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

Kadokawa, now majority-owned by Sony Group, sets ambitious publishing goals. Aiming for 9,000 original IP publications annually by fiscal year 2027, this represents a significant 1.5x increase from their 2023 output.

This aggressive expansion strategy, detailed in Kadokawa's medium-term plan, projects 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025. The increased output leverages Sony's global distribution network and anticipates a 1.4x growth in editorial staff to approximately 1,000.

Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno emphasizes a "media mix strategy," expanding IPs through anime and game adaptations. This diversification aims to maximize success rates, creating a system where variety breeds hits.

This collaboration benefits Sony, particularly Crunchyroll, their anime streaming service with over 15 million paid subscribers. The partnership will significantly expand Crunchyroll's anime library with Kadokawa's extensive IP portfolio, including titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, and The Rising of the Shield Hero. Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, encompassing live-action adaptations and international distribution, further fuels this synergy.

Kadokawa's diverse holdings extend to video game IPs developed by subsidiaries, including Elden Ring, Dragon Quest, and the Danganronpa series. This comprehensive approach positions Kadokawa for substantial growth in the global entertainment market.