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 to expand internationally. A medium-term plan projects 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025. To manage this increased workload efficiently, the company will expand its editorial staff by 40%, aiming for approximately 1,000 employees.
This expansion includes a "media mix strategy," adapting existing IPs into anime, games, and other media. Natsuno emphasizes diversity and variety to maximize success. The collaboration benefits Sony as well, particularly Crunchyroll, their anime streaming service with over 15 million subscribers. This partnership will significantly expand Crunchyroll's anime library with Kadokawa's extensive IP portfolio.
Kadokawa's IP library is extensive, including titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and My Happy Marriage, along with game IPs such as Elden Ring and Dragon Quest. Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, including live-action adaptations and international distribution, aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's ambitions.
The partnership promises significant growth for both companies, leveraging their respective strengths to dominate the global entertainment market. The ambitious goal of 9,000 original IP publications per year represents a bold step into the future of multimedia entertainment.
