A news surprised fans this Tuesday (19)! Forbes revealed that Sony is currently in negotiations to acquire Kadokawa , one of the largest publishers in Japan. This possible acquisition promises to bring big changes to the entertainment industry, especially in the anime and manga market.
This strategy aligns with the previous acquisitions of Funimation and Crunchyroll , solidifying its position in anime distribution. Additionally, the company is developing AnimeCanvas , a software suite to streamline anime production.
Sony currently holds a 2% stake in Kadokawa and a 62% stake in FromSoftware, the subsidiary known for developing Elden Ring . The deals could close within weeks, and the impact is already visible: Kadokawa shares closed up 23%.
Who is Kadokawa Company?
Founded in 1945, Kadokawa began as a publishing company and today is a conglomerate encompassing magazines, books, games, films, and tabletop RPGs. It owns approximately 70% of the rights to anime IPs, releasing around 40 titles per year from studios such as ENGI ( Uzaki-chan ) and Kinema Citrus ( Shield Hero , My Happy Marriage ). Recent successes include Delicious in Dungeon .
Sony has already expressed interest in adapting IPs for live-action, capitalizing on the growing market for Marvel alternatives like One Piece and The Last of Us . However, the acquisition could also help Kadokawa overcome recent crises, such as a cyberattack and legal troubles involving its former president.
Ultimately, with the potential purchase, Sony would control more than 70% of the anime market, but it remains to be seen whether the company will continue investing or pursue a more aggressive approach.
Source: Forbes
