The main staff lineup for the anime adaptation of Steel Ball Run, the seventh part of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, has been officially announced. Notably, the production team features many veterans from previous entries in the JoJo anime franchise.

A special livestream event is also scheduled for September 23, where new information about the upcoming anime will be unveiled. Further details will be announced soon.

Set in late 19th-century America, Steel Ball Run follows the story of a transcontinental horse race—the first of its kind. The protagonist, Johnny Joestar, is a former genius jockey who has lost the use of his legs. He forms a partnership with the mysterious outlaw Gyro Zeppeli, and together they race across the continent in pursuit of victory.

Beneath the surface of this high-stakes competition for an enormous prize lies a sinister conspiracy, and the series traces the duo’s journey as they strive to reach the finish line. The original manga ran from January 2004 to April 2011.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is based on the hit manga by Hirohiko Araki, which began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump (Shueisha) in 1987. The series tells the epic saga of the Joestar family, beginning with the fateful encounter between Jonathan Joestar and Dio Brando. With "a celebration of humanity" as its core theme, the series explores the courage to face fear and overcome adversity. Each part introduces a new protagonist, with the story progressing through nine parts to date.

The manga has sold over 120 million copies worldwide. Renowned for its iconic poses, inventive sound effects, and distinctive dialogue, the franchise has earned global acclaim for its originality. It has spawned video games, anime adaptations, live-action films and dramas. The manga’s ninth part, The JOJOLands, is currently serialized in Ultra Jump.

Staff List

Director: Yasuhiro Kimura & Hideya Takahashi (Golden Wind)
Series Director: Toshiyuki Kato (Stone Ocean, Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan)
Series Composition: Yasuko Kobayashi (all JoJo anime series)
Character Design / Chief Animation Director: Daisuke Tsumagari (Stone Ocean, Golden Wind)
Music: Yugo Kanno (Stardust Crusaders to Stone Ocean)
Sound Director: Yoshikazu Iwanami (all JoJo anime series)
Animation Production: david production (all JoJo anime series)

Staff Comments

Yasuhiro Kimura, Director
“With a new part beginning, I hope this will be an entry that longtime JoJo fans and new viewers alike can enjoy. We’ve been preparing for years to animate the horses properly—please look forward to how they’re brought to life on screen.” — Kimura

Toshiyuki Kato, Series Director
“This will be the first time Steel Ball Run is brought to life in animation. It’s a long, long race, and we on the production team are determined to see it through to the end. We appreciate your support!”

Yasuko Kobayashi, Series Composition
“Part 7—finally, it’s Part 7. After 13 years of running with the JoJo anime, we’ve made it to the starting line of this epic race. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us so far, and I hope you'll run alongside Johnny and Gyro until the very end. And from us, the writing team who are slightly ahead of the race—welcome to the world of Steel Ball Run.”

Daisuke Tsumagari, Character Designer & Chief Animation Director
“Whether you’re a longtime JoJo fan or a first-time viewer, I believe you’ll find something to enjoy in this series. I hope you'll join the protagonists on this journey.”

Yugo Kanno, Music Composer
“Composing for Steel Ball Run has been a challenging process. This is the story of Johnny Joestar and his journey across America, and I’ve found myself identifying with him as I wrestle with the music every day. This anime is a chronicle of struggle and growth for all staff involved. Please look forward to it.”

Source : ORICON NEWS