Sony Acquires Majority Stake in Kadokawa, Investing 50 Billion Yen

TOKYO, Dec 20 (News On Japan) - Sony announced plans to acquire a significant stake in publishing giant Kadokawa, investing approximately 50 billion yen to become its largest shareholder.

According to Sony, the company has entered a strategic capital and business partnership with Kadokawa. Under the agreement, Sony will acquire 12,054,100 new shares through a third-party allocation scheduled for January 7th next year.

With this acquisition, combined with its existing holdings, Sony will own about 10% of Kadokawa’s shares, making it the leading shareholder.

Sony aims to deepen its collaboration with Kadokawa through this partnership, leveraging its strengths in gaming and entertainment to expand and enhance joint initiatives.

Osaka Expands Indoor Smoking Ban

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

Japan's Imperial Household Launches YouTube Channel

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

New Recruits Across Japan Mark First Day as Working Adults

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Death Toll Could Reach 298,000 in Nankai Trough Megaquake

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Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early This Year

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

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