Sony Acquires Kadokawa, Exciting Staff

Sony's Proposed Acquisition of Kadokawa: Employee Enthusiasm Amidst Concerns

Sony's bid to acquire Japanese media conglomerate Kadokawa has sparked a wave of optimism among Kadokawa employees, despite potential implications for the company's independence. While negotiations are ongoing, the positive employee sentiment offers a compelling counterpoint to analyst concerns.

Analyst Perspective: A Win for Sony, Uncertain Future for Kadokawa

Analyst Takahiro Suzuki, in an interview with Weekly Bunshun, suggests that the acquisition is more advantageous for Sony than for Kadokawa. Sony's strategic shift towards entertainment, coupled with its limited IP creation capabilities, makes Kadokawa's extensive portfolio—including titles like Oshi no Ko, Dungeon Meshi, and Elden Ring—a highly attractive asset. However, this acquisition could lead to stricter management and a loss of Kadokawa's operational autonomy. The potential for increased scrutiny on projects not directly contributing to IP development is also a concern.

Kadokawa Employees Welcome the Change

Despite these potential drawbacks, many Kadokawa employees reportedly favor the acquisition. Weekly Bunshun interviews reveal a generally positive atmosphere, with employees expressing a preference for Sony's leadership over the current administration.

This positive response is partly attributed to dissatisfaction with the current leadership under Takeshi Natsuno. The June 2024 cyberattack by the BlackSuit hacking group, resulting in a significant data breach including sensitive employee information, highlighted perceived inadequacies in Natsuno's crisis management. Many employees believe a Sony acquisition could lead to a change in leadership, improving the overall work environment. The prevailing sentiment seems to be: "If it has to be a buyout, why not Sony?"