Japan’s Kadokawa Company is liable for a number of the largest titles in isekai anime together with Sword Art Online, Overlord, KonoSuba, and Re:Zero. Going way back to the Seventies, the family-owned firm grew to become a pioneer of the “media-mix” technique—publishing books, together with manga, that might be tailored into movies and TV exhibits. Not like different studios that sometimes should share income with varied publishers, Kadokawa handles all the things in-house, permitting it to totally capitalize on its mental property. This strategic benefit is one cause Sony not too long ago grew to become an investor in Kadokawa—the corporate has a confirmed monitor report of turning manga and light-weight novels into hit anime.
New information has emerged, providing a clearer image of simply how profitable Kadokawa’s anime titles actually are, and the way the mighty isekai style is now taking second place to an idol singer. Richardson Handjaja of the Animenomics Substack blog not too long ago shared an infographic detailing the company’s third-quarter earnings for 2024, breaking down income by high ten titles and mental properties. One factor is evident from the figures: Oshi no Ko is a blockbuster hit within the Japanese leisure trade.
Oshi no Ko: a Blockbuster Hit That Tops Even Isekai
The Darkish Idol Drama Generates Huge Earnings
A bittersweet, usually darkish story about life within the idol music trade, Oshi no Ko debuted as a manga in Weekly Younger Bounce in 2020, illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari and written by Aka Akasaka. Kadokawa performed a key position within the manufacturing and distribution of the Oshi no Ko TV anime and not too long ago acquired Doga Kobo, the animation studio behind the collection. Now, it seems these investments have paid off.
In response to Kadokawa’s third-quarter earnings, gross sales attributed to Oshi no Ko reached ¥5.4 billion (roughly $36 million) in 2024 alone. Since April 2023, the collection has generated over ¥9 billion (roughly $60 million), making it an enormous success by any metric. That’s nice information as Oshi no Ko gears up for its third season, set to debut in 2026
Kadokawa’s Isekai Powerhouses
A Shiny Future for Anime
Whereas Oshi no Ko stands as Kadokawa’s high earner, some acquainted titles are additionally outstanding within the fiscal report. Fantasy-themed isekai collection have lengthy been a specialty for Kadokawa, so it’s no shock that Scrumptious in Dungeon, Overlord, Re:Zero − Beginning Life in One other World, and KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Fantastic World! nonetheless rank among the many firm’s high revenue-generating anime.
Associated
Oshi no Ko Season 3 Locks in Release Date With Special First Look
Oshi no Ko has lastly damaged the silence on its upcoming third season, revealing its anticipated launch window and sharing a brand new promo picture.
With Oshi no Ko main the cost and fan-favorite isekai titles like KonoSuba and Scrumptious in Dungeon bringing in strong numbers, Kadokawa is exhibiting no indicators of slowing down. The corporate’s distinctive means to juggle publishing, anime manufacturing, and distribution all beneath one roof offers it a critical edge within the trade. As outdated favorites and new diversifications roll out, it’s clear that Kadokawa’s system for turning tales into hits continues to be going robust.
Supply: Richardson Handjaja (X)
