Kadokawa, now majority-owned by Sony Group, sets ambitious goal of publishing 9,000 original IPs annually by fiscal year 2027. This represents a 50% increase from their 2023 output.
This aggressive expansion strategy, announced by Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno to Nikkei, leverages Sony's global distribution network to broaden Kadokawa's international reach. An interim goal of 7,000 titles by fiscal year 2025 is also projected. To support this growth, Kadokawa plans to increase its editorial staff by 40%, to approximately 1,000 employees.
The plan includes a "media mix strategy," expanding existing IPs into anime and game adaptations. This diversification aims to maximize the success of their diverse portfolio. This benefits Sony, owner of Crunchyroll, which will gain access to a wider range of Kadokawa's anime properties.
Kadokawa's extensive IP library includes notable titles such as Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and My Happy Marriage, along with video game franchises like Elden Ring, Dragon Quest, and Danganronpa.
Sony's interest in multimedia expansion aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's ambitions, promising increased live-action adaptations, co-produced anime, and streamlined global distribution.
