Sony Eyes Acquisition of Kadokawa Corporation

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

Sony's pursuit of Japanese media conglomerate Kadokawa has sparked a wave of optimism among Kadokawa employees, despite potential implications for the company's independence. While negotiations are ongoing, the positive reaction highlights underlying issues within Kadokawa's current leadership.

A Strategic Move for Sony, Potentially Less So for Kadokawa

Analyst Takahiro Suzuki, in an interview with Weekly Bunshun, suggests the acquisition benefits Sony more than Kadokawa. Sony's shift towards entertainment necessitates stronger intellectual property (IP) development, an area where Kadokawa excels with titles like Oshi no Ko, Dungeon Meshi, and Elden Ring. However, this acquisition could compromise Kadokawa's autonomy and lead to stricter management, potentially hindering its creative freedom. As noted by Automaton West, projects not directly contributing to IP creation might face increased scrutiny.

Kadokawa Employees Welcome the Change

Despite potential drawbacks, the acquisition is reportedly welcomed by many Kadokawa employees. Weekly Bunshun interviews reveal a largely positive sentiment, with employees expressing a preference for Sony's leadership over the current administration. This sentiment stems from dissatisfaction with the current CEO, Takeshi Natsuno, and his handling of a significant data breach earlier this year.

In June, a ransomware attack by the BlackSuit hacking group compromised over 1.5 terabytes of Kadokawa's data, including sensitive employee information. Natsuno's perceived inadequate response to this crisis fueled employee discontent, making a change in leadership a welcome prospect. The hope is that Sony's acquisition will lead to a necessary overhaul of Kadokawa's management.