Sony Group (SONY, Financial) has announced a significant investment of approximately 50 billion yen ($320 million) to acquire new shares in Kadokawa Group, increasing its stake to around 10%. This move makes Sony the largest shareholder in the Japanese media giant. The strategic alliance between Sony and Kadokawa aims to enhance collaboration in content investment and the discovery of new creators. This acquisition is expected to bolster Sony's entertainment portfolio, which includes gaming, film, music, and anime.
Both companies, along with Tencent Holdings, are major shareholders of FromSoftware, the developer of the popular game "Elden Ring." Sony already owns a 2% stake in Kadokawa and shares in its subsidiary, FromSoftware. Kadokawa, originally a publisher, has expanded into games, anime, and other ventures. Sony's focus on anime aligns with its global growth strategy, driven by the popularity of streaming services and Japanese culture.
