Sony Wants to Buy Kadokawa and Their Employees Are Thrilled

Sony's proposed acquisition of Kadokawa has sparked excitement among Kadokawa employees, despite potential concerns about loss of independence. This article explores the reasons behind their optimism.

Analyst Suggests Acquisition Benefits Sony More

Sony's confirmed bid for Kadokawa, while still under negotiation, has generated mixed reactions. Economic analyst Takahiro Suzuki, as reported by Weekly Bunshun, believes the deal primarily benefits Sony. Sony's shift towards entertainment requires strong IP development, an area where Kadokawa excels with titles like Oshi no Ko, Dungeon Meshi, and Elden Ring. However, Suzuki notes Kadokawa's potential loss of autonomy and the increased scrutiny of projects not directly contributing to IP creation.

Kadokawa Employees Express Positive Sentiment

Despite the potential drawbacks, Weekly Bunshun reports a largely positive employee response to the potential Sony acquisition. Many interviewed expressed approval, suggesting Sony as a preferable alternative. This positive outlook is partly attributed to dissatisfaction with the current leadership under Takeshi Natsuno.

A veteran employee highlighted widespread employee discontent with Natsuno's handling of the June 2024 cyberattack by the BlackSuit hacking group. The attack resulted in a significant data breach, including sensitive employee information, and the perceived inadequate response from Natsuno has fueled the desire for change. Many employees believe a Sony acquisition could lead to a change in leadership.