With Sony Group's substantial investment and acquisition of 10% of its shares, Kadokawa Corporation is setting an ambitious goal: publishing 9,000 original IP titles annually by fiscal year 2027. This represents a 50% increase from their 2023 output.
Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined the plan. This aggressive expansion strategy leverages Sony's global distribution network to broaden Kadokawa's international reach. The company's medium-term plan projects 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025, indicating a confident trajectory towards their ultimate goal.
To support this ambitious publishing schedule, Kadokawa plans to expand its editorial staff by 40%, aiming for approximately 1,000 employees. This strategic increase in personnel is designed to enhance efficiency and prevent staff burnout.
Kadokawa intends to implement a comprehensive "media mix strategy," expanding its IPs into anime and game adaptations. Natsuno emphasized the goal of creating a system where diverse content leads to significant successes.
This collaboration benefits Sony significantly, particularly Crunchyroll, its anime streaming platform with over 15 million paid subscribers. The partnership will enrich Crunchyroll's anime library with numerous Kadokawa IPs.
Kadokawa's extensive IP portfolio includes renowned titles such as Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and My Happy Marriage, along with popular game franchises developed by studios under its umbrella, including Elden Ring, Dragon Quest, and the Danganronpa series. Sony's interest in expanding into the multimedia market, including live-action adaptations and international distribution, aligns perfectly with this partnership.