Kadokawa takes on Oshi no Ko animation studio Doga Kobo

On Thursday, July 11, 2024, Kadokawa revealed their purchase of Doga Kobo, an anime studio well-known for producing both seasons of the Oshi no Ko anime. According to the latest updates on the acquisition, the once independent studio will now operate as a subsidiary under the larger conglomerate of the corporation.

Despite the lack of any current announcements or stated intentions, Kadokawa is expected to allow Doga Kobo to operate independently and maintain their current production pace, as evidenced by the lack of changes seen in other animation studios that have been acquired by the corporation.

Kadokawa’s Acquisition of Oshi no Ko’s Animation Studio: What It Means for Fans’ Expectations

Additionally, this notion that Kadokawa will allow Doga Kobo to operate independently is reinforced by the corporation’s treatment of its other subsidiary studios. These include ENGI, Studio KADAN, Raging Bull, the recently established Bellnox Films, and affiliated company Kinema Citrus.

Doga Kobo, which was established in July 1973, currently has 62 employees as of June 2024. In commemoration of its 50th anniversary, the company released the anime Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night. The series premiered on April 6 as part of the Spring 2024 anime lineup in Japan. Some of the notable current anime from the studio include Oshi no Ko season 2, Chiikawa, and Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian.

Doga Kobo has also produced numerous other works in addition to the aforementioned series. These include Yuruyuri – Happy Go Lily, Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun, New Game!, Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru, Himouto! Umaruchan, Hina Logic – from Luck & Logic, Devils and Realist, How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?, Koihime Muso, Anima Yell!, Natsuyuki Rendezvous, Plastic Memories, Saint Cecelia and Pastor Lawrence, and many more.

Recently, it was announced that Kadokawa had been targeted by a cyber attack using ransomware on June 8, 2024. The company is currently conducting an investigation into the incident and is working towards restoring all affected services. As of now, the Niconico video services of its subsidiary, Dwango, are still suspended.

The Oshi no Ko anime is based on the manga series of the same name, written by author Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari. The manga first appeared in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine in April 2020 and is still ongoing with regular serialization.

The anime series was first broadcasted in April 2023 as part of the Spring 2023 anime season, and was immediately well-received, quickly becoming one of the most popular shows of the season. Currently, the second season is airing as part of the Summer 2024 anime season and premiered on Wednesday, July 3 in Japan.

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