Sony's Goal: 9000 Original IPs Yearly, Powered by Kadokawa

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 significant 1.5x increase from their 2023 output. This aggressive expansion is fueled by Sony's substantial investment and acquisition of a 10% stake, making them Kadokawa's largest shareholder.

Kadokawa President Takeshi Natsuno, in an interview with Nikkei, outlined the plan. A key component involves leveraging Sony's global distribution network to expand internationally. The company projects reaching 7,000 titles by fiscal 2025, demonstrating confidence in their roadmap. To support this expansion, Kadokawa plans to increase its editorial staff by 1.4 times, aiming for approximately 1,000 employees.

This strategic growth includes a "media mix strategy," adapting existing IPs into anime and video games. Natsuno emphasizes the goal of creating a diverse portfolio leading to major successes. This collaboration benefits Sony, particularly Crunchyroll, their anime streaming service with over 15 million paid subscribers, which will gain access to a wider range of Kadokawa IPs.

Kadokawa's extensive IP library, encompassing 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, provides a strong foundation for this expansion. Sony's interest in multimedia expansion, including live-action adaptations and international distribution, aligns perfectly with Kadokawa's ambitions.

The partnership promises significant growth for both companies, leveraging their combined strengths to dominate the global entertainment market.