Tokyo, Japan - February 1, 2007 - The master craftsmen of Kotobukiya meet Halo's Master Chief!

Kotobukiya announces a new partnership with Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios in order to produce collectibles based on the best-selling video game franchise.

Kotobukiya will release at a series of ARTFX Statues (12" tall vinyl figural statues) throughout 2007, featuring characters from Halo 1 & 2, as well as the eagerly anticipated Halo 3. Renowned for amazing sculpting, painting, and design, the Tokyo based company will endeavor to produce high-end merchandise for the discriminating Halo collector.

Hiruma, Deputy Chief of Kotobukiya's Planning Division said, "We are honored to be able to work on such an incredible game. We are confident that the fans will like our stylish interpretations of the Spartans and other characters of the Halo universe!"

In order to ensure the highest possible level or accuracy and detail, all goods will be fully approved and authorized by the game creators of Bungie Studios. The Halo ARTFX Statues will be available on a worldwide basis, with character line up and release dates to be announced in the coming months.

"It's our great pleasure to collaborate with the talented sculptors, painters and artists at Kotobukiya, and a true joy to see our favorite characters and creatures captured in this unique medium," said Brian Jarrard of Bungie Studios.

The epic saga continues with Halo® 3, the hugely anticipated third chapter in the highly successful and critically acclaimed Halo franchise. Master Chief returns to finish the fight, bringing the epic conflict between the Covenant, the Flood, and the entire human race to a dramatic, pulse-pounding climax.

Halo 3 represents the third chapter in the Halo trilogy - an international award-winning action series that grew into a global entertainment phenomenon, selling more than 14.5 million units worldwide, logging more than 650 million hours of multiplayer action on Xbox Live®, and spawning books, a graphic novel, apparel, an upcoming film adaptation, and now Halo's first ever high-end statue series.

About Kotobukiya
With over 50 years experience in the toy industry, Kotobukiya has grown into Japan's number one collector toy company, with a peerless reputation for quality and craftsmanship. Many international fans first learned of Kotobukiya from the famous line of Final Fantasy merchandise, and more recently, collectors have been thrilled by Kotobukiya's high end line of Star Wars and Batman ARTFX Statues. Kotobukiya is always striving to further improve the material, detail, and design of all products. Kotobukiya continues to attract the attention of not only top artistic talents, but also the favor of publishers and licensors who wish to work with only the best the toy and collectibles industry has to offer. For more information, please visit the English language website www.KotoUS.com.