KADOKAWA Launches KADOKAWA Creators Targeting Anime Labor Crisis

KADOKAWA Corporation has established a new animation studio, KADOKAWA Creators Co., Ltd., targeting the structural workforce crisis in Japan's anime industry. Announced on March 31, KADOKAWA Creators integrates training within production capacity, strengthening the company’s anime and live-action productions.

KADOKAWA positioned the new studio as part of the second phase of KADOKAWA’s “Creating Creators. Creating Studios.” initiative, which the company launched on March 5. KADOKAWA Creators will begin its operation from the start of the first quarter of 2026 (April).

According to the press release, the studio will facilitate a dedicated pipeline for training entry-level creators into professional animators. The entry-level animators will get full-time production work “in a professional setting.”

How KADOKAWA Creators Targets Workforce Crisis in the Anime Industry

Kadokawa Creators Studio addresses some consistent issues observed in the anime industry, such as skilled animators, stable work environment, fixed pay, and learning curriculum. Industry veterans will supervise employees and receive dedicated skill training on both software and hardware, while also participating in programs such as "Animator Drill," which is designed to improve the painting abilities of animators.

According to a study by the Japan Research Institute, Japan's anime industry suffers from low retention rates and a lack of training opportunities. The crisis has resulted in an attrition rate of 25% within four years and 68% within eight years.

The wider picture of Japan’s anime industry echoes similar concerns. Multiple case studies have already shown transactional and contractual problems for animators. A JFTC survey, covering 130 companies, has highlighted that 52.1% of surveyed animators were unsatisfied with their compensation and work conditions.

Teikoku Databank's industry survey found that 60% of anime production companies saw a profit decline in 2024, despite the domestic anime production market reaching a high of roughly $2.45 billion USD.

With the backdrop of the current situation in the Japanese anime industry, KADOKAWA’s new establishment will invest “in people, the driving force behind IP creation and maximizing LTV.” As per the company, the KADOKAWA Creators’ vision also aligns with KADOKAWA’s longstanding strategy of "Global Media Mix with Technology."

“Starting from here, we will build an ecosystem in which talent circulates from the group and related educational institutions to the production site,” stated KADOKAWA CEO Tsuyoshi Kikuchi, while discussing the vision behind KADOKAWA Creators. The facility will later be moved to  KADOKAWA’s Studio One Base, located in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City.