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

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 a 10% stake.

Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined the strategy. Leveraging Sony's global distribution network, Kadokawa plans significant overseas expansion. A medium-term plan projects 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025. To support this growth, editorial staff will increase by 40%, reaching approximately 1,000 employees.

This expansion includes a "media mix strategy," adapting successful IPs into anime and games. Natsuno emphasizes creating a system fostering diversity and leading to major successes.

This collaboration benefits Sony, owner of Crunchyroll, a platform with over 15 million paid subscribers. Kadokawa's IP library, including titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, and The Rising of the Shield Hero, will significantly enrich Crunchyroll's anime offerings. Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, encompassing live-action adaptations and international distribution, aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's ambitions.

The partnership also includes popular video game IPs such as Elden Ring, Dragon Quest, the Danganronpa series, and Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.