Sony's Kadokawa Funding Fuels Ambitious IP Creation

Kadokawa, now a Sony Group subsidiary, sets ambitious goal of 9,000 original IP publications annually. This significant expansion, representing a 1.5x increase from fiscal year 2023, is detailed in their medium-term management plan, projecting 7,000 titles by fiscal year 2025.

Following Sony's acquisition of a 10% stake, making them Kadokawa's largest shareholder, this ambitious publishing plan is underway. President Takeshi Natsuno highlighted the strategic use of Sony's global distribution network for international expansion.

To support this growth, Kadokawa plans to increase its editorial staff by 1.4 times, reaching approximately 1,000 employees, ensuring efficient workflow and sustainable expansion.

This expansion includes a "media mix strategy," leveraging their IPs across various media, including anime and game adaptations, aiming for diverse and successful projects. Natsuno emphasizes the creation of a system that fosters variety and diversity to yield major hits.

This collaboration benefits Sony significantly, particularly Crunchyroll, their anime streaming service with over 15 million paid subscribers, which will gain access to a wider range of Kadokawa IPs. Sony's interest in multimedia market expansion, encompassing live-action adaptations and international distribution, further strengthens this partnership.

Kadokawa's extensive IP portfolio, including titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and numerous video game franchises, forms the foundation for this ambitious undertaking. This strategic alliance positions both companies for considerable growth in the global entertainment market.