Kadokawa's Ambitious Publishing Goal: 9,000 Original IPs Annually
Fueled by a significant investment from the Sony Group, Kadokawa Corporation has set a bold target: publishing 9,000 original intellectual property (IP) titles per year. This ambitious plan, detailed in a recent interview with Nikkei, represents a 50% increase over their 2023 output and aims for completion by fiscal year 2027.
Sony's Strategic Investment and Global Reach
Sony's acquisition of a 10% stake in Kadokawa marks a pivotal partnership. Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno highlighted the synergy, emphasizing the utilization of Sony's global distribution network to expand the reach of their IPs internationally. A medium-term plan projects 7,000 titles by fiscal year 2025, demonstrating a phased approach to this ambitious goal.
To support this expansion, Kadokawa plans to increase its editorial staff by 40%, aiming for approximately 1,000 employees. This strategic growth aims to maintain efficiency and prevent staff burnout.
Media Mix Strategy and Synergies with Sony
Kadokawa's strategy involves a "media mix" approach, leveraging its IPs across various media. This includes anime and game adaptations to maximize the potential of each property. Natsuno emphasized the goal of creating a diverse portfolio that fosters significant successes.
The partnership benefits Sony significantly. With Crunchyroll's extensive subscriber base (over 15 million paid subscribers), the collaboration opens avenues for integrating Kadokawa's IPs into its anime offerings. Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, encompassing live-action adaptations and international distribution, further strengthens this strategic alliance.
Kadokawa's extensive IP portfolio, including titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, and The Rising of the Shield Hero, alongside game franchises such as Elden Ring and Danganronpa, provides a strong foundation for this ambitious undertaking. The collaboration promises a significant expansion of both companies' influence in the global entertainment market.
