Sony's proposed acquisition of Kadokawa has generated a surprising reaction: employee enthusiasm. Despite potential loss of independence, Kadokawa staff express optimism about the tech giant's involvement. This article explores the reasons behind their positive outlook.
Analyst: A Better Deal for Sony
While Sony's intent to acquire Kadokawa is confirmed, the deal remains under negotiation. Analyst Takahiro Suzuki, in an interview with Weekly Bunshun, suggests the acquisition benefits Sony more than Kadokawa. Sony, shifting its focus from electronics to entertainment, lacks strong IP creation capabilities. Kadokawa, with its extensive portfolio including titles like Oshi no Ko, Dungeon Meshi, and Elden Ring, offers a significant boost to Sony's entertainment ambitions. However, this comes at the cost of Kadokawa's autonomy. The acquisition could lead to stricter management and increased scrutiny of projects not directly contributing to IP development.
Kadokawa Employees Welcome the Change
Interestingly, Weekly Bunshun reports a positive employee response to the potential acquisition. Many interviewed expressed no opposition, viewing Sony as a preferable alternative to the current leadership. This sentiment stems from widespread dissatisfaction with the Natsuno administration's handling of a June cyberattack by the BlackSuit hacking group. The attack resulted in the theft of over 1.5 terabytes of data, including sensitive employee information. The perceived inadequate response from President Takeshi Natsuno has fueled employee discontent, leading to hopes that a Sony takeover would bring about leadership changes. The prevailing feeling among many employees is, "Why not Sony?"
The acquisition remains pending, but the employee reaction highlights underlying issues within Kadokawa and a surprising level of hope for a brighter future under Sony's management.
