Tokyo, Japan - Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; President: Tatsuo Higuchi) today announced the March 29, 2008 publication of "Kids Who Eat, Play and Sleep, Grow", the first volume in the renewed OTSUKA Zoku Health Comic Library series targeting elementary school children. Produced with editorial supervision from the Japan Medical Association and the Japanese Society of School Health, and endorsed by the Japan Pediatric Association, the renewed series will be distributed free-of-charge to private and public elementary schools throughout Japan (approx. 23,000 schools) and to Japanese schools overseas. To enable viewing by the maximum number of people, portions of Volume 1 will be posted on the Otsuka Pharmaceutical website^* from April 1, 2008. Initially featuring one cartoon, content will be added to the website in stages.

• *URL:http://www.otsuka.co.jp/company/environment/comiclibrary/ (Japanese version only)

Early-stage lifestyle-related diseases are said to be on the increase among children. "Kids Who Eat, Play and Sleep Grow" focuses on diet, exercise, and sleep, the basics of health for growing children, aiming to educate readers about the importance of a balanced diet, adequate exercise through active play, and getting a good sleep.

An editorial committee of five experts, including Professor Mitsuru Higuchi of the Waseda University Faculty of Sport Sciences, oversaw the content of the volume, while 12 well-known cartoonists, including Takashi Yanase, Fujio Akatsuba, and Tetsuya Chiba, each provided a cartoon. At the end of each chapter, content is summarized on a page incorporating puzzles and word games, providing an entertaining way for kids to expand their understanding of the messages. To encourage children to share the content with their friends, Volume 1 has been published in five installments.

The following messages were received from an editorial committee member and a contributing cartoonist to commemorate publication of Volume 1 of the OTSUKA Zoku Health Comic Library series, "Kids Who Eat, Play and Sleep, Grow"

Yoshiteru Muto, Professor, Graduate School of Education, Department of Physical and Health Education, University of Tokyo (editorial committee member)

As set forth in the sayings, "children thrive who play in the cold" and "children who sleep, grow", children must play hard, sleep well and eat plenty for physical and spiritual growth and development. And children themselves must be aware of their bodies, their health, and of the importance of life. This library was conceived to present this and other vital information in an entertaining and easy to understand format. Long live kids who play in the cold!

Takashi Yanase (cartoonist)

With its fresh approach, this Health Comic Library series is fascinating, easy to read and easy to understand. I assisted with some of the illustrations, and I learned many things from this entertaining project. These days, though we are deluged with information about health, we often dont really understand the basics. Like many others, I would be stumped for a proper answer if kids were to ask me, "How do our bodies grow?" "Why should we eat three meals a day?" This little book provides eye-opening knowledge and answers and is a refreshing read!

Beginning in 1989, Otsuka Pharmaceutical published a volume each year of the original OTSUKA Health Comic Library series (12 volumes in all), aimed at stimulating interest and helping elementary school students enjoy learning about health and how their bodies function. These volumes were distributed free of charge to approximately 25,000 public and private elementary schools around Japan. Copies are available in elementary school healthcare rooms, libraries and classrooms and are used extensively by teachers as well as students.
A new step was taken in 2001 with the publication of the OTSUKA New Health Comic Library aimed at growing junior high school children, with six volumes published through 2007. Distributed to approximately 11,000 public and private junior high schools in Japan and to Japanese schools overseas, the series has also been available in healthcare rooms and libraries, allowing students free access to the books. Both series have also been widely used in the curriculum, and surveys sent out after the books had been distributed elicited comments such as "easy to understand", "interesting" and "increased my interest in health in an entertaining way"

Otsuka Pharmaceutical is convinced that "Kids Who Eat, Play and Sleep, Grow", the 1st volume in the OTSUKA Zoku Health Comic Library , will be useful in developing childrens interest in and deepening their understanding of health.

Based on the corporate philosophy of 'Otsuka - people creating new products for better health worldwide', Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. will continue to contribute to the health of people around the world.