KADOKAWA to make animation production studio "Animation Studio", creator of [SUGIMONO], etc., a subsidiary.

KADOKAWA Inc. announced that it has agreed to acquire shares of animation production studio Dogakobo Inc. and make it a subsidiary.

Background and purpose of making it a subsidiary

As a strategy for its animation business, which is the core of its media mix, the KADOKAWA Group aims to maximize IP value with animation at its core by expanding its production line and strengthening its production capabilities, thereby building a system to continuously create appealing animation works. In its medium-term management plan through the fiscal year ending March 31, 2028, the company's basic strategy is to promote "Global Media Mix with Technology," centered on the stable creation of a diverse portfolio of IPs and their widespread worldwide deployment.

Founded in 1973, Animation Studio Animation Studio has been highly acclaimed by animation fans around the world for its engaging character portrayals and carefully crafted animation that expresses the worldview of the work itself. The studio has a wealth of animation production experience and has been working with KADOKAWA for about 10 years, producing a wide variety of anime such as "Monthly Shoujo Nozaki-kun," "NEW GAME! The company has been a major topic of conversation not only in Japan but also in other countries.

KADOKAWA Group will further strengthen its structure for the creation of globally accepted animation productions by welcoming GEIDOUKOBO and collaborating with its subsidiaries ENGI Corporation, Studio KADAN Corporation, Raging Bull Corporation, Bell Knox Films Corporation, and affiliated company Kinema Citrus Co. The company will further strengthen its structure for the creation of animation works that can be used globally.

Comments from Ryu Ishiguro, Representative Director of Animation Studio Inc.

As we enter our 51st year of operation, we have worked with many production companies, specialty companies, and manufacturers, and KADOKAWA has been a company that we have worked with and has been a good friend. We will do our best to create an environment that allows us to continue to create works with even greater ambition, and we look forward to your continued support as we strive to bring out even better works in the future.

Comment from Mr. Tsuyoshi Kikuchi, Chief Anime Officer, KADOKAWA Co.

Ltd., an animation studio with more than 50 years of history and loved around the world, is a great pleasure to welcome them to the KADOKAWA Group. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership and creating more attractive and exciting works that will remain in the hearts and minds of people around the world.