Sony's Kadokawa Investment Sparks Goal of 9000 Original IPs Per Year

Kadokawa, now a Sony Group subsidiary, sets ambitious publishing goals. With Sony's significant investment and acquisition of 10% of its shares, Kadokawa aims to publish 9,000 original IP titles annually by fiscal year 2027—a 50% increase from its 2023 output.

This aggressive expansion strategy, detailed in Kadokawa's medium-term management plan, projects 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025. The company plans to leverage Sony's global distribution network to expand its reach internationally. To support this growth, Kadokawa will increase its editorial staff by 40%, aiming for a workforce of approximately 1,000.

Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno emphasizes a "media mix strategy," expanding its IPs through anime and game adaptations. This diversification aims to maximize the success of its diverse portfolio.

This collaboration benefits Sony significantly, particularly Crunchyroll, its anime streaming service with over 15 million paid subscribers. The partnership will enrich Crunchyroll's anime library with Kadokawa's extensive IP catalog, including titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, and The Rising of the Shield Hero. Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, encompassing live-action adaptations and international distribution, aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's ambitions.

Kadokawa's diverse portfolio also includes popular video game IPs developed by studios under its umbrella, such as Elden Ring, Dragon Quest, and the Danganronpa series.

The partnership positions both companies for significant growth in the global entertainment market.