JoJolion

Josuke Higashikata

From JoJo's Bizarre Encyclopedia - JoJo Wiki
Revision as of 18:50, 24 December 2019 by Vish (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Intro
Gallery
History
Misc

For a similar character, see Josuke Higashikata
SPOILER WARNING: Part 8 spoiler details may follow.
“
Who the hell am I?
”
—Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 17: The Lemon and the Tangerine

Josuke Higashikata (東方 定助, Higashikata Jōsuke) is the protagonist of JoJolion. He is the eighth JoJo of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series.

Josuke is a young man afflicted with retrograde amnesia, lacking any memories prior to being discovered by Yasuho Hirose near the Wall Eyes in Morioh Town. He dedicates himself to discovering his former identity and those originally associated with him.

Josuke's original identity was that of Josefumi Kujo (空条 仗世文, Kūjō Josefumi), and became his current self after fusing with the man Yoshikage Kira (吉良 吉影, Kira Yoshikage). Josuke is a Stand User and retains his original identity's Soft & Wet.

Appearance

Josuke is a young, physically fit man of above-average height. Josuke has a diastema between his upper incisors and a star-shaped birthmark on his left shoulder. He has two sets of irises, four testicles, and two tongues, all joined as one, differing in texture and color. After consuming a vial of Locacaca 6251, small patches of skin on Josuke's upper body and face turned to stone, including his left eye.

He wears a tasseled "Dixie cup" sailor cap (in multiple illustrations, it is adorned with the same palm insignia as Jotaro Kujo's hat). He wears a sailor suit, cut with a wide neck and above the navel, a neckerchief with a button resembling a slotted screw head, large emblems of an anchor on his right side and a compass rose on his left, fitted pants with a belt, and a pair of high-top athletic shoes.

Yasuho mentions he resembles her dog, Josuke.

Color Schemes

The series is known for alternating colors between media, the information presented below may or may not be canon.
Colored MangaAll Star BattleEyes of Heaven
Skin(Fair)
Hair(Black)
Eyes(Half blue, half purple)
Outfit
(White sailor suit with dark blue bands, green/yellow belt and pins, and black shoes)
Hair(Black)
Eyes(Half dark green, half light green)
Outfit
(Orange sailor suit with black bands, yellow pins, green belt, and brown shoes)
Hair(Dark Blue)
Eyes(Half brown, half green-gray)
Outfit
(White sailor suit with light blue bands, brown pin, red belt, and green shoes)

Personality

“
I'm going to take back the past I lost!
”
—Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 74: Ozon Baby's Pressure, Part 2

The tentatively named Josuke Higashikata is a quirky amnesiac determined to learn his true identity and his past.

Josuke is afflicted by extensive retrograde amnesia, lacking memory of himself or events prior to meeting Yasuho Hirose, but retaining various degrees of knowledge.[3] As such, Josuke is driven to discover who he was by investigating the circumstances of his presence in the beach prior to having been saved by Yasuho. That goal occupies nearly all of his activities, and no action on his part is made without attempting to reach the truth. That drive is sufficiently strong that he was willing to interrupt a rare moment with his love interest Yasuho to investigate Karera Sakunami.[4] After learning about his past identity, Josuke set for himself the new goal of retrieving the Locacaca branch and using the fruit to heal Holy Joestar-Kira.[5] He still demonstrates the same steadfastness in investigating the fruit and the whereabouts of the Locacaca Organization, with the addition of deferring more to Rai Mamezuku's opinions, deeming the plant appraiser's expertise about the fruit worth listening to. His determination to reach his goals is best illustrated when he willingly steps into a rain made deadly by Satoru Akefu's Stand, letting his body be pierced by raindrops, including his head, just to reach the hospital.[6]

Josuke seems to have retained certain traits from both of his original identities. At times he displays strong emotions like Josefumi while also being able to analyze situations and strategize like Yoshikage. However, Josuke ultimately considers himself separate from both, being neither Kira or Josefumi as he doesn't have memories from either man nor did anyone from Josefumi's past look for him. It causes him to question what he really is and consider his identity to be nebulous.[7] Nonetheless, he felt a strong sadness when he first saw Holy Joestar-Kira, meaning he has also retained subconscious memories strong enough to still feel attachment to her.[8]

