KADOKAWA Acquires SOZO, a Major Player in Southeast Asian Anime Events

KADOKAWA Expands Its Reach in Southeast Asia by Acquiring SOZO

In November 2025, KADOKAWA Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, officially announced the acquisition of SOZO Pte Ltd, a prominent company in the anime and entertainment industry based in Singapore. This strategic move allows KADOKAWA to integrate SOZO's extensive expertise in organizing major anime events, particularly the Anime Festival Asia (AFA), and its successful overseas J-POP concerts into its portfolio.

Background of SOZO

Founded in 2009 by Shawn Chin, SOZO has become a leading company in Southeast Asia, spearheading the promotion of Japanese pop culture through various platforms and content. The Anime Festival Asia, which debuted in Singapore in 2008, has expanded its reach to multiple countries across the region including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Japan, building a massive following with over 3 million attendees across 32 events so far. The festival serves as a hub for fans of anime, manga, and games, showcasing performances by top-tier artists and special panels featuring industry professionals.

The successful AFA Singapore 2024 attracted approximately 130,000 visitors over three days, featuring expansive exhibitions from both companies and fans, alongside interactive talks and concerts from leading global music artists, reaffirming its status as one of Southeast Asia's premier anime events.

Strengthening KADOKAWA’s IP Portfolio

KADOKAWA's acquisition of SOZO aligns with its global strategy to enhance and diversify its intellectual property (IP) offerings. The partnership aims to leverage the existing synergy between the two organizations, as KADOKAWA has long collaborated with SOZO over the past decade, particularly in co-hosting events like the Niconico Chokaigi and launching the Asia Creators Cross program.

By integrating SOZO into KADOKAWA’s operations, the company aims to strengthen its real events and D2C (Direct to Consumer) business, ultimately increasing the visibility and profitability of its IP. KADOKAWA has already established a robust presence in Southeast Asia, with subsidiaries in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, expanding into translation publishing, digital platforms, merchandise, and film distribution.

KADOKAWA’s strategy, titled “Global Media Mix with Technology,” focuses on maximizing the potential of diverse IP through innovative technology and multi-platform strategies, ensuring a seamless experience from creation to consumption of content.

Future Prospects

Shawn Chin, Managing Director of SOZO, expressed his excitement about joining the KADOKAWA family, citing the opportunity to collaborate with a prestigious and experienced group as transformative for SOZO. He noted the potential for elevating SOZO's reach and capabilities significantly within the Southeast Asian market.

Similarly, KADOKAWA's CEO, Tsukasa Natsuno, emphasized the importance of SOZO’s leadership in driving the excitement around anime culture in the region, predicting that the integration would allow KADOKAWA to provide a comprehensive range of IP experiences.

As the demand for Japanese pop culture flourishes in Southeast Asia, KADOKAWA's enhanced presence, coupled with SOZO's expertise, promises to foster greater appreciation for Japanese entertainment, thereby expanding its audience both regionally and globally.

The outcome of this acquisition will likely play a crucial role in the evolving landscape of entertainment in Southeast Asia, where interests in anime, manga, gaming, and music are surging alongside significant economic growth.

Conclusion

With the acquisition of SOZO, KADOKAWA is strategically positioned to tap into the growing enthusiasm for Japanese culture in Southeast Asia. This partnership not only emphasizes KADOKAWA's commitment to expanding its IP development but also enhances the expected reach and engagement within its events and media platforms. As they move forward together, both companies are set to unlock new potentials, making strides in the global anime and entertainment industry.