KADOKAWA Corporation has announced the launch of KADOKAWA Creators, a new animation studio that combines training and production. Fully operational from April, the studio will focus on producing key animation materials such as original drawings and videos for works within the KADOKAWA Group, while also developing the next generation of creators.
This initiative comes in response to major challenges in the anime industry, including low retention rates among young talent and a lack of structured training opportunities. With studios increasingly struggling to secure skilled staff due to industry-wide labor shortages, KADOKAWA aims to take a more proactive approach by training its own workforce and building a stable, in-house production system capable of consistently delivering high-quality IP.
A key feature of KADOKAWA Creators is its integrated training and production model, where young creators gain hands-on experience by working directly on real projects. The studio brings together both experienced professionals and newcomers, enabling mentorship through daily collaboration and helping younger staff systematically acquire technical and professional skills.
At the same time, the studio will serve as a high-quality production hub responsible for key animation processes within the group. By hiring young creators as full-time employees, Kadokawa also seeks to provide them with financial stability—an important factor in improving retention in the industry.
The studio will be equipped with the latest digital production tools and will introduce specialized training programs such as the “Animator Drill”, designed to condense and transmit the studio’s expertise efficiently.
Looking ahead, KADOKAWA plans to collaborate closely with its affiliated educational institutions to build a comprehensive talent development ecosystem. This system will connect education, training, and production, supporting long-term career growth while strengthening in-house production capabilities driven by a new generation of creators.
Source: Comic Natalie
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