Kadokawa Wants to Lay Off Employees Aged 45 and more

Kadokawa has announced major internal changes involving its workforce as part of a broader global restructuring strategy. The move has raised attention because, while not direct layoffs, Kadokawa wants to lay off employees aged 45 by encouraging them to leave voluntarily.

Kadokawa Wants to Lay Off Employees Aged 45

The voluntary retirement program from Kadokawa was officially announced on May 14 as part of an effort to make the company leaner and more efficient. The initiative targets employees aged 45 or older who have at least five years of service at the company.

The main goal of Kadokawa wants to lay off employees aged 45 through this program is to reduce operational costs in an increasingly competitive industry that includes anime, games, and publishing. Instead of direct layoffs, the company is pushing for voluntary exits, which is a common corporate strategy in Japan.

How the program works

The program will be open from June 1 to June 26, with departures expected shortly after the selection process (dates are still provisional according to the company).

Employees who choose to participate will receive additional severance benefits on top of standard compensation, as well as career reemployment support. While this approach is legal and common in Japan, the idea that Kadokawa wants to lay off employees aged 45 has sparked discussion due to its impact on experienced staff.

Fonte Kadokawa via Automaton