Kadokawa Announces Reform of Its Animation and Film Production, and Launches New Vision: 'Creating Creators. Creating Studios'

Animation Production Hub "Studio One Base" Set to Open in Ikebukuro, Tokyo in Autumn 2026

Tokyo, Japan - KADOKAWA CORPORATION has announced the launch of a new vision, "Creating Creators. Creating Studios.”, designed to fundamentally strengthen its animation and film production structure. This vision aims to create an environment in which creators can take pride in their work. As the first step under this new vision, KADOKAWA will consolidate its animation production studios and establish Studio One Base. The approximately 4,628 m2 facility will be located within Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and is scheduled to open in autumn 2026.

In recent years, Japan's animation industry has continued to expand globally, with the number of titles and the scale of projects increasing. However, the industry is facing issues at its production sites, including a shortage of creators and complex operations, and must, as a whole, develop a sustainable production structure. Against this background, KADOKAWA has positioned its animation production structure as a key pillar supporting the expansion of its IP.

In April 2025, KADOKAWA established the new Studio Business Division, which oversees animation and film production studios across sectors. The company has since been improving work environments and reinforcing its systems for recruiting and developing human resources, including consolidating back-office functions, improving welfare programs, and having all its studios participate in joint recruitment activities. Studio One Base is being established as a large-scale animation production hub, and KADOKAWA will physically consolidate multiple animation production studios within it to ensure that information is promptly shared and integrated into operations.

KADOKAWA will create an environment that enables creators to focus on production and will strengthen the integration of studios' expertise and the development of young creators, in addition to further accelerating existing initiatives, such as consolidating back-office functions.

KADOKAWA will continue to enhance its IP creation capabilities by enhancing its production capacity and expanding its support for creators under its vision, Creating Creators. Creating Studios.

■ OUTLINE of Studio One Base

● Scheduled Opening: Fall 2026 (planned)
● Location: An office space in the Sunshine City Building in Ikebukuro
● Total Floor Area: Approx. 4,628 m2
● Occupying Companies: KADOKAWA CORPORATION (related departments), ENGI Co., Ltd., Studio KADAN Co., Ltd., RagingBull Inc., BELLNOX FILMS Co., Ltd., and chiptune, Inc.
● Number of Employees: Approx. 400 people

■ Future Prospects
The impact of this matter towards KADOKAWA's consolidated business results is expected to be immaterial.