JoJo's Legendary Race Begins: Johnny and Gyro Voice Actors Reunite at Steel Ball Run Anime Event!
The moment JoJo's Bizarre Adventure fans have been waiting for for years has finally become a reality! The special screening event for the first stage (1st STAGE) of the Steel Ball Run anime was held on May 17th at the Shinjuku Wald 9 cinema in Tokyo. The most notable moment of the event was when Shogo Sakata, who voices the series' iconic duo Johnny Joestar, and Yohei Azakami, who brings Gyro Zeppeli to life, took the stage. The duo received full marks from the audience for their chemistry while answering fan questions after the screening.
During the stage greeting, one of the most fun questions asked to the voice actors was, "Johnny or Gyro, which one would you choose?" Shogo Sakata emphasized his character's inner growth and perseverance, while Yohei Azakami drew attention to Gyro's charismatic and equally mysterious nature. Sakata, whom we know from his role as Aki in Chainsaw Man, and Azakami, who is remembered as Guel from Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, expressed how great an honor it is for them to be part of this massive project. The event proved once again that the series is not just a race, but also a deep character journey.
Created by Hirohiko Araki and published between 2004 and 2011, Steel Ball Run is considered a turning point in the JoJo universe. Set in 1890s America, the story follows a massive 50 million dollar horse race stretching from San Diego to New York. However, this is not just a race of speed; it is the story of Johnny Joestar, a former jockey who cannot use his legs, thanks to Gyro Zeppeli's mysterious Spin technique.
