In the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX anime, Johan Anderson (called Jesse Anderson in the 4Kids dub) is one of the transfer students who arrived at Duel Academy during Judai's third year. Johan is the representative from North Academy, and plays a Gem Beast deck which centers around the seven Gem Beast monsters, including his spirit partner Ruby Carbuncle. Johan becomes fast friends with Judai after discovering that they share the ability to communicate with monster spirits. Judai and his friends help Johan on his quest to complete his deck by finding the ultimate Gem Beast -- the Rainbow Dragon.

Johan and the other exchange students debuted in the manga at the end of chapter 37, but it currently unknown what their role in the story will be.