SOZO Pte Ltd has announced a major development in its long-standing partnership with KADOKAWA Corporation. The company will now operate as a consolidated subsidiary within KADOKAWA’s global network. This shift brings SOZO’s event production expertise together with KADOKAWA’s extensive content legacy. Even with the new structure, SOZO will remain a neutral and independent platform. This ensures continuity, stability, and an open environment for all Japanese creators, IP owners, and partners.

Strengthening a Trusted Partnership

The announcement highlights over a decade of collaboration built on mutual trust. SOZO Managing Director Shawn Chin shared his excitement about the opportunities ahead. He also stressed that SOZO’s mission will stay the same. The company will continue to welcome partners from every part of the anime, comics, and games (ACG) ecosystem.

Meanwhile, KADOKAWA CEO Takeshi Natsuno described SOZO as a long-time partner with strong synergy. According to him, the enhanced alliance marks a long-term commitment to growing the pop culture landscape. By combining KADOKAWA’s creative strengths with SOZO’s regional experience, both companies aim to deliver even more excitement to fans worldwide.

Building a Media Mix Powerhouse in Southeast Asia

SOZO, based in Singapore, has long served as a bridge between Japan and Southeast Asia. The company manages concerts, exhibitions, merchandise, and large-scale pop culture events. Its flagship event, Anime Festival Asia (AFA), began in 2008. Since then, it has expanded to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Japan. Over 32 editions, AFA has drawn close to three million attendees, making it one of the region’s largest anime events.

AFA Singapore 2024 attracted about 130,000 visitors over three days. It featured major exhibitions, community activities, guest talks, and concerts by top Japanese artists. In 2025, SOZO continued its strong momentum with AFA Singapore 2025, AFA Indonesia 2025, and concerts by artists such as YUURI, YOASOBI, Ryokuoushoku Shakai, and the Ghibli Original Singers Symphony.

KADOKAWA’s Global Media Mix Strategy

KADOKAWA continues to expand its “Global Media Mix with Technology” strategy. The company focuses on creating and distributing a wide range of intellectual properties. In Southeast Asia, it operates in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its business includes publishing, e-book platforms, merchandise distribution, physical retail stores, and film distribution.

Both companies share a long collaboration history. In 2014, DWANGO and SOZO co-hosted an overseas edition of Niconico Chokaigi. A decade later, DWANGO launched Asia Creators Cross with SOZO. DWANGO also exhibited at AFA Singapore 2025 as a sponsor, further deepening the connection. KADOKAWA has also worked closely with SOZO on anime stage programs at AFA events.

Shaping the Future of Pop Culture in Asia

Interest in Japanese pop culture continues to grow rapidly across Southeast Asia. As anime, manga, games, and music reach broader audiences, the timing of this partnership becomes even more significant. With both companies combining their strengths, they aim to unlock new opportunities for creators and fans. Their shared goal is to build a more vibrant and connected ecosystem for the region.

Together, SOZO and KADOKAWA are preparing to shape the next era of Japanese pop culture in Asia, creating richer experiences and broader possibilities for years to come.