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

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 follows Sony's acquisition of a 10% stake, making them Kadokawa's largest shareholder. President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined a plan to leverage Sony's global distribution network to reach international markets. A medium-term plan projects 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025.

To support this growth, Kadokawa intends to increase its editorial staff by 40%, aiming for approximately 1,000 employees. This strategic hiring aims to boost efficiency and prevent staff burnout.

Kadokawa's strategy includes a "media mix" approach, expanding its IPs into anime and game adaptations. Natsuno emphasized the goal of creating a diverse portfolio that yields significant successes. This collaboration benefits Sony, owner of Crunchyroll, by adding more Kadokawa IPs to its streaming platform.

Kadokawa's extensive IP library includes notable titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, and The Rising of the Shield Hero, along with popular game franchises like Elden Ring and Danganronpa. Sony's interest in multimedia expansion aligns perfectly with this strategy, focusing on live-action adaptations and international distribution.