Kadokawa, now a Sony Group subsidiary, sets ambitious goal of publishing 9,000 original IPs annually by fiscal year 2027. This represents a significant 1.5x increase from its 2023 output.
This aggressive expansion strategy follows Sony's substantial investment, acquiring a 10% stake in Kadokawa. President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined the plan, which includes leveraging Sony's global distribution network for international market penetration. A medium-term goal of 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025 has also been established.
To support this growth, Kadokawa plans to expand its editorial staff by 1.4 times, reaching approximately 1,000 employees. This strategic increase aims to enhance efficiency and prevent staff burnout.
Kadokawa's strategy also involves a "media mix" approach, adapting successful IPs into anime, games, and other media formats. Natsuno emphasized the goal of creating a system where diverse content leads to major successes.
This collaboration benefits Sony significantly, particularly Crunchyroll, its anime streaming platform with over 15 million subscribers. The partnership will expand 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. Furthermore, Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, encompassing live-action adaptations and international distribution, aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's ambitions.
This strategic alliance positions both companies for significant growth in the global entertainment market.
