Manga writer.
The series will first broadcast today, March 16 at midnight, on Japanese satellite broadcast provider WOWOW Prime. Then 24 hours after the broadcast, it will debut on Viki.com, where fans from more than 200 countries (excluding Japan) will be able to view the show for the first time.
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More than 30 years in the making, Leiji Matsumoto’s OZMA is based on a science-fiction action concept developed by Matsumoto and is produced in conjunction with WOWOW, Viki, Equity Pictures Japan, Pony Canyon and Slow Curve.
The show unfolds on an arid and devastated future Earth, and involves the mysterious, giant and moving “OZMA.” An epic space opera that entwines exciting sci-fi action and a suspenseful story, Matsumoto tackles the ultimate questions of life and existence.
Matsumoto is the writer behind many Manga and Anime classics, including The Galaxy Railways, Space Pirate, Captain Harlock and Star Blazers (Space Battleship Yamato).
“Premiering a new series like Leiji Matsumoto’s OZMA on Viki worldwide, from such a legendary manga writer, is an exciting way to celebrate the popularity of Anime for adoring fans,” said Razmig Hovaghimian, Viki, Inc. CEO and co-founder. “We’re especially grateful to honor the theme of OZMA by recognizing the one-year anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the Northeast Coast of Japan.”
Through a blog and social media campaign, Viki will encourage Anime fans around the world to donate to the Leiji World Summit (or other charity) to help in the effort to revitalize Tomioka, Fukushima.
In addition to Leiji Matsumoto’s OZMA, Viki will launch new and classic Anime titles from Japan this spring. Additional titles coming to Viki include Astro Boy, Black Jack, and The Galaxy Railways.
Photo courtesy: Viki
