Kadokawa Aims for 9,000 Original IP Publications Annually, Fueled by Sony Investment
Following a significant investment from Sony Group, acquiring 10% of its shares, Kadokawa Corporation has set an ambitious goal: publishing 9,000 original intellectual property (IP) titles annually by fiscal year 2027. This represents a 50% increase over their 2023 output.
Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei (The Nihon Keizai Shimbun), outlined the plan. The company's medium-term management plan projects 7,000 titles by fiscal year 2025, paving the way for the ultimate 9,000-title target. This expansion will leverage Sony's global distribution infrastructure to bring Kadokawa's IPs to a wider international audience.
To support this growth, Kadokawa plans to increase its editorial staff by 40%, reaching approximately 1,000 employees. This strategic expansion aims to enhance efficiency and ensure sustainable growth without overburdening its workforce.
A Media Mix Strategy for Expanded Reach
Kadokawa's strategy involves a "media mix" approach, expanding its IPs through anime and game adaptations. Natsuno emphasized the goal of creating a system where diverse content leads to significant successes.
This collaboration benefits Sony as well. With Crunchyroll, boasting over 15 million paid subscribers, Sony gains access to a wider range of anime content from Kadokawa's extensive IP library, including titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, The Rising of the Shield Hero, Delicious in Dungeon, and My Happy Marriage. The partnership also extends to video game IPs such as Elden Ring, Dragon Quest, the Danganronpa series, and Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.
Sony's interest in expanding into the multimedia market, including live-action adaptations and co-producing anime for global distribution, aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's ambitious expansion plans. This strategic partnership promises to significantly impact the entertainment landscape.
