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 ambitious goal follows Sony's significant investment, acquiring a 10% stake in Kadokawa. Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined a plan to leverage Sony's global distribution network for international expansion. A medium-term plan projects 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025.

To support this expansion, Kadokawa intends to increase its editorial staff by 40%, aiming for approximately 1,000 employees. This strategic staffing increase is designed to enhance efficiency and prevent staff burnout.

Kadokawa's strategy involves a "media mix" approach, adapting successful IPs into anime and video games. Natsuno emphasizes the creation of a system that fosters diversity and leads to major successes.

This collaboration benefits Sony significantly, particularly Crunchyroll, its anime streaming platform with over 15 million subscribers. The partnership will expand Crunchyroll's anime library with Kadokawa's extensive IP portfolio, including titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, and The Rising of the Shield Hero. Kadokawa's portfolio also includes numerous video game IPs developed by studios under its umbrella.

Sony's interest in multimedia expansion aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's plans, encompassing live-action adaptations, anime co-productions, and international distribution.