JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 7 — Steel Ball Run Anime Officially Announced

Warner Bros. Japan has just announced an anime adaptation of the seventh part of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series, Steel Ball Run, at the end of the JOJODAY STAGE event on April 12, 2025. This time, the anime is titled Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (スティール・ボール・ラン ジョジョの奇妙な冒険).

Steel Ball Run is the sixth season of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: The Animation. Set in the U.S. in 1890, the narrative follows Johnny Joestar, a paraplegic former jockey, and Gyro Zeppeli, an expert in the mystical Spin technique. The duo participate in the cross-country Steel Ball Run race and gradually expose the dark intentions of the event’s sponsor.

A New Frontier for JoJo

In a thrilling announcement at the JOJODAY event on April 12, 2025, fans of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure were elated to learn that Part 7, Steel Ball Run, is officially getting an anime adaptation. This installment, set in an alternate timeline, follows Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli as they embark on a cross-country horse race across 1890s America, blending the Wild West with supernatural elements.​

The JOJODAY Announcement

The JOJODAY event, themed “connecting the past and the future,” featured appearances from notable voice actors such as Kazuyuki Okitsu (Jonathan Joestar) and Daisuke Ono (Jotaro Kujo). The event culminated in the unveiling of a teaser visual and trailer for Steel Ball Run, showcasing the protagonists and hinting at the epic journey ahead.​

Why Steel Ball Run Matters

Steel Ball Run is often hailed as one of the most acclaimed arcs in the JoJo series, praised for its deep themes of redemption, determination, and complex stand battles. The story’s unique setting and narrative have captivated readers, making it a highly anticipated adaptation.​

Production Insights

David Production, the studio behind previous JoJo adaptations, is reportedly handling the animation for Steel Ball Run. While no official release date has been announced, speculation suggests a potential release no earlier than 2026, considering the studio’s other projects like Fire Force and Undead Unluck .​

Kenta Miyake, the voice of Muhammad Avdol, also made a surprise appearance at the event, and parts of the event had them playing JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure games and watching the top-voted scenes from each of the previous anime parts. The ‘future’ of the series was discussed at the end, with the new announcement left for last.

They spoke about the upcoming Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan movie, an upcoming April 28 event, new figures, a new perfume line based on the characters, and more. The cast left the stage, which is when JO☆STARS came out to perform some of the theme songs live. The first up was Coda with “Fighting Gold” and “Bloody Stream,” followed by Jin with “Stand Proud” and the trio then performing “JoJo Sono Chi no Kioku ~end of THE WORLD~” together as JO☆STARS.

A Celebration of JoJo

To commemorate the anime announcement, all 24 volumes of the Steel Ball Run manga will be available for free for 24 hours on the Young Jump app from April 13 at 00:00 to April 14 at 23:59 JST. Additionally, VIZ Media has announced the English release of Steel Ball Run set for Summer 2025 .​

What Will JoJo Part 7 — Steel Ball Run Anime Be About?

VIZ Media will release the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 7 — Steel Ball Run manga in English in Summer 2025. It’s the first part to be in a different continuity from Jonathan Joestar’s story, which ended with Jolyn in Part 6. VIZ describes the story for Steel Ball Run:

Riders from around the world gather in the Wild West for the race of the century! Johnny Joestar, a former jockey paralyzed from the waist down, comes to spectate, and momentarily regains the ability to walk while watching a duel fought by Gyro Zeppeli. Desperate to learn more about this power, Johnny joins the race alongside Gyro and embarks on the most epic and bizarre race to ever cross the American frontier!

Conclusion

The announcement of Steel Ball Run’s anime adaptation marks a significant milestone for the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure franchise. As fans eagerly await the release, the series promises to deliver a blend of action, adventure, and the signature bizarreness that has defined JoJo for decades.​