KADOKAWA and note Unite Forces for Next-Gen IP Ecosystem Development

KADOKAWA and note Form Strategic Partnership

On March 24, 2026, KADOKAWA Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, and note Corporation, also based in Tokyo, announced a significant capital and business partnership aimed at developing a next-generation Intellectual Property (IP) operational ecosystem. As the landscape of content creation and distribution shifts dramatically with advancements in digital technology and generative AI, both companies seek to create an environment where creators can reach wider audiences, generate revenue, and sustain their creative endeavors. This collaboration aims to develop a new model where creation, distribution, monetization, and rights protection operate in an interconnected, cyclical manner.

Background of the Partnership

KADOKAWA, with a mission to connect talents worldwide through creative platforms, has been a leading force in creating diverse IPs that span various media, including publishing, anime, live-action films, games, and merchandise. The company aims to maximize the value of its IPs through a strategy called Global Media Mix with Technology, utilizing technology to deliver its creative content to users globally.

Conversely, note operates a media platform where creators can publish user-generated content (UGC) such as text, images, audio, and videos, fostering a community where users can enjoy and support these creations. As of November 2025, note has gained over 11.14 million registered users, with nearly 69.56 million pieces of content, making it one of Japan's premier creator economy platforms. The company focuses on enhancing accessibility for creators to share their work more broadly with society.

Both KADOKAWA and note share a vision for maximizing content creation and engagement through robust platforms, and they recognize the need to adapt to evolving market conditions. The partnership seeks to establish a sustainable growth trajectory by integrating AI-driven data distribution models and evolving towards a next-generation IP ecosystem that marries UGC with professional editorial capabilities. By combining KADOKAWA's media and editorial expertise with note's traffic generation and UGC framework, significant synergies are anticipated from this collaboration.

Areas of Collaboration

1. IP Creation and Development: The partnership will encourage an increase in book adaptations from content on note, striving to innovate beyond conventional publishing processes. In addition to books, content related to merchandise and events will also be developed, aiming to enhance profitability and establish a new creative ecosystem. Collaborative support for monetizing writers through note's membership features will also be prioritized.

2. Publishing DX: KADOKAWA will utilize the SaaS infrastructure of note's note pro on some of its websites, promoting operational efficiency and cost reduction. By leveraging note's platform characteristics, the partnership aims to enhance SEO and improve traffic from AI-driven searches. Furthermore, feedback and reviews from various contents on note will be consolidated into new promotional channels, creating a revitalized value chain.

3. AI Data Distribution: The two companies will collaborate through the GENIAC project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, to establish robust data distribution frameworks suitable for the AI era. This involves developing equitable revenue models based on fair valuation of content assets for copyright holders and establishing a clear RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) model regarding rights.

4. Fan Community Development: They will also explore utilizing KADOKAWA's video distribution know-how within the note platform. This initiative aims to deepen engagement between creators and their fans through visual and audio broadcasting and is focused on expanding both companies' membership bases and creating new revenue opportunities.

Comments from Leadership

Sadakazu Kato, CEO of note: "Our mission at note has always been to allow anyone to start and continue creating. I am honored to partner with KADOKAWA, known for producing exceptional original content and spreading that across multiple platforms. It feels serendipitous as I once worked at ASCII, part of the KADOKAWA family. Together, we aim to foster a new creative ecosystem suitable for the AI age."

Tsuyoshi Natsuno, CEO of KADOKAWA: "I am incredibly pleased with our partnership with note, Japan's largest UGC platform. The diverse talents and enthusiasm emerging from note are crucial to our next-generation IP development. By combining our strengths, we endeavor to create a new ecosystem that shares creator talents with the world at unprecedented speeds."

About the Media Platform note

Launched in April 2014, note is a media platform allowing creators to share their works, including writing, images, audio, and videos, while users enjoy and support this content. The platform seeks to foster a safe environment that embraces diversity, providing opportunities for individuals and organizations to discover beloved works and meet interesting people. It has become one of the leading platforms in Japan's creator economy with over 69.56 million pieces of content and 11.14 million users as of November 2025.

About KADOKAWA

KADOKAWA is a comprehensive entertainment company engaged in publishing, animation, live-action films, games, web services, and education. The company focuses on discovering talents globally and creating diverse IPs, promoting their transition across various media using its strategy of Global Media Mix with Technology to maximize IP value.

For further details, visit KADOKAWA's official website.