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

With Sony Group's substantial investment and acquisition of 10% of its shares, Kadokawa Corporation has set an ambitious goal: publishing 9,000 original intellectual property (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 aims to leverage Sony's global distribution network to expand its reach internationally. A medium-term plan projects 7,000 titles by fiscal year 2025.

To achieve this, Kadokawa will significantly expand its editorial staff, aiming for a 40% increase to approximately 1,000 employees. This expansion is designed to boost efficiency and prevent staff burnout.

This increased output will also focus on a "media mix strategy," adapting successful IPs into anime, games, and other media. Natsuno emphasizes the goal of creating a system where diverse content leads to major successes.

This collaboration benefits Sony as well. With Crunchyroll's extensive subscriber base, the partnership provides a significant platform for Kadokawa's anime adaptations. Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, including live-action adaptations and international distribution, aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's ambitions.

Kadokawa's extensive IP portfolio, including titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, and The Rising of the Shield Hero, along with its involvement in popular game franchises like Elden Ring and Dragon Quest, provides a strong foundation for this ambitious expansion.