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Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi Float In Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Date: 11/2/2005 |
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www.macysparade.com For Puffy AmiYumi, the Japanese rock phenomenon whose imaginary exploits are immortalized weekly in the hit Cartoon Network original series Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi- what could possibly be next? A custom-built float for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, of course, where they will perform live to an audience of over 50 million viewers.. The vibrant Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi float, which will feature the performers as well as giant-sized, puppet versions of their cartoon alter-egos, is the latest Macy's Parade entrant for Cartoon Network. As Ami and Yumi glide down Broadway on Thanksgiving Day, their presence will mark the beginning of a spirited holiday licensing and merchandising campaign headlined by a global partnership with toy giant Mattel. Designed and crafted by the magic-making artists at the Macy's Parade Studio, the Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi float is modeled after the cartoon duo's decked-out, mystical tour bus. A life-sized puppet of well-intentioned but stingy, band manager Kaz, will be piloting the musical bus and large bobble-head editions of the duo's favorite felines, Jeng Kan and Tekirai, are also on board. The real-life Ami and Yumi will not only dazzle fans with their music as the float cruises through Manhattan, they will also perform a 90-second song in front of Macy's -- Herald Square, the World's Largest Store and the heart and center of the Parade. Every year some 2.5 million people line the streets of New York to view the Parade in person and another 50 million tune in to watch it on television. "The Macy's Parade is one of the most respected and adored American institutions," said Dennis Adamovich, senior vice president of marketing for Cartoon Network. "Perhaps the most highly anticipated event of the holiday season, the Parade also provides a spectacular platform for us to present and celebrate our popular cartoon characters with a large family audience. Puffy AmiYumi fans will also enjoy a rare treat - seeing the band perform live on television for millions of people." "We are delighted to be a part of this wonderful family tradition," said Kim McQuilken, executive vice president of Cartoon Network Sales and Marketing. "The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a perfect way to celebrate the start of this festive season. In addition, the exposure we can offer our licensing partners at this event is unprecedented and frankly, matchless. It's a great opportunity to launch this budding franchise and entertain Puffy fans nationwide." "For everyone in the Macy's organization, one of the highlights of the current Parade year has been our exciting partnership with Cartoon Network," says Robin Hall, Executive Producer of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "This creative collaboration has helped us develop a concept that really breaks the mold; the new Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi float's unique design and dazzling scale bring a fantastic energy to the Parade." Fans will be able to recreate their own rocknroll adventures with the Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi Mattel toy line which will be on shelves nationwide. Fashion dolls in the likeness of Ami and Yumi that sing and speak in both Japanese and English, spunky small dolls inspired by the animated characters, engaging playsets, toys and a "Rockin' World Tour" transforming tour bus are just a few of the items that will available. Through December 15, coupled with another popular Cartoon Network series Codename Kids: Next Door, the Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi merchandise will be featured in a special, limited-time-only toy shop in the midst of the Toys R Us flagship store in New York's Times Square |
| Source: Anime News Service |
