BioKite Introduces New Healthy Way to Get High; Kite Company Launches U.S. Business in Conjunction With National Kite Month.

Lifestyle Editors/Business Editors

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 22, 2003

BioKite, maker of the world's most technologically advanced kites, today announced the opening of its United States business headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new company launch coincides with National Kite Month, which is celebrated every April with kite festivals and exhibitions across the country.

Unlike typical kites flown this month, easy-to-fly BioKites are designed using aerodynamic principles to create lift and eliminate air resistance. BioKite honors the bond between science and nature by applying this aeronautic technology to amazingly life-like and life-sized kites shaped like animals, birds and butterflies. With the launch of BioKite, the company offers its easiest-to-fly Seagull and Falcon models, with advanced designs to be added to the line later.

"Studies show that American children are at a health and weight risk through inactivity," said Dean McCune, product manager for BioKite. "With our company's launch, it is our intention to encourage children and families to fly kites, enjoy the fun together, and get some fresh air, sunshine and exercise and appreciate the beauty and science in the kite itself."

Because BioKites are based on lift instead of wind resistance, they are easier to fly in all wind conditions. They take to the skies much more readily than conventional kites, eliminating the frustration and exhaustion normally associated with getting the kite in the air. For the first time, even small children and wheelchair-bound aficionados can launch and fly a kite easily, even in a light breeze.

BioKites vs. Ordinary Kites

Kite flying typically requires a lot of open space and rigorous running toward the wind, because kites fly on wind resistance, and they fly low and far. In Japan where BioKites were developed, there are fewer large areas available to fly kites, particularly in urban environments. So BioKites were made to fly in light winds and immediately go upwards, which means one can fly them in small lots and parks.

                  BioKite                 Traditional Kite

Shape             Free form, must be      Fixed form, either
                   symmetrical on each     triangular or square
                   side.

Flying method     Lifts immediately; can  Lift off by running against
                   fly while standing or   the wind, flies by wind
                   sitting                 resistance

Strength of wind  Possible at wind        Possible with wind
                   velocities starting     velocities between 9.0-22.5
                   at 3.3 mph.             mph.

Height achieved   Easy to lift to 2300    Maximum 650 ft.
                   ft.

Thread and reel   Requires very thin      Need heavier thread; due to
                   thread, 0.1mm nylon,    strong wind force, a reel
                   for example; easy and   is not possible to use.
                   fun "fishing" reel
                   can be used in
                   releasing and winding
                   in BioKite.

Ascending angle   High and upright        Low and far

BioKite holds an international patent on its kite superstructure, and its ultra-light skin material is from a proprietary design. The exclusive superstructure that is the key to BioKites' magic is modeled after an airplane with a similar backbone and symmetrical wing design. A unique rudder mechanism controlled by a pinch of bonding Velcro in the fabric further enhances the kite's airworthiness. Its flexible, breathable skin is made of environmentally safe, non-woven fabric.

"BioKites are designed as the antithesis of conventional kites, which fly using air resistance," added McCune. "As in airplane design, the structure and breathable fabric of our BioKites reduce wind resistance, which is the key to making them so easy to fly."

The first two BioKites are available now through online ordering at the company's website and include string. A unique "fishing" pole for instant launch and maximum control is available as an option; advanced poles are also offered.

About BioKite

BioKite, the U.S. division of Morihisa Engineering Co. Ltd. of Japan, is located in Las Vegas and has evolved from a partnership between an environmentalist businessman and a like-minded doctor of electrical engineering. Their vision is to share a new type of kite with children, families, and outdoor and kiting enthusiasts while interesting them in the principles of aerodynamics, science and nature. The company's kites are made of proprietary and patented materials and designs, and are assembled by skilled members of handicapped organizations in Japan. Morihisa Engineering intends to establish the same style of manufacturing system in the U.S. For more information, please visit www.biokiteworld.com.

Attention Editors: Electronic images and MPEG video are available from www.biokiteworld.com or by contacting Susie Cover at [e-mail].