Sony Aims to Create 9,000 Original IPs Annually with Kadokawa Investment

With Sony Group's substantial 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 from their 2023 output.

Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined the plan. The company's medium-term strategy projects 7,000 titles by fiscal year 2025, paving the way for the ultimate goal. This expansion will leverage Sony's global distribution network to broaden Kadokawa's international reach.

To support this growth, Kadokawa plans to significantly expand its editorial team, increasing staff by 40% to approximately 1,000. This strategic increase aims to enhance efficiency and prevent staff burnout.

Kadokawa intends to implement a "media mix strategy," adapting successful IPs into anime, games, and other media. Natsuno emphasized the importance of diversity in creating major hits. This synergistic approach will benefit Sony, particularly its Crunchyroll streaming service, which boasts over 15 million paid subscribers.

This collaboration aligns with Sony's interest in expanding its multimedia presence, including live-action adaptations and international anime distribution. Kadokawa's extensive IP portfolio, encompassing titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, and The Rising of the Shield Hero, provides a strong foundation for this ambitious undertaking. The partnership also includes popular game IPs developed by studios under the Kadokawa umbrella, such as Elden Ring and the Danganronpa series.