‘Steel Ball Run JoJo’ Anime Unveiled for Netflix Japan 10th Anniversary Alongside Cannes Winner Yakusho Koji Comedy

The highly anticipated anime adaptation “Steel Ball Run JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” is coming to Netflix worldwide as part of three series unveiled to mark the streaming platform’s 10th anniversary in Japan.

The anime joins a comedy starring Cannes Film Festival best actor winner Yakusho Koji and a biographical drama about Japan’s most controversial fortune-teller in Netflix’s anniversary slate.

“Steel Ball Run” marks the latest chapter in Araki Hirohiko’s beloved manga series. Set in 19th century America, the story follows former jockey Johnny Joestar and mysterious outlaw Gyro Zeppeli in a cross-continental horse race.

Director Kimura Yasuhiro said: “My heart is pounding with excitement to be entrusted with directing this anime adaptation. The entire staff shares this feeling and is pouring their passion into daily production.”

The “JoJo” franchise has sold over 120 million copies worldwide since its 1986 debut, spawning numerous adaptations across media. Netflix will unveil additional anime details at a Sept. 23 event.

Yakusho, who won best actor at the 76th Cannes Film Festival for “Perfect Days,” headlines “Did Someone Happen to Mention Me?,” a comedy that explores the entertainment industry’s obsession with fame and recognition. The series reunites screenwriter Kudo Kankuro and producer Isoyama Akira, the team behind Netflix hits “Let’s Get Divorced” and “Extremely Inappropriate!”

Yakusho plays Takasegawa Gen, a Japanese actor who achieved the rare honor of leading a production at London’s Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre but returns home to find himself completely forgotten by the world. The meta-theatrical role marks what the actor calls “the second time in my life that I’ve been given the role of ‘an actor.'”

Kudo’s script explores universal themes of social media validation and the human need for recognition. “Whether you’re an actor, a screenwriter, or just someone with a social media account, everyone has a surplus of desire for recognition,” Kudo noted.

The third series, “Straight to Hell,” centers on Hosoki Kazuko, Japan’s most notorious fortune-teller who dominated media from the Shōwa through Heisei eras. Known for ominous predictions and dubbed a “dark hero,” Hosoki achieved unprecedented fame before her mysterious past is revealed.

Erika Toda takes on the role of Hosoki, spanning the character’s life from age 17 to 66. The series is directed by Takimoto Tomoyuki, known for socially conscious narratives, alongside Ohba Norichika.

“Some of you may think it’s amusing that I’m playing her, but this story portrays the real life of Hosoki Kazuko from not so long ago — one you don’t know,” Toda said.

Takimoto admitted his initial distaste for the fortune-teller influenced his approach: “I disliked Hosoki Kazuko. Whenever she appeared on TV, I changed the channel.” However, he was drawn to Hosoki’s compelling rise from post-war poverty and her unapologetic pursuit of desires.

All three series are slated for 2026 releases.