Kadokawa Corporation announced the acquisition of animation studio Doga Kobo on July 11, 2024.

Doga Kobo, known for titles such as Oshi No Ko, YuruYuri, Monthly Nozaki-kun for Girlsamong others, will become a subsidiary of Kadokawa.

Kadokawa's acquisition of Doga Kobo is part of its mid-term management plan to promote the “Global Media Mix with Technology” by the fiscal year ending March 2028.

This strategy focuses on the stable creation and global expansion of diverse intellectual properties (IPs).

Central to this strategy is the anime business, which Kadokawa plans to enhance by expanding production lines and strengthening production capabilities. The goal is to consistently produce engaging anime works and maximize the value of anime-centric IP.

By integrating Doga Kobo into its group, Kadokawa aims to enhance its production structure. This integration will see Doga Kobo collaborating with five other studios within the Kadokawa group: ENGI Inc., Studio KADAN Inc., Raging Bull Inc., Vernox Films Inc. and Kinema Citrus Co., Ltd.

This collaborative effort is expected to strengthen Kadokawa's ability to create anime works that resonate with global audiences.

“We are deeply honored to welcome Doga Kobo, a globally beloved anime studio with over 50 years of history, to our fold.”, said Takeshi Kikuchi, Chief Anime Officer (CAO) at Kadokawa. “By further enhancing the collaboration between the two companies, we will create more compelling and exciting works that will leave a lasting impression on audiences around the world.“

Ryuu Ishiguro, Representative Director of Doga Kobo, also expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating: “As we approach our 51st year since our founding, we have worked with many production companies, specialized companies, and manufacturers to create works. KADOKAWA has been a good partner in producing works together and a good understanding company. We will create an environment where Doga Kobo can continue to produce works with even more enthusiasm than before, and we will strive to release better works in the future. We ask for your continued support.“

Source: PR Times