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

Kadokawa, now a Sony Group subsidiary, ambitiously targets 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 significant investment, acquiring a 10% stake in Kadokawa. President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined a plan leveraging Sony's global distribution network to broaden Kadokawa's international reach. An interim goal of 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025 is also projected.

To support this growth, Kadokawa plans to increase its editorial staff by 40%, aiming for approximately 1,000 employees. This strategic expansion prioritizes efficiency to avoid overworking staff while achieving ambitious targets.

Kadokawa's strategy includes a "media mix" approach, expanding IPs into anime and game adaptations. Natsuno emphasized the goal of creating a system where diverse content leads to major successes. This synergistic partnership benefits Sony, particularly Crunchyroll, its anime streaming platform with over 15 million subscribers. The collaboration will enrich Crunchyroll's anime library with Kadokawa's extensive IP portfolio.

Kadokawa's impressive IP library includes titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and My Happy Marriage, alongside video game IPs such as Elden Ring and the Danganronpa series.

Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, including live-action adaptations and anime co-productions, aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's ambitions, creating a powerful partnership for global market penetration.