KADOKAWA is taking a significant stride in its international expansion strategy by partnering with South Korean entertainment powerhouse BY4M STUDIO to establish a translation publishing firm. This move, slated for post-May 2024, marks a continuation of KADOKAWA’s aggressive global outreach, following successful ventures in Indonesia and France. The collaboration aligns with KADOKAWA’s vision of a “Global Media Mix with Technology,” aiming to capitalize on the vibrant Korean language market, where KADOKAWA’s content is already highly sought-after.
BY4M STUDIO, renowned for its innovative use of new generation media, brings to the table a robust presence in various sectors, including advertising, publishing, and film. This partnership will enable KADOKAWA to tap into BY4M’s established infrastructure and expertise, fostering flexible business development and a wider dissemination of Japanese literary works in South Korea. Notably, KADOKAWA will hold a 55% majority share in the new venture, ensuring significant influence over its strategic direction.
The venture will focus on localizing a range of Japanese titles for the Korean market, encompassing not only KADOKAWA’s own publications but also titles from other Japanese publishers previously handled by BY4M. This initiative is not just about expanding KADOKAWA’s catalog but also about exploring and integrating Korean literary works, thereby fostering a reciprocal cultural exchange and content innovation between Japan and Korea.
KADOKAWA’s global strategy benefits from partnering with firms like BY4M that have a deep understanding of the local market and a fresh perspective on Japanese content. This symbiotic relationship promises to enhance the local literary landscape, offering Korean readers a richer selection of translated works while providing KADOKAWA with a strategic foothold in one of its most crucial markets. Through digital marketing expertise and a focus on cross-border media mix, KADOKAWA is set to further solidify its presence in the international publishing arena, driving forward its mission to bridge literary worlds across borders.
