Kadokawa Opposes the Removal of its CEO at Shareholder’s Request
Do you remember that some time ago we published here that a Hong Kong company called Oasis became Kadokawa’s largest shareholder after purchasing a large percentage of the company? Well, they have already started making moves, and they wanted to remove Kadokawa’s CEO, but the Japanese company opposed it.
Kadokawa Opposes the Removal of its CEO at Shareholder’s Request
The fund, linked to Hong Kong-based Oasis Management Company, pointed out several concerns involving Kadokawa. Among them are the alleged “quantity over quality” strategy in IP creation, difficulties in fully expanding the company’s global potential despite owning FromSoftware, as well as the decline in earnings per share since Takeshi Natsuno took over leadership.
Another point mentioned was the damage caused by the cyberattack suffered by the company in 2024, in addition to concerns related to the studio Doga Kobo, acquired by Kadokawa in July 2024.
Kadokawa’s board of directors responded by stating that many of the criticisms do not correctly represent the company’s current situation, even considering some allegations to be false. According to the company, removing Takeshi Natsuno at this moment would be something negative for Kadokawa’s medium- and long-term growth.
The company highlighted that since Natsuno assumed the CEO position in 2021, there has been gradual revenue growth and strengthening of the company’s expansion foundations in areas such as anime, games, and publishing. Kadokawa also stated that it has been expanding its animation production structure and investing in international operations.
Despite this, the company acknowledged recent difficulties in the anime and publishing sectors, especially due to rising production costs and the lack of major commercial hits.
Kadokawa also revealed a new medium-term management plan and stated that it intends to continue strongly investing in the strategy called “Global Media Mix with Technology,” considered essential for the company’s future under Takeshi Natsuno’s leadership.
via Kadokawa