While Josuke can be violent at times, he also has a degree of restraint toward enemies he doesn't need to kill. On multiple occasions he has asked members of the Higashikata family for permission before pursuing an enemy that relates to them,[9][10] and he even kept his promise to not harm Jobin while trying to get information about the Locacaca out of him.[11] However, Josuke is willing to defend himself and the people he knows from anyone who wishes to harm them. Unlike his counterpart Jotaro, Josuke isn't disturbed at the idea of hitting women and readily knocked out Kyo when she attacked him.[12] Josuke is not afraid to threaten to kill, and he indeed killed Tamaki Damo in cold-blood in retaliation for threatening his adoptive family,[13] though his main goal of discovering his identity means that killing his aggressors is counterproductive. That killing intent is easily triggered when someone hurts Yasuho. Josuke has also proven to be proficient at manipulating people, notably Jobin with whom he would adopt a more nonchalant persona to seem harmless.[14] Apart from that, Josuke approaches his task calmly and methodically.

Josuke is relatively polite and has been shown to strongly value familial relationships. Being amnesiac, Josuke places a great emphasis on one's family and legacy, wishing to learn his own past. The fact that no one came looking for him while hospitalized deeply unnerves him, to the point he can shed tears at the thought,[15] and Josuke honors Norisuke Higashikata's adoption of him, considering himself a part of the Higashikatas.[16] When Karera rejects her own parents, Josuke comments that they would never get along.[17] He's not only willing to defend his adoptive family, but he strongly desires to cure Holy of her illness despite not having any memories of her. However, Josuke continues to suspect members of the Higashikata family of working against him. Josuke cares for Yasuho on a stronger level than even his family, and any threat to her well-being greatly angers him. In fact, during his battle with Yotsuyu Josuke is shown to possess a similar type of willpower to Johnny Joestar's "dark determination."[18] However, when it comes to his goals, Josuke is straight to the point and hardly tolerates any circling around the subject. For instance, he didn't hesitate to directly ask Norisuke if he killed Yoshikage Kira, forcing the latter to explain his motives.[19]

Despite all this, Josuke also has a certain number of humorous quirks. He seems to be totally oblivious when it comes to mundane things while at the same time retaining in-depth knowledge of animal and plant species.[20] Josuke prefers sleeping underneath a whole mattress rather than the bed sheets for "increased compression."[21] He also regularly spills food he enjoys.[22][23] During his earlier interactions with Yasuho, Josuke would pry on her breast size offhandedly, measuring it by sight (a trait that he probably gained from Yoshikage, as Holy was shown to possess a similar skill).[24] Josuke has also demonstrated a more childish side, implanting his hair into Joshu and Hato Higashikata for fun.[25] Whenever the mood is right, Josuke seems to have fun declaring his victory. He notably consciously poses after outsmarting the population of Shakedown Road[26] and also smugly claimed his win against Jobin in a stag beetle fight.[27]

Abilities

Stand

Main article: Soft & Wet
File:Rjojos-bizarre-adventure-part-008-jojolion-3793491.jpg
Soft & Wet

Soft & Wet is Josuke's Stand. Initially belonging to Josefumi, Josuke retains it after the fusion with Kira, albeit with some minor differences.

Its primary ability ("Plunder") is to steal some aspect or property of a target; to be contained in one or more small soap bubbles (bearing the image of his birthmark), which may be returned or transferred to other objects. This ability has been used both offensively and strategically. Soft & Wet also demonstrates above-average strength and the capacity for rapid melee attack common to humanoid Stands.

Like himself, Josuke's Stand is described as a fusion of Yoshikage Kira's Killer Queen and the original Soft & Wet belonging to Josefumi Kujo.

During his fight with Yotsuyu Yagiyama, Josuke decides to "use [his] soap bubbles for offense rather than defense..." Soft & Wet is shown to be able to surround and contain objects by creating a soap bubble and punching it into said object. The bubble bursts but then reforms around the target; Josuke is then able to make the bubble and object inside float anywhere he wants to, just like his regular soap bubbles.

By combining strikes with his bubbles, he is able to "inject" one of his soap bubbles into the flesh of his opponents, causing superficial damage when he pops them. The explosive property of the bubbles was first demonstrated against the A. Phex Brothers and described by them as being very similar to Kira's ability.

