Warner Bros. Japan has officially revealed details about its upcoming Anime Expo 2025 events, highlighting four exciting anime titles: STEEL BALL RUN: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, FIST OF THE NORTH STAR: HOKUTO NO KEN, Record of Ragnarok III, and BLADE & BASTARD. These announcements were made during a special presentation, shedding light on the much-anticipated projects set to make waves in the anime community.
STEEL BALL RUN: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
The spotlight during the “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Meets Anime Expo 2025 Special Panel,” held on July 4 (PDT), was firmly on STEEL BALL RUN. Warner Bros. Japan confirmed that a significant portion of the original team behind earlier installments of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series will be returning for this new adaptation, ensuring continuity in the beloved franchise. A fresh character illustration was also unveiled, exciting fans eager for a glimpse of what’s to come.
Key personnel involved in the production of STEEL BALL RUN include:
- Directors: Yasuhiro Kimura and Hideya Takahashi, known for their work on Golden Wind.
- Series Director: Toshiyuki Kato, who has played a pivotal role in all previous series.
- Series Composition: Yasuko Kobayashi, a familiar name for fans as she has contributed to all past series.
- Character Design: Daisuke Tsumagari, also from Golden Wind.
- Music: Yugo Kanno, whose compositions have enhanced several previous installments, including Stardust Crusaders and Stone Ocean.
- Sound Director: Yoshikazu Iwanami, who has lent his expertise to all prior series.
- Animation Studio: David Production, the studio known for its high-quality animation in the JoJo franchise.
In addition to these announcements, a live streaming event dedicated to STEEL BALL RUN is scheduled for September 23, promising more details and insights into this new chapter.
FIST OF THE NORTH STAR: HOKUTO NO KEN
Another major highlight from Warner Bros. Japan is the announcement of a new adaptation of FIST OF THE NORTH STAR: HOKUTO NO KEN. This iconic series, originally serialized in 1983 and previously adapted in 1984, is set to make its return in 2026. The first teaser trailer has generated significant buzz among fans of the classic series.
The main voice cast for this adaptation includes:
- Kenshiro: Shunsuke Takeuchi
- Bat: Daiki Yamashita
- Rin: M・A・O
This revival promises to attract both longtime fans and newcomers, reigniting interest in the legendary story of survival and martial arts in a post-apocalyptic world.
Record of Ragnarok III
During panels organized by both Netflix and Warner Bros. Japan, the spotlight also shone on Record of Ragnarok III. A trailer and key visuals were shared, confirming that the series is slated to premiere on Netflix in December 2025. This continuation of the series, which explores epic battles between gods and humanity, has captivated audiences and is expected to further expand its fanbase with this new installment.
BLADE & BASTARD
In addition to the aforementioned titles, BLADE & BASTARD received attention with the release of a new illustration based on the light novel of the same name. The artwork, crafted by so-bin, who is also the character designer for Overlord, introduces new characters alongside those previously announced, enriching the narrative landscape of this upcoming anime.
The main cast for BLADE & BASTARD includes:
- Iarumas: Makoto Furukawa
- Garbage: Tomori Kusunoki
- Raraja: Daiki Yamashita
- Ainikki: Saori Hayami
- Berkanan: Shion Wakayama
The unique character designs and engaging storyline are set to draw in viewers, offering a fresh perspective within the anime genre.
Warner Bros. Japan and Its Anime Portfolio
Warner Bros. Japan LLC, a division of Warner Bros. Discovery, has been instrumental in the distribution of WBD content in Japan. Over the past decade, the company has developed a diverse range of original productions, solidifying its presence in the anime industry. Its portfolio includes renowned titles such as JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Mob Psycho 100, Record of Ragnarok, and live-action adaptations like Rurouni Kenshin and Bleach.
The commitment of Warner Bros. Japan to delivering high-quality anime content is evident in its ongoing projects. With a track record of successful adaptations and original series, the company continues to explore new narratives and character developments, appealing to a wide audience.
The Future of Anime
As the anime landscape evolves, the upcoming titles announced at Anime Expo 2025 are set to play a significant role in shaping its future. With a blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling, these series promise to captivate viewers and expand the boundaries of anime as a medium. Whether through the return of beloved characters or the introduction of new ones, the excitement surrounding these projects is palpable.
Fans can look forward to what Warner Bros. Japan has in store, with STEEL BALL RUN, FIST OF THE NORTH STAR, Record of Ragnarok III, and BLADE & BASTARD all poised to make an impact in the anime community. The blend of established talent and innovative storytelling aims to cater to both loyal followers and new audiences, ensuring a vibrant future for anime enthusiasts everywhere.
With a dedicated fanbase and a wealth of creative talent, Warner Bros. Japan is set to make a significant mark in the anime industry, continuing to deliver content that resonates with viewers. As anticipation builds for these upcoming titles, the anime community eagerly awaits the next chapter in this dynamic and ever-evolving art form.
