Sony's Kadokawa Investment Sparks Goal of 9000 Original IPs Per Year

Kadokawa, now a Sony Group subsidiary, sets ambitious goal of 9,000 original IP publications 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.

Following Sony's substantial investment and acquisition of a 10% stake, Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno announced the ambitious publishing target. This expansion will leverage Sony's global distribution network to broaden Kadokawa's international reach.

To achieve this, Kadokawa plans to expand its editorial team by 40% to approximately 1,000 employees, ensuring efficient workflow and sustainable growth.

This expansion will also incorporate a "media mix strategy," adapting successful IPs into anime, games, and other media formats. Natsuno emphasized the goal of fostering diversity to yield major successes.

This collaboration benefits Sony significantly, particularly Crunchyroll, its anime streaming platform with over 15 million subscribers. The partnership will enrich Crunchyroll's anime library with Kadokawa's extensive IP portfolio, including titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, and The Rising of the Shield Hero. Kadokawa's portfolio also includes popular video game IPs developed by studios under its umbrella.

Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, including live-action adaptations and anime co-productions, aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's strategy. This strategic partnership promises significant growth and expansion for both companies in the global entertainment market.