The wait is almost over. After months of anticipation following the explosive debut of its 1st STAGE on Netflix back in March 2026, STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has just dropped two massive announcements that are sending shockwaves through the entire anime community: the 2nd and 3rd STAGE will begin streaming on September 25, 2026, and rock band Kroi has been confirmed to perform the anime’s opening theme song.
If you’re a JoJo fan, you already know this is a defining moment. If you’re not — buckle up, because Steel Ball Run is about to change everything you think you know about anime.
Kroi Takes the Reins for Steel Ball Run’s Opening Theme
Japanese rock band Kroi — known for their genre-defying blend of funk, rock, and R&B — has been officially announced as the performer of Steel Ball Run’s opening song. The news broke on September 23, 2026, and instantly set social media ablaze. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has a legendary reputation for its opening themes, from Coda’s “Bloody Stream” to Kamikaze Boy by THE DU, and fans are already calling Kroi’s involvement a potential game-changer.
Kroi, whose members include vocalist Naito, guitarist Senju, bassist Kanzaki Masaya, keyboardist Hasegawa Taiki, and drummer Masui Tatsuya, brings an electrifying energy that perfectly matches the raw intensity of a transcontinental horse race set in 1890 America. Fans who’ve heard Kroi’s previous work — including viral hits like “Balmy Life” and “LENS” — are predicting this could rival “Great Days” as the franchise’s best opening ever.
September 25 Launch: What to Expect from 2nd and 3rd STAGE
The 2nd and 3rd STAGE of Steel Ball Run will stream weekly on Netflix starting September 25, with a total of 11 episodes covering the next brutal legs of the Steel Ball Run race across America. The 1st STAGE premiered worldwide on March 19, 2026, introducing fans to the unforgettable duo of Johnny Joestar (voiced by Daman Mills in English) and Gyro Zeppeli (voiced by Kaiji Tang), and quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched anime debuts of the year.
Now, the stakes are about to get infinitely higher. The upcoming episodes will introduce some of the most iconic characters in JoJo history:
- Funny Valentine — The President of the United States and one of the most complex antagonists in all of manga. Voiced by the legendary Tomokazu Sugita (who previously voiced Joseph Joestar in the series), Valentine’s debut is expected to completely redefine what fans think a JoJo villain can be.
- Mountain Tim — A cowboy from Wyoming and top race contender, voiced by Tomoaki Maeno. Tim becomes entangled in a series of mysterious murders during the race, adding a gripping detective element to the story.
- Hot Pants — A mysterious racer whose true identity and background remain shrouded in secrecy. Voiced by Yoko Hikasa (Mio Akiyama from K-ON!, Rias Gremory from High School DxD), Hot Pants is already generating massive buzz for her enigmatic presence.
Warner Bros. Japan’s Anime Expo Reveal Still Echoing
The September 25 premiere date and new character details were first revealed by Warner Bros. Japan at their Anime Expo 2026 panel in Los Angeles on July 3, 2026. The panel featured composer Yugo Kanno — the mastermind behind JoJo’s legendary soundtracks — performing live alongside English voice actors Daman Mills and Kaiji Tang.
The new trailer showcased during the panel gave fans their first real look at the expanded race across America, featuring stunning animation by David Production. Social media erupted immediately, with clips from the trailer racking up millions of views within hours. The reveal of Funny Valentine’s character art, in particular, broke Twitter/X trending records in Japan and the United States simultaneously.
Why Steel Ball Run Might Be the Best JoJo Part Yet
For manga readers, Steel Ball Run (Part 7) is widely considered Hirohiko Araki’s magnum opus. Set in an alternate universe from the original JoJo timeline, it follows paraplegic jockey Johnny Joestar and Italian executioner Gyro Zeppeli as they compete in a coast-to-coast horse race across 1890s America — a race that hides a far more dangerous conspiracy involving the corpse parts of a holy figure.
The story blends Western aesthetics, supernatural horror, political intrigue, and some of the most emotionally devastating character development in anime history. Araki himself has called it his proudest work, and manga polls consistently rank it as the #1 JoJo part among Japanese readers.
The JoJo Opening Song Legacy
Every JoJo opening theme becomes a cultural event. From Jonathan Young’s viral English covers to the iconic “Stand Proud” by Jin Hashimoto, the franchise’s music is inseparable from its identity. Kroi stepping into this legacy isn’t just a musical choice — it’s a statement. Their funky, high-energy style could deliver something completely fresh while honoring the franchise’s tradition of genre-blending excellence.
Fans are already speculating about a possible ending theme, with rumors swirling that a Western artist might be tapped for the ED — continuing JoJo’s tradition of using classic rock and pop songs for its endings.
What Do You Think?
Are you ready for Steel Ball Run’s 2nd STAGE on September 25? Is Kroi the right choice for the opening theme? Can Funny Valentine live up to the manga hype? Drop your thoughts in the comments — and tell us: which JoJo opening song is still the GOAT in your opinion?
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