With Sony Group's significant investment and acquisition of 10% of its shares, Kadokawa Corporation has set an ambitious goal: publishing 9,000 original IP titles annually by fiscal year 2027. This represents a 50% increase over their 2023 output.
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 medium-term plan projects 7,000 titles by fiscal year 2025.
To support this expansion, Kadokawa plans to increase its editorial staff by 40%, aiming for approximately 1,000 employees. This expansion is designed to enhance efficiency and prevent staff burnout.
This increased output will incorporate a "media mix strategy," adapting successful IPs into anime, games, and other media. Natsuno emphasized the goal of creating a system where diverse content leads to major successes.
This collaboration benefits Sony as well. With Crunchyroll's extensive subscriber base, the partnership offers a significant platform for distributing Kadokawa's anime adaptations. Sony's interest in expanding into multimedia, including live-action adaptations and international distribution, aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's ambitions.
Kadokawa's impressive IP portfolio includes titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and numerous popular video game franchises. This strong foundation provides a solid base for their ambitious expansion plans.
