Since its animated adaptation of Hirohiko Araki’s manga premiered in 2012, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has risen to cult status through memes, the signature “JoJo posing,” fashion-forward characters, a playful take on gender stereotypes, and above all a kick-ass soundtrack. But this week, Steel Ball Run, the latest season now streaming on Netflix, has ignited fierce backlash after its ending song broke a 14-year tradition of featuring Western music, prompting fans to demand answers about what many see as the loss of the series’ identity.
The controversy centers on “Dead or Alive,” the ending that debuted with episode 2 by Yuki Chiba, a Japanese rapper formerly known as Kohh. While the opening theme, “Spin” by Japanese funk-rock band Kroi, captures the Western atmosphere of the anime through a quick guitar riff and the use of trumpets, fans have been divided over the repetitive beats of the new ending. The backlash has grown so intense that it contributed to Netflix announcing a weekly release schedule for the series’ second stage.
A Tradition Rooted in Araki’s Own Playlists
Until now, every ending used by the anime featured a Western song: “Roundabout” by Yes, the Bangles’ “Walk Like an Egyptian,” Pat Metheny Group’s “Last Train Home,” Savage Garden’s “I Want You,” Jodeci’s “Freek’n You,” Enigma’s “Modern Crusaders,” and Duffy’s “Distant Dreamer.” This tradition began with input from Araki himself, who, while consulting on the anime, suggested songs he was listening to as he created each part of the manga.
Warner Bros. Japan producer Hiroyuki Omori, who oversaw the JoJo anime’s production, loved the manga and respected its creator enough to persuade his company to license those songs despite their considerable cost. The gambit paid off spectacularly. The “Roundabout” ending used for parts 1 (Phantom Blood) and 2 (Battle Tendency), with the song playing as the iconic “to be continued” arrow appeared, transitioned beyond anime and became a pop culture phenomenon.
The choice of a contemporary Japanese hip-hop song clashes with the expectations that Western fans in particular have regarding JoJo’s music. This goes beyond whether “Dead or Alive” is a good or bad song, which is up to everyone’s personal taste to decide.
Fan reaction and industry analysis
The Producer Who Shaped the Sound Died in 2024
Unfortunately, Hiroyuki Omori passed away in 2024. Fans are pointing out that without him, the anime risks losing its identity, with music potentially being just the first step in a broader change. The full story behind this shift in policy reveals a complex web of business decisions.
In a YouTube show for the Anime Music Journal channel, music producer Akihiro Tomita, music writer Ryuichi Sumikawa, and anime writer Hisashi Maeda discussed the controversy. Sumikawa explained that up until part 6 (Stone Ocean), Warner Bros. Japan was in charge of music production, but starting with Steel Ball Run that responsibility shifted to Warner Music Japan.
In 2025, Yuki Chiba signed a big deal with Warner Music Japan focused on “accelerating his global career,” which was bound to include an anime collaboration due to the company’s increasing efforts in anime music. Thus, Warner Music Japan preferred giving international spotlight to one of its biggest artists rather than licensing more Western music for Steel Ball Run.
Fans Push Back and Demand Answers
An understandable business decision, but one that perhaps underestimated how dedicated the international JoJo fanbase is. After the two-part premiere of Steel Ball Run aired in March 2026 and Netflix did not share any news about when or how the series would continue airing, massive fan uproar pushed the company to announce a weekly release schedule for the anime’s second stage.
The community has been vocal online, with many arguing that the music was central to what made JoJo a modern cultural icon. While some acknowledge that personal taste should govern whether “Dead or Alive” is enjoyable, others see the departure from Western songs as a fundamental break from what defines the franchise’s aesthetic.
Looking Ahead
If the debate around “Dead or Alive” continues to simmer, Steel Ball Run could be getting a new ending too. Whether Netflix and the production team will respond to fan concerns remains unclear, but the intensity of the reaction underscores how deeply audiences feel about the series’ musical identity.
Steel Ball Run is streaming on Netflix, with new episodes arriving weekly as fans continue to weigh in on whether this latest chapter honors or abandons the tradition that helped make JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure what it is today.
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