KADOKAWA to integrate ENGI and four animation studios into a new Studio One base in November 2026
--
It is also noteworthy that KADOKAWA CEO Takeshi Natsuno mentioned earlier this year that there are simply too many animation and publishing companies, and that integrating the back offices of multiple companies would allow creators to focus on making.
The company plans to centralize management and back-office functions while improving employee welfare, the work environment, scheduling management, and operations. KADOKAWA said that the integrated structure would help creators focus more on production, stabilize schedules, and improve both quality and productivity.
Another goal is to bring together the diverse strengths of the five studios—animation, 3DCG, photography, art production, and more—into one. By bringing teams together in one place, KADOKAWA aims to promote knowledge sharing, personnel exchange, and education for young creators, while also making it easier for studios to collaborate on large-scale projects.
KADOKAWA stated that its group animation studios have produced a total of 48 works and 486 episodes since 2018, excluding works completed before each studio joined the group. In addition to the five studios, KADOKAWA also owns Studio Doga Kobo (OSHI NO KO, Though I Am an Inept Villainess) and also holds a 31.8% stake in The Rising of the Shield Hero, Goodbye, Lara.
Studio One Base is fully owned by KADOKAWA and is expected to have about 310 employees. Takeshi Kikuchi is scheduled to serve as president and representative director.
KADOKAWA’s Chief Animation Officer, Shō Tanaka, said that as global demand for animation continues to grow, the company aims to build a more sustainable production foundation while preserving each studio’s individuality and creative strengths.
