Equivalent Exchange
Equivalent Exchange (等価交換, Tōka Kōkan) is the blanket term for a type of phenomenon featured prominently in the eighth part of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series, JoJolion.
Taking on a variety of forms over the course of the part, the concept of equivalent exchange has become a central plot point in the part's overall narrative.
Summary
Equivalent exchange is the ability for one thing to be traded for something else of equal value. However, the exact mechanics of this principal's application differ depending on how equivalent exchange is induced. Beyond its various supernatural incarnations, the underlying idea of exchanging one thing for another is a recurring concept present in JoJolion. Notably, the "birth" of Josuke is a result of his two previous identities being permanently lost.
Wall Eyes
The area around where the Wall Eyes formed (notably on and around the Higashikata estate) possesses a property that can result in Equivalent Exchange under the right conditions. If two subjects are buried together in close proximity to one another, they will undergo exchange with each other, trading seemingly randomly selected parts for other parts of equal value. A notable example of this type of exchange is demonstrated by Kei Nijimura, who bisects a lemon and a tangerine that had been buried near the Higashikata estate, revealing that corresponding segments of both fruits had been swapped out for one another. So far, this method of exchange has only been demonstrated on organic matter. It is unclear whether or not this type of exchange is possible for things that are inorganic.
As stated by Nijimura, the Higashikata family has been aware of this method of exchange for generations. This knowledge is demonstrated in that through unknown means, this type of exchange can be used to transfer the Rock Disease from one host to another.[1]
Exchange via the Wall Eyes ultimately led to the creation of Josuke Higashikata after his two former identities were buried near the Wall Eyes in the midst of Kira being healed by the New Locacaca he and Josefumi had cultivated.[2] It should be noted that while this type of exchange is seemingly equivalent, the matter which is exchanged does not always directly correspond (the most notable example being the fact that Josuke retains both Josefumi and Kira's pairs of testicles post-exchange).[3]
Daiya Higashikata remarks that she gained her Stand in exchange for her eyesight after falling in a fault that would later become a Wall Eye as a toddler[4]; However, it is not elaborated on in the narrative if these events were genuinely connected or not.
Locacaca
Locacaca 6251
The Locacaca 6251 drug developed by members of the TG University Hospital staff is able to maximize the healing properties of Locacaca exchange while minimizing the risk of an important sense or organ being sacrificed.[7]
New Locacaca
The New Locacaca created by Josefumi Kujo and Yoshikage Kira is able to perform Equivalent Exchange without sacrificing part of the host's body; instead someone in direct contact with them can be given all negative side effects of exchange. This fruit seemingly functions as a mid ground between the two other kinds of exchange.
Upon eating an unripe fruit from their grafted Locacaca branch, the dying Kira's injuries were healed, while parts of Josefumi's body turned to stone, beginning with the areas that had been in contact with Kira upon eating the fruit.[8] However, upon eating the seemingly ripe new Locacaca grown by Jobin Higashikata, Yasuho Hirose experienced a different kind of exchange: upon her arm being regrown Joshu (who had used himself as collateral in the exchange) had his own corresponding arm shrivel up rather than turning to stone.[9]
Gucci Bag
A Genius Artisan employed by Gucci once somehow bestowed three Gucci Bags with a Stand harnessing the power of Equivalent Exchange: anything of value put inside the bags disappears immediately, but is later returned to the owner when they need it most. Rohan Kishibe, having received one of the bags from his grandmother, takes the bag to a Gucci factory to have it fixed, demonstrating its effect with a fifty-euro bill and various other objects worth ten euro in total. When Rohan is later robbed by his interpreter and finds himself unable to book a room at a hotel, he is offered sixty euros for his umbrella, and realizes too late that he could gained more if he had put in a hundred-euro bill.
Users
Gallery
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Josuke Higashikata is born as a result of the Equivalent Exchange properties of the Wall Eyes -
Josefumi Kujo and Yoshikage Kira undergo Equivalent Exchange through the New Locacaca -
Locacaca 6251 in action; Josuke loses part of his face in exchange for his wounds -
Yasuho's arm regrows as Joshu's withers away, rather than turning to stone
References
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 17: The Lemon and the Tangerine
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 55: Walking Heart, Breaking Heart
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 1: Welcome to Morioh
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 7: Josuke, Go to the Higashikata Family
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 47: Hato Brought Her Boyfriend Home, Part 1
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 39: Doobie Wah, Part 1
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 92: The Wonder of You, Part 9
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 53: Vitamin C and Killer Queen, Part 4
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 101: The Wonder of You, Part 18
