Sony Eyeing Kadokawa Buyout, Employees Express Delight

Sony's Pursuit of Kadokawa: Employee Enthusiasm Amidst Potential Loss of Independence

Sony's confirmed bid to acquire Japanese conglomerate Kadokawa has sparked a surprising reaction: widespread employee enthusiasm. While the acquisition might mean a loss of independence, Kadokawa staff remain optimistic, a sentiment explored further below. Negotiations are ongoing, with no final decision yet announced.

Analyst Suggests Acquisition Benefits Sony More Than Kadokawa

Economic analyst Takahiro Suzuki, in an interview with Weekly Bunshun, suggests the acquisition would be more advantageous for Sony. Sony's strategic shift towards entertainment necessitates robust intellectual property (IP) development, an area where Kadokawa excels. Kadokawa boasts a strong portfolio of IPs across gaming, anime, and manga, including titles like Oshi no Ko, Dungeon Meshi, and Elden Ring. However, Suzuki notes that this acquisition would likely lead to decreased autonomy for Kadokawa, subjecting its operations to stricter Sony oversight. As Automaton West translates, the potential loss of freedom in publishing and increased scrutiny on non-IP-generating projects are significant concerns.

Kadokawa Employees Express Positive Sentiment Towards Sony Acquisition

Despite the potential downsides, Weekly Bunshun reports a positive employee response to the proposed acquisition. Many interviewed expressed no objections, favoring Sony's acquisition over the status quo. This sentiment is partly attributed to dissatisfaction with the current Natsuno administration.

A veteran employee highlighted widespread employee discontent with the handling of a June cyberattack by the BlackSuit hacking group. This attack resulted in the theft of over 1.5 terabytes of data, including sensitive employee information. The perceived inadequate response from President and CEO Takeshi Natsuno has fueled the desire for change, with many employees hoping a Sony takeover would lead to his removal. The acquisition, therefore, is viewed by many as a potential catalyst for positive internal reform.