The highly anticipated anime adaptation, “Steel Ball RanJo’s Bizarre Adventure,” will be appearing on Netflix as part of three series announced to mark the 10th anniversary of the streaming platform in Japan.
The anime will join the comedy starring Best Actor Winner at the Cannes Film Festival, Yakuchokoji, and take part in a biographical drama about Japan’s most controversial fortune teller on Netflix’s anniversary slate.
“Steel Ball Run” is the latest chapter in Araki Hirohiko’s beloved manga series. Set in 19th century America, the story follows former jockey Johnny Joster and mysterious outlaw Gyro Zeppelli in horse racing across the continent.
Director Kimura Yasuhiro said: “My heart is excitedly slamming me to be tasked with directing the adaptation of this anime. All the staff share this feeling and are passionate about daily production.”
Since its debut in 1986, the “Jojo” franchise has sold over 120 million copies worldwide, creating numerous adaptations across the media. Netflix will announce details of the additional anime at the event on September 23rd.
Yakusho, who won Best Actor at the 76th Cannes Film Festival for “Perfect Days,” headline “Has someone mentioned me?” is a comedy that explores the entertainment industry’s obsession with fame and recognition. The series reunites screenwriter Kudo Kankuro and producer Isoyama Akira, with the team behind Netflix hits “Let’s Get vet edivarced” and “Very inappropriate!”
Yakusho plays Takasegawa Shogun, a Japanese actor who has won the unusual honor of leading the production at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, but returns home to find himself completely forgotten by the world. The role of Meta Theatre shows what the actor calls “the second time in my life, given the role of “actor””.
Kudo’s script explores the universal themes of the need for social media validation and human recognition. “Everyone has an undue desire for recognition, whether you’re an actor, a screenwriter or someone with a social media account,” Kudo pointed out.
The third series, “Straight to Hell,” centers around Kojima Hayashi, Japan’s most notorious fortune teller who ruled the media throughout the age of Hayashi to He. Known for its ominous predictions, the constellations called “dark heroes” achieved unprecedented fame before the mysterious past was revealed.
Erika Toda takes on the role of Hosoki, spanning the lives of characters from 17 to 66 years old. The series is directed by Tomoyuki Island, known for its socially conscious story, along with Ohba Norichika.
“Though some people may find it interesting that I play her, this story depicts Hoshikorin’s real life, not too long ago.
Takamoto admitted that his initial dislike for the fortune teller had an impact on his approach. However, he was drawn to the persuasive rise of the constellations from post-war poverty and the pursuit of her dishonorable desires.
All three series are scheduled for release in 2026.
