Tokyo, Japan – Media giant Kadokawa, a major player in the anime industry, is shifting its strategy towards producing more sequels and longer series, raising concerns about the potential for creative stagnation. This move, aimed at stabilizing production and increasing revenue, could inadvertently stifle originality and place further strain on an already demanding industry.
A New Strategy: Sequels and Longer Series
Takeshi Kikuchi, Kadokawa’s chief anime officer, recently outlined the company’s plan to prioritize sequels to hit series and increase the number of episodes per season. This strategy contrasts with the previous approach of simply increasing the number of new productions. Kikuchi stated, “Simply increasing the number of productions will result in thinner profits amid high costs. Rather than increasing the number of projects, we need to come up with creative ideas such as making sequels to hit series and increasing the number of episodes.” This shift is also coupled with a plan to expand the number of in-house animation studios, with Kadokawa aiming to control more of its production pipeline. Current in-house studios include ENGI, KADAN, Kinema Citrus and Doga Kobo.
The company’s decision is driven by a desire for stable production and increased revenue. Kadokawa’s current annual anime sales are reportedly over 30 billion yen (approximately $190 million USD), and the company aims to increase that by 1.5 times within the next three years. By focusing on established franchises, Kadokawa hopes to capitalize on existing fan bases and reduce the risks associated with launching new intellectual property (IP). Some of their most successful franchises include Re:Zero, Oshi no Ko, The Eminence in Shadow and Classroom of the Elite.
Potential Benefits of the Strategy
While the focus on sequels and longer series raises concerns, there are potential benefits. According to Kadokawa, longer production windows and working with the same freelancers on sequels could allow for more opportunities to correct animator skills and potentially raise the average skill level in the industry. This approach could also lead to more sustainable work for freelancers and even bring talented individuals in-house, thus addressing the issue of animator shortages.
Additionally, longer series may offer viewers a more in-depth and satisfying experience. By expanding the narrative and character development, sequels can enhance the overall appeal of a beloved franchise. This could lead to greater fan engagement and increased revenue opportunities through merchandise and other avenues. The company also aims to align anime production schedules with the original source material, aiming to promote and localize series overseas in advance to increase chances of success.
Risks to Originality and Creativity
However, the shift towards sequels poses a significant risk to originality within the anime industry. Prioritizing adaptations of existing franchises could limit the opportunities for new and innovative stories to emerge. This approach could also pressure publishers to focus on promoting series with the potential for long adaptations, potentially overshadowing more unique and original works.
There’s a growing concern that this model will encourage studios to play it safe, opting for familiar formulas rather than taking creative risks. The anime market has seen a rise in the popularity of certain genres such as isekai and rom-coms and Kadokawa is already taking advantage by focusing on these genres. If studios become too reliant on sequels, the industry could risk losing its vibrancy and the ability to produce groundbreaking and memorable works. Many fans express concern that sequels can tarnish the original and that not all series need sequels to continue.
Impact on Production Quality
While Kadokawa hopes this strategy will lead to improved working conditions for animators, there’s a risk it will exacerbate existing issues. The push for more episodes and faster production could further strain production schedules, leading to rushed animation and a decline in quality. Anime producer Yuichi Fukushima recently highlighted the challenges in planning for two-cour anime series, further demonstrating the potential difficulties of Kadokawa’s plans.
The anime industry already faces challenges related to overwork and outsourcing, and an increase in the length of series may worsen these issues. With more work to be done in shorter time frames, the burden placed on animation studios and their staff could be intensified. There are reports of animators facing health issues due to overwork. This would be a counterproductive outcome as it would diminish the quality of the content while also negatively impacting those who are creating it.
Industry-Wide Implications
Kadokawa’s new strategy could have broader implications for the anime industry. As one of Japan’s largest anime producers, other major production companies may follow suit, leading to an industry-wide shift towards sequels and longer series. This could create an environment where studios are less likely to invest in original content, potentially hindering the industry’s long-term growth and innovation.
The anime industry is experiencing substantial growth, with the global market estimated at $31.23 billion in 2023 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% between 2024 and 2030. This growth is fueled by the increasing popularity of streaming platforms and demand for Japanese content globally. However, a myopic focus on sequels and longer series may jeopardize the industry’s ability to sustain this growth by limiting creative diversity and potential for new hits.
Balancing Stability and Creativity
The challenge for Kadokawa and the broader anime industry is to find a balance between the need for stable production and the importance of fostering creativity and originality. While sequels and longer series can provide a reliable revenue stream, they should not come at the expense of fresh ideas and the development of new talent.
As Kadokawa moves forward with its new strategy, it’s crucial for them and other studios to invest in original projects and diverse voices to ensure that the anime industry continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide. There are many examples of successful anime sequels, but also ones that have disappointed fans, showing the risk of focusing solely on sequels instead of new IPs. The industry needs to be wary of sequel inflation, which could result in the oversaturation of a few select franchises while not allowing new ideas to flourish.
The company’s plan to expand its in-house studios could also create more opportunities for new talent to enter the industry, while its partnerships with global streaming platforms can expose new audiences to anime. The key will be for Kadokawa to carefully consider the consequences of their new direction, and ensure that financial stability does not come at the cost of the artistic integrity and creative heart of the anime industry.