Personal Skills

  • Sight: Josuke possesses exceptional sight, being capable of accurately describing the dimensions of organic objects such as humans and trees from afar (a trait shared with Holy Joestar-Kira). Moreover he seems to have a wide field of view, spotting movement at his feet's level despite looking away.
  • Hand-to-hand combat: Josuke demonstrates a natural affinity towards hand to hand combat, having fluidly blocked and struck an opponent in one swift motion, augmenting the damage his blow causes with the powers of his Stand. He is also capable of displaying high reflexes and fast reaction speed common of experienced fighters.
  • Intelligence: Josuke is an extremely proficient tactician in a fight. He is able to use his Stand to various effects and predict his opponents next moves easily. Josuke is a methodical individual, having quickly deduced Born This Way's powers via simple experimentation, as well as taking advantage of Les Feuilles's characteristics despite seeing them in action only recently. Out of combat, Josuke is thorough in his investigation, being careful about covering his tracks. He has also displayed proficient skill in mathematics, having easily solved a trigonometry problem given to him by Joshu.


Chapters

Book Icon.png Manga Appearances
Chapters in order of appearance

Quotes

Quote.png Quotes
  • “
    Who am I? What am I doing here?
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 1: Welcome to Morioh
  • “
    My name is... Who am I...?
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1
  • “
    I don't remember anything. I can read numbers and characters and that sort of things. And I can tie my shoelaces. I know that this is a cup, and that there's water inside it. I know about Tokugawa Ieyasu and Edison and people like that... but I don't know anything about myself... what my name is, what is my favorite flower is, whether I'm a sailor or not. I haven't got a clue for any of them.
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1
  • “
    The only person I know is... you. Yasuho Hirose, height : 166 cm. The person that was above the ground. I don't know anyone else in this whole world.
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1
  • “
    That sort of thing... is personal. I want to go there in person and find out with my own eyes and ears.
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1
  • “
    Shhh... Soft & Wet.
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 4: Soft & Wet, Part 3
  • “
    Soft & Wet... when my soap bubble touches something and breaks, I take something from there.
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 4: Soft & Wet, Part 3
  • “
    Yeah, I hate you. But you don't lie. Your honesty is a beautiful thing about you. Do you want me to start liking you?... Then I'm going to be using this cellphone from now on. It's mine.
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 10: California King Bed, Part 3
  • “
    I'm spick and span. Maaaan. I'd forgotten but I think how to shave might've come back to me. Thanks... Especially how to use the bubbles... okay.
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 11: Family Tree
  • “
    Bastard! Who the hell are yooou?! If you come any closer, I'm going to attack with the intent to kill!
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 13: "Paisley Park" and "Born This Way", Part 2
  • “
    In people's houses, they have photos like that, decorating their rooms. The child in that picture is the boy from the 2nd floor. I wonder if even I have photos like that decorating someplace...? No. I'm sure there aren't any. If there were, there would be people in them looking form me, but no one is...
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 15: "Paisley Park" and "Born This Way", Part 4
  • “
    The sun rises, and a new day begins. People head off for work, commute to school, play, and jog. Some go to cafes or restaurants... and meet with someone. But those are all activities for those that know their places to return to. Where do I go? Where should I go back to? I don't know.
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 18: "Shakedown Road", Part 1
  • “
    Everyone that walks on this road know about how it works... but everyone is deceived. That's the rule.
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata about Shakedown Road, JoJolion Chapter 21: "Shakedown Road", Part 4
  • “
    I've won. Ah... please allow me to say completely. I'VE WON! COMPLETELY!
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 21: "Shakedown Road", Part 4
  • “
    I like large fries, I like large fries, I like large fries, but not fried chicken. Not fried chicken, not fried chicken, I just want those crunchies. I like large fries.
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 43: Love Love Deluxe, Part 1
  • “
    My name... is 'Josuke Higashikata'... and my memories from when I was born... are long gone from this world... and they'll never come back... but even so... there's something I'm certain of. I am your son. No matter where I go, or what era I live in, that's something certain that I can believe in. ...Mom... Ora ora ora ora ora ora ora ora ora ora! I'll save you. I swear it.
    ”
    —Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 92: The Wonder of You, Part 9

References

  1. ↑ JJL Chapter 34: Every Day Is a Summer Vacation (1)
  2. ↑ JJL Chapter 43: Love Love Deluxe (1)
  3. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1, p12-13
  4. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 43: Love Love Deluxe, Part 1, p23
  5. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 58: Dawn of the Higashikata Family, p17
  6. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 90: The Wonder of You, Part