Sony's potential acquisition of Kadokawa has sparked excitement among Kadokawa employees, despite concerns about losing independence. This article explores the reasons behind their optimism.

Sony and Kadokawa: Ongoing Acquisition Talks

Analyst: Acquisition More Beneficial for Sony

Sony's confirmed intention to acquire Kadokawa, while still under negotiation, has generated mixed reactions. Economic analyst Takahiro Suzuki, speaking to Weekly Bunshun, suggests the acquisition benefits Sony more than Kadokawa. Sony's shift towards entertainment necessitates strong 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 independence, potentially leading to stricter management and scrutiny of projects not directly contributing to IP creation.

Kadokawa Employees Express Optimism

Despite potential drawbacks, many Kadokawa employees reportedly welcome the acquisition. Interviews with Weekly Bunshun reveal a positive atmosphere, with employees expressing a preference for Sony over the current leadership.

This positive sentiment stems largely from dissatisfaction with the current Natsuno administration. A veteran employee highlighted the lack of response from President Takeshi Natsuno following a significant data breach in June, where hackers stole over 1.5 terabytes of data, including sensitive employee information. The perceived inadequate handling of this crisis has fueled employee desire for change, with many believing a Sony acquisition would lead to a change in leadership.