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 compared to their 2023 output.
Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei (The Nihon Keizai Shimbun), outlined the company's plan. This aggressive expansion strategy leverages Sony's global distribution infrastructure to reach international markets. The company's medium-term management plan projects reaching 7,000 titles by fiscal year 2025, demonstrating confidence in achieving the ultimate goal. To support this growth, Kadokawa plans to increase its editorial staff by 40%, aiming for approximately 1,000 employees.
Image From Kadokawa’s Official Website
Expanding the Media Mix Strategy
This increased output will be complemented by a strengthened "media mix strategy." Natsuno emphasized the importance of diversifying content and creating a system where variety leads to major successes. This includes expanding into anime and game adaptations of existing IPs.
The partnership benefits Sony significantly. With Crunchyroll, boasting over 15 million paid subscribers, Sony gains access to a vast library of potential anime content from Kadokawa's extensive IP portfolio. This includes popular titles such as Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, The Rising of the Shield Hero, Delicious in Dungeon, and My Happy Marriage, along with video game IPs like Elden Ring, Dragon Quest, the Danganronpa series, and Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.
Sony's interest in expanding into multimedia entertainment, including live-action adaptations and co-producing anime for global distribution, aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's expansion plans. This strategic alliance promises a significant boost to both companies' presence in the global entertainment market.
