Kadokawa has acquired Chiptune Inc., an anime production studio known for its expertise in compositing and CG (computer graphics). This acquisition marks Kadokawa’s seventh studio, as part of its ongoing strategy to internalize key production processes and enhance creative resources.
Enhancing Anime Production with Chiptune
Founded in 2012, Chiptune has contributed to major anime projects, handling compositing, CG, background art, and coloring. The studio is involved in around 10 anime projects annually, with notable works including Penguin Highway, Saga of Tanya the Evil, BLUE LOCK, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, and BLUE GIANT.
Compositing, a crucial stage in anime production, blends elements such as hand-drawn animation, CG, and background art to create a polished final product. By bringing Chiptune into its fold, Kadokawa aims to streamline its production pipeline, enhance quality control, and nurture the next generation of compositing professionals.
Kadokawa’s Strategic Growth in the Anime Industry
Kadokawa has outlined a strategy for rapid expansion in the anime market, including four key goals for 2023:
- Establishing a dedicated in-house anime studio to address talent shortages.
- Expanding popular anime franchises by increasing the number of seasons.
- Gaining full control of IP rights, including publishing, merchandising, and event management.
- Strengthening global reach by managing IP rights both domestically and internationally.
An Expanding Network of Anime Studios
Chiptune joins a growing list of anime studios under Kadokawa, which already includes ENGI, Studio KADAN, Raging Bull, Vernox Films, and Doga Kobo. Additionally, Kadokawa holds a 31.8% stake in Kinema Citrus, making it an affiliate rather than a subsidiary.
This acquisition solidifies Kadokawa’s in-house production capabilities, reducing reliance on external partners and tightening control over its intellectual properties (IP).
Statements from Chiptune and Kadokawa
Chiptune’s statement expressed the company’s dedication to continuing its founder Masayuki Narai’s vision of creating boundary-breaking anime. The studio also emphasized its expansion into key animation, background art, and color design, along with in-house illustrators.
Kadokawa’s Chief Anime Officer, Takeshi Kikuchi, welcomed Chiptune’s highly skilled compositing team to the company. He also affirmed Kadokawa’s commitment to honoring Narai’s vision while growing Chiptune and collaborating with Kadokawa’s other studios.
Global Expansion and Partnership with Sony
This acquisition aligns with Kadokawa’s broader global expansion goals, particularly following its recent strategic partnership with Sony. Completed in early 2025, the alliance saw Sony acquire a 10% stake in Kadokawa, becoming its largest shareholder. Together, Kadokawa and Sony plan to:
- Invest jointly in anime and live-action productions
- Distribute Kadokawa’s works globally via Sony’s platforms
- Promote IPs across various entertainment mediums
Sony’s ownership of studios like A-1 Pictures and CloverWorks, along with its distribution network through Aniplex and Crunchyroll, provides Kadokawa with significant international reach. The partnership also opens doors for cross-media collaborations, leveraging Sony’s PlayStation ecosystem.
In addition, Kadokawa reported its titles earned over $130 million from April to December 2024, with top-selling titles including OSHI NO KO, Delicious in Dungeon, Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, and Overlord.
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