MediaFactory (MEDIAFACTORY) was once a publisher in Japan, but its activities extended beyond publishing to include a wide range of areas such as games, video, and music. Delving into the history and characteristics of this company reveals many fascinating aspects.

MediaFactory was established in December 1986 after separating from Recruit's publishing division. Initially called “Recruit Publishing,” the company changed its name to “MediaFactory” in April 1991. This background helped shape a unique culture that set it apart from other publishers. After separating from Recruit, MediaFactory adopted a “we're a publisher, but we do everything!” stance, handling a variety of entertainment projects such as games, video, and music.

Speaking of MediaFactory, one cannot ignore their involvement with the “Pokémon series.” They expanded into a wide range of Pokémon-related content, including card games, videos, DVDs, and even game soundtrack CDs. This showcased their presence beyond just being a publisher, helping them grow into a company recognized by a wide range of people, from children to adults.

In 2011, MediaFactory came under the umbrella of Kadokawa Shoten (now KADOKAWA). Through this integration, their publishing division merged with Kadokawa Shoten, and on September 30, 2013, they were officially absorbed. However, even after that, some former employees became independent and established a new publisher called “Overlap,” allowing the DNA of MediaFactory to still live on in Japan's publishing industry.

One of the major characteristics of MediaFactory is its flexibility, unconstrained by traditional boundaries. Their approach to handling not just publishing but also games, music, and video reflects their corporate spirit of constantly seeking new challenges. Behind their engagement in such a broad range of business areas was a strong sense of mission, not just to create things that sell, but to deliver entertainment itself. This is why they were loved and continuously supported by many fans.

Through their rich history and innovative challenges, MediaFactory left a solid mark on the entertainment industry. Their pioneering spirit continues to shine as part of KADOKAWA, and their legacy will continue to inspire new generations of creators.

If you're interested, delving into the history of MediaFactory might lead to new discoveries. Please take a moment to appreciate the path they've walked!