Sony's Kadokawa Investment: Aiming for 9,000 Original IPs Annually

Kadokawa, now a Sony Group subsidiary, sets ambitious publishing goals. Aiming for 9,000 original IP publications 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 a plan to leverage Sony's global distribution network for international expansion. A medium-term plan projects 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025. To support this growth, Kadokawa plans to increase its editorial staff by 40%, aiming for approximately 1,000 employees.

This expansion includes a "media mix strategy," adapting successful IPs into anime, games, and other media. Natsuno emphasizes creating a system that fosters diversity and leads to major successes. This collaboration benefits Sony, particularly Crunchyroll, its anime streaming platform with over 15 million subscribers, providing access to a wider range of Kadokawa IPs.

Kadokawa's extensive IP portfolio includes titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, and The Rising of the Shield Hero, along with video game franchises such as Elden Ring and Danganronpa. This partnership aligns with Sony's multimedia ambitions, encompassing live-action adaptations, anime co-productions, and international distribution.

The increased output aims to broaden Kadokawa's reach and capitalize on the synergistic potential of the Sony-Kadokawa partnership.