Sony Invests in Kadokawa for 9000+ Original IPs

Kadokawa, now a Sony Group subsidiary, sets ambitious goal of publishing 9,000 original IPs annually by fiscal year 2027. This represents a significant increase from their 2023 output.

This aggressive expansion strategy follows Sony's substantial investment, acquiring a 10% stake in Kadokawa. Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined the plan, projecting 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025 as an intermediate milestone.

Leveraging Sony's global distribution network, Kadokawa aims for substantial international growth. To support this expansion, the company plans to increase its editorial staff by 40% to approximately 1,000 employees, ensuring efficient workflow and sustainable growth.

Kadokawa's strategy includes a "media mix" approach, expanding its IPs into anime and game adaptations. Natsuno emphasizes the goal of creating a system that fosters diversity and leads to major successes. This synergistic partnership benefits Sony, owner of Crunchyroll, by adding a wealth of new anime content to its platform.

Kadokawa's extensive IP portfolio includes renowned titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and My Happy Marriage, alongside popular video game franchises such as Elden Ring, Dragon Quest, and Danganronpa. This collaboration aligns with Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, encompassing live-action adaptations, anime co-productions, and international distribution.