Sony Targets 9,000 Original IPs Yearly with Kadokawa Investment

Kadokawa, now a Sony Group subsidiary, sets ambitious publishing goals. Aiming for 9,000 original IP publications annually by fiscal year 2027, this represents a 50% increase from their 2023 output.

This aggressive expansion follows Sony's acquisition of a 10% stake, making them Kadokawa's largest shareholder. President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined a plan to leverage Sony's global distribution network for international market penetration. A medium-term plan projects 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025.

To support this growth, Kadokawa plans to increase its editorial staff by 40%, reaching approximately 1,000 employees. This expansion aims to enhance efficiency and prevent staff burnout.

Kadokawa's strategy includes a "media mix" approach, expanding existing IPs through anime and game adaptations. Natsuno emphasized the goal of creating a diverse portfolio leading to significant successes. This collaboration benefits Sony, owner of Crunchyroll, by adding more Kadokawa IPs to its streaming platform.

Kadokawa's extensive IP library includes titles like Bungo Stray Dogs, Oshi no Ko, and The Rising of the Shield Hero, along with video game franchises such as Elden Ring and Dragon Quest. Sony's interest in multimedia expansion aligns perfectly, aiming for live-action adaptations and international distribution.