Sony Wants to Buy Kadokawa and Their Employees Are Thrilled

Sony's Proposed Acquisition of Kadokawa: Employee Enthusiasm Amidst Concerns

Sony's confirmed bid to acquire Japanese media conglomerate Kadokawa has sparked a wave of optimism among Kadokawa employees, despite potential implications for the company's autonomy. While negotiations are ongoing, the prospect of Sony's involvement has been met with largely positive reactions.

A Strategic Move for Sony, but Uncertain Benefits for Kadokawa?

Economic analyst Takahiro Suzuki, in an interview with Weekly Bunshun, suggests the acquisition would be more advantageous for Sony than for Kadokawa. Sony's strategic shift towards entertainment necessitates a stronger IP portfolio, a weakness Suzuki believes Kadokawa's extensive library of anime, manga, and game IPs can address. Titles like Oshi no Ko, Dungeon Meshi, and Elden Ring highlight the significant value Kadokawa brings to the table.

However, this acquisition could significantly curtail Kadokawa's independence. As reported by Automaton West, the increased corporate oversight under Sony's management could stifle Kadokawa's creative freedom, potentially leading to stricter scrutiny of projects deemed less commercially viable.

Kadokawa Employees Welcome the Change

Despite these potential drawbacks, the prevailing sentiment among Kadokawa employees is one of approval. Weekly Bunshun reports widespread support for the acquisition, with many employees expressing a preference for Sony's leadership over the current management.

This positive response is largely attributed to dissatisfaction with the current administration under Takeshi Natsuno. A veteran employee cited the inadequate response to a June cyberattack by the BlackSuit hacking group as a primary reason for the desire for change. The breach compromised vast amounts of data, including sensitive employee information, and the perceived lack of decisive action by Natsuno has fueled employee discontent. The hope is that a Sony acquisition would lead to a change in leadership, potentially improving internal management and communication.