Kadokawa Pursues Content Creation with Sony Investment

Kadokawa, now a Sony Group subsidiary, sets ambitious publishing goals. Aiming for 9,000 original IP titles annually by fiscal year 2027, this represents a 50% increase from their 2023 output. This aggressive expansion is fueled by Sony's significant investment and acquisition of a 10% stake.

Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined the plan. The strategy involves leveraging Sony's global distribution network to expand overseas and a substantial increase in editorial staff to approximately 1,000. This expansion aims for efficiency and sustainable growth. An interim target of 7,000 titles by fiscal year 2025 is also projected.

The increased output will focus on a "media mix strategy," adapting successful IPs into anime, games, and other media. Natsuno emphasizes the goal of creating diverse content leading to major successes. This synergistic partnership benefits Sony, owner of Crunchyroll, by adding Kadokawa's extensive IP library to its streaming platform.

Kadokawa's portfolio includes notable titles such as Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and video game franchises like Elden Ring and Danganronpa. Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, including live-action adaptations and international distribution, aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's ambitions.

This collaboration promises a significant expansion of anime and other media adaptations, benefiting both companies and potentially reshaping the entertainment landscape.