UART, an emerging Hong Kong-based collectible figure company, has announced an agreement with Broccoli International for North American distribution and promotion.  Founded by Kiyotaki Hirai, a former Executive Vice President of Yamato Hong Kong, UART was established in 2005 and has already produced figures for BoBoBo-Bo Bo-BoBo, Hellsing, Zero-Shiki and To Heart 2.  The company's 2006-2007 line includes figures for Trigun, Ikki Tousen, Bastard!, and Tsukuyomi-Moon Phase.

Broccoli International, which was founded in 2002, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Broccoli Co. LTD, a Japanese multi-media company responsible for a number of hot properties including Di Gi Charat, Galaxy Angel, Aquarian Age, and Bushi Lord.  Broccoli International has released anime titles such as FLCL and Di Gi Charat in North America under its Synch-Point brand, as well as manga under its Broccoli Books imprint including Juvenile Orion, Aquarian Age, and Kamui, and numerous anime and manga-related items such as calendars, apparel, and cell phone straps.

UART's figures will be a major addition to Broccoli's growing line of anime and manga-related merchandise. To celebrate UART's move into the North American market the company is bringing Ikki Tousen creator Yugi Shiozaki to Comic-Con International in San Diego where UART's Ikki Tousen figures will be on display.