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Sony's Kadokawa Investment Boosts IP Creation

By LillianFeb 23,2025

Kadokawa, now backed by Sony Group, sets ambitious goal of 9,000 original IP publications annually. This represents a significant increase from their 2023 output, aiming for a 1.5x growth by fiscal year 2027.

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

Sony's Major Investment Fuels Expansion

Following Sony's acquisition of a 10% stake, Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno announced the ambitious publishing target. This expansion will leverage Sony's global distribution network to increase international reach. A medium-term plan projects 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025, demonstrating confidence in achieving the ultimate goal.

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

To support this expansion, Kadokawa plans to increase its editorial staff by 1.4 times, reaching approximately 1,000 employees. This strategic increase aims to enhance efficiency and prevent staff overload.

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

Media Mix Strategy and Synergies with Sony

Kadokawa intends to implement a "media mix strategy," expanding its IPs into anime and game adaptations. Natsuno emphasized the goal of creating a system where diverse content leads to major successes.

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

This partnership benefits Sony significantly, particularly Crunchyroll, its anime streaming service with over 15 million paid subscribers. The collaboration will enrich Crunchyroll's anime library with Kadokawa's extensive IP portfolio.

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

Kadokawa's impressive IP portfolio includes titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and My Happy Marriage, along with popular video game franchises developed under its umbrella. Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, including live-action adaptations and anime co-productions, aligns perfectly with this partnership.

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