Japan’sKadokawaCorporation is responsible for some of the biggest titles inisekai animeincludingSword Art Online,Overlord,KonoSuba,andRe:Zero.Going as far back as the 1970s, the family-owned company became a pioneer of the “media-mix” strategy—publishing books, including manga, that could be adapted into films and TV shows. Unlike other studios that typically have to share profits with various publishers, Kadokawa handles everything in-house, allowing it to fully capitalize on its intellectual property. This strategic advantage is one reason Sony recently became an investor in Kadokawa—the company has a proven track record of turning manga and light novels into hit anime.
New data has emerged, offering a clearer picture of just how successful Kadokawa’s anime titles really are, and how the mighty isekai genre is now taking second place to an idol singer. Richardson Handjaja of theAnimenomicsSubstack blogrecently shared aninfographic detailing the company’s third-quarter earnings for 2024, breaking down revenue by top ten titles and intellectual properties. One thing is clear from the figures:Oshi no Kois a blockbuster hit in the Japanese entertainment industry.
Oshi no Ko: a Blockbuster Hit That Tops Even Isekai
The Dark Idol Drama Generates Massive Earnings
A bittersweet, often dark story about life in the idol music industry,Oshi no Kodebuted as a manga inWeekly Young Jumpin 2020, illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari and written by Aka Akasaka.Kadokawa played a key role in the production and distribution of theOshi no KoTV animeand recently acquired Doga Kobo, the animation studio behind the series. Now, it appears those investments have paid off.
According to Kadokawa’s third-quarter earnings,sales attributed toOshi no Koreached ¥5.4 billion (approximately $36 million) in 2024 alone. Since April 2023, the series has generated over ¥9 billion (approximately $60 million), making it a massive success by any metric. That’s great news asOshi no Kogears up for its third season, set to debut in 2026
Kadokawa’s Isekai Powerhouses
A Bright Future for Anime
WhileOshi no Kostands as Kadokawa’s top earner, some familiar titles are also prominent in the fiscal report. Fantasy-themed isekai series have long been a specialty for Kadokawa, so it’s no surprise thatDelicious in Dungeon, Overlord, Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World,andKonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!still rank among the company’s top revenue-generating anime.
Oshi no Ko Season 3 Locks in Release Date With Special First Look
Oshi no Ko has finally broken the silence on its upcoming third season, revealing its expected release window and sharing a new promo image.
WithOshi no Koleading the charge and fan-favorite isekai titles likeKonoSubaandDelicious in Dungeonbringing in solid numbers, Kadokawa is showing no signs of slowing down. The company’s unique ability to juggle publishing, anime production, and distribution all under one roof gives it a serious edge in the industry. As old favorites and new adaptations roll out, it’s clear thatKadokawa’s formula for turning stories into hits is still going strong.
Oshi No Ko
Cast
Oshi No Ko is a 2023 Japanese series that follows a small-town doctor’s encounter with a popular teen idol leading to an entanglement in the cutthroat entertainment industry. The narrative explores themes of ambition, identity, and the hidden realities behind fame as the characters navigate complex personal and professional challenges.
