The
multimedia conglomerate KADOKAWA has made official its
strategy to ensure the future of its productions. The company announced on
January 30 the start of its KADOKAWA recruitment for anime studios corresponding
to the class of new graduates of 2027. Starting in February, six studios under
its umbrella will seek to fill a total of 60 vacancies, a
significant increase from the previous year's 47 positions, focusing on
critical areas such as production, 3DCG and finishes.
This
initiative seeks to counteract the brain drain in an industry where 40% of
animators leave before the age of five. KADOKAWA is committed to a direct
hiring model in each studio, but supported by a unified corporate training
infrastructure.
KADOKAWA
Recruitment Details and Participating Studies
The
selection process allows applicants to apply to multiple studies
simultaneously. Once hired, new employees will go through the "KADOKAWA
Anime Course", a shared training program that includes technical workshops
and networking between the different subsidiaries, something
that 80% of those who joined in 2025 valued positively in internal surveys.
Studies
and profiles sought
The six
participating studios range from traditional animation to advanced CGI:
- Doga Kobo: Veteran studio (acquired
in 2024) responsible for hits such as Oshi no Ko. He is
looking for production staff to manage his multiple projects.
- ENGI: Specialized in hybrid
2D/3D workflows (Unnamed Memory, Uzumaki). Its
applications open on February 1.
- Kinema Citrus: Known for the fluidity of
action in Made in Abyss. Recruit specialists in
composition and photography.
- Studio KADAN: Focused on detailed
backgrounds for fantasy (Ragna Crimson).
- Chiptune: Prioritize illustrators
for slice-of-life designs and "kawaii"
aesthetics.
- Bellnox Films: Boutique studio
experimenting with 3DCG and looking for finishers for digital polishing.
Industry
context
KADOKAWA,
which produces around 60 anime titles a year, has implemented structural
changes to improve working conditions, including a 15% increase in base
salary by 2025. According to executive Kikuchi, the goal is to
"create environments where creators can focus on their work without
worry" in an increasingly demanding global market.
With annual
revenues exceeding 200 billion yen, the company's strategy aims to control the
entire value chain, from the publication of light novels to final animation,
using shared resources such as 3DCG software and freelancer exchanges to
optimize production.
