Kadokawa, now backed by Sony Group, sets ambitious goal of publishing 9,000 original IPs annually. This represents a significant increase from their 2023 output and is detailed in their medium-term management plan, projecting 7,000 titles by fiscal year 2025.
Sony's Major Investment and Strategic Partnership
Following Sony's acquisition of a 10% stake, Kadokawa aims to leverage Sony's global distribution network for international expansion. This strategic alliance positions Sony as Kadokawa's largest shareholder.
President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined the plan to achieve this ambitious publishing target by fiscal year 2027. The company plans a 1.4x increase in editorial staff to approximately 1,000, ensuring efficient workflow and sustainable growth.
Expanding the IP Portfolio and Media Mix Strategy
Kadokawa intends to utilize a "media mix strategy," expanding its IPs through anime and game adaptations. Natsuno emphasized the goal of creating a system where diverse content leads to major successes.
This collaboration benefits Sony significantly, particularly Crunchyroll, their anime streaming platform with over 15 million paid subscribers. The partnership will enrich Crunchyroll's anime library with numerous Kadokawa IPs.
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, along with popular video game IPs such as Elden Ring, Dragon Quest, and the Danganronpa series. This strong foundation supports their ambitious expansion plans. Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, including live-action adaptations and international distribution, further strengthens the synergy of this partnership.
