On April 12 (JST), Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani updated his Instagram Stories with a post that set anime fans abuzz. The post celebrated the long-awaited announcement that JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run will be receiving an anime adaptation. The storyline, set in the late 19th-century American West, is one of the most beloved arcs in the iconic manga series by Hirohiko Araki.

Ohtani’s reaction to the news delighted fans, with many expressing joy at seeing the MVP openly share his enthusiasm for anime. His excitement wasn’t missed by Major League Baseball’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, which responded with a playful post:
"Shohei Ohtani, a JoJo's Bizarre Adventure fan!"

The post featured a teaser image from the upcoming anime and added:

"Last year, his wife, Mamiko, chose a JoJo's Bizarre Adventure theme for his walkup song during Dodgers Women's Night"

The MLB was referencing an event that took place on July 23, 2023 (JST), during which players’ walk-up songs were chosen by loved ones. For Ohtani, his wife Mamiko selected “Il Vento D’Oro,” a dramatic and iconic track used in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind. Her choice added a personal and stylish flair to Ohtani’s entrance that night—and now, with the news of the new anime adaptation, the connection has resurfaced.

About Steel Ball Run

Set in late 19th-century America, Steel Ball Run tells the story of a transcontinental horse race spanning North America—the first of its kind. The protagonist, Johnny Joestar, is a former prodigy jockey who has become paraplegic. He teams up with a mysterious outlaw, Gyro Zeppeli, to compete in the race. As they vie for the grand prize, the race unfolds into a thrilling tale of conspiracy and ambition. The original manga ran from January 2004 to April 2011.

Source : MLB X Official