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 a 10% stake.
Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined the strategy. This includes leveraging Sony's global distribution network to expand overseas. A medium-term plan projects 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025. To support this growth, Kadokawa plans to increase its editorial staff by 40%, reaching approximately 1,000 employees.
This expansion will incorporate a "media mix strategy," adapting successful IPs into anime, games, and other media. Natsuno emphasizes creating a system where diverse content generates major hits.
This collaboration benefits Sony, owner of Crunchyroll, by adding Kadokawa's extensive IP library—including titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, and The Rising of the Shield Hero—to its streaming platform. 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 video game IPs developed by companies under its umbrella, such as FromSoftware (Elden Ring), Spike Chunsoft (Danganronpa), and Acquire (Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story). This strategic partnership positions both companies for significant growth in the global entertainment market.
