Leading Japanese independent distributor Toho-Towa hascontracted with Los-Angeles- based Action 5 to be its sole US representative.The company will buy films for Toho-Towa to distribute in Japan, as well asproviding marketing support.

Action 5 is a new agency headed by Yoko Asakura, the formerCEO for Gaga America. While at Gaga, Asakura acquired the Japan rights to Fahrenheit911, 21 Grams, Kill Bill Vols. 1and 2, Hannibal and Van Helsing, among others.

Affiliated with the Toho group and founded in 1928,Toho-Towa has a long list of hits that includes Terminator 3 and Tomb Raider 2. Among its recent acquisitions are DarkWater, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Ladder 49, and BlackDahlia.