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 10% of Kadokawa's shares.
Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined the plan. The strategy leverages Sony's global distribution network to expand Kadokawa's reach internationally. A key component is a substantial increase in editorial staff – a projected 40% growth to approximately 1,000 employees – to manage the increased workload efficiently. The company projects 7,000 titles by fiscal year 2025.
This expansion includes a "media mix strategy," focusing on anime and game adaptations of existing IPs. Natsuno emphasizes creating a system where diverse content contributes to major successes. This collaboration benefits Sony, particularly Crunchyroll, their anime streaming platform with over 15 million subscribers, by adding more Kadokawa IPs to their catalog.
Kadokawa's extensive IP library, encompassing titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, and The Rising of the Shield Hero, along with video game franchises such as Elden Ring and Dragon Quest, provides a strong foundation for this growth. Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, including live-action adaptations and international distribution, aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's ambitions.
The partnership promises a significant increase in original content and its adaptation across multiple media, capitalizing on both companies' strengths for global market penetration.
