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

Kadokawa's Ambitious Plan: 9,000 Original IPs Annually

Following a significant investment from Sony Group, acquiring a 10% stake, Kadokawa Corporation has set a bold target: publishing 9,000 original intellectual property (IP) titles per year by fiscal year 2027. This represents a 50% increase from their 2023 output.

Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei (The Nihon Keizai Shimbun), outlined the ambitious plan. The company's medium-term management plan projects reaching 7,000 titles by fiscal year 2025, paving the way for the ultimate goal. This expansion will leverage Sony's global distribution network, facilitating international reach for Kadokawa's IPs.

Image From Kadokawa’s Official Website

To support this growth, Kadokawa plans to expand its editorial staff by 40%, aiming for approximately 1,000 employees. This strategic increase in personnel aims to enhance efficiency and prevent staff burnout.

A Media Mix Strategy for Enhanced Storytelling

Kadokawa's strategy involves a "media mix" approach, expanding its IPs into anime and game adaptations. Natsuno emphasized the goal of creating a system where diversity in content leads to significant successes. This synergistic approach will benefit Sony, particularly its Crunchyroll streaming service, which boasts over 15 million paid subscribers. The partnership promises to significantly enrich Crunchyroll's anime library with Kadokawa's extensive catalog.

Kadokawa's impressive IP portfolio includes popular titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, The Rising of the Shield Hero, Delicious in Dungeon, and My Happy Marriage. Their influence extends to the gaming world, encompassing IPs such as Elden Ring, Dragon Quest, the Danganronpa series, and Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.

This collaboration aligns with Sony's broader strategy of expanding into multimedia entertainment, encompassing live-action adaptations, anime co-productions, and international distribution.