On February 17, KADOKAWA announced its acquisition of shares in Chiptune, an anime production company specializing in photography and CG (Computer Graphics). This move follows its recent acquisition of Doga Kobo, the studio known for Oshi no Ko, highlighting KADOKAWA’s increasing focus on anime production.

KADOKAWA’s Vision for Global Media Expansion

KADOKAWA’s mid-term business plan, extending to the fiscal year ending March 2028, revolves around its "Global Media Mix with Technology" strategy. This initiative aims to expand its IP portfolio and distribute content worldwide. Strengthening its anime production capabilities plays a crucial role in this strategy, ensuring a steady stream of high-quality anime while maximizing IP value.

Who is Chiptune?

Founded in 2012, Chiptune specializes in photography and CG, handling essential aspects of anime production, including background art and coloring. Photography in anime involves combining elements like 2D animation, backgrounds, and CG into a cohesive final image, along with adding effects and filters. As the final stage of production, this process directly impacts an anime’s visual quality.

Chiptune boasts top-tier photography directors and a highly skilled team, recognized for their exceptional work. The studio contributes to around 10 anime projects annually, with a portfolio including:

Penguin Highway (Film)
Saga of Tanya the Evil
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Blue Lock
Blue Giant
Ao no Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

KADOKAWA’s Growing Anime Production Network

In July 2024, KADOKAWA acquired Doga Kobo, a well-respected studio known for its expressive character animation and successful works such as Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun and NEW GAME!. Their most recent major hit, Oshi no Ko, gained worldwide popularity.

KADOKAWA now oversees six anime studios, including:
ENGI
Studio KADAN
Raging Bull
Belnox Films
Doga Kobo
Chiptune (newest acquisition)
Additionally, Kinema Citrus operates as a related company within its network.
The company stated, “By integrating Chiptune into our group, we can internalize anime photography, secure stable production resources, enhance visual quality, and preserve technical expertise.”

Comments from Chiptune and KADOKAWA

Chiptune expressed enthusiasm about joining KADOKAWA, stating:
"We were founded in 2012 with a focus on photography and CG, gradually expanding our team to include illustrators and background artists. Our late founder, Masayuki Narai, envisioned breaking barriers in animation creation. We aim to carry forward his vision with KADOKAWA."

KADOKAWA's Chief Anime Officer (CAO), Tsuyoshi Kikuchi, commented:
"We are thrilled to welcome Chiptune, a studio with one of the industry's strongest photography teams. By combining forces with our six group studios, we will push forward in creating even higher-quality anime."

Impact on KADOKAWA’s Business

KADOKAWA stated that this acquisition will have a minimal immediate financial impact on its consolidated earnings. However, it reinforces the company's long-term strategy of globalizing anime production and expanding its media influence.

Source : ORICON NEWS