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 10% of Kadokawa's shares.
Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined the strategy. This includes leveraging Sony's global distribution network for international expansion and a planned increase in editorial staff to approximately 1,000, a 40% rise, to manage the increased workload efficiently. A medium-term plan projects 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025.
The company will employ a "media mix strategy," adapting successful IPs into anime, games, and other media. This diversification aims to maximize the impact of their diverse portfolio. This benefits Sony, owner of Crunchyroll, providing a significant influx of new anime content for its 15 million+ subscribers.
Kadokawa's extensive IP library includes titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and game franchises such as Elden Ring and Danganronpa. This partnership aligns with Sony's broader multimedia ambitions, encompassing live-action adaptations and international distribution.
The collaboration promises a significant expansion of both companies' reach and influence in the global entertainment market.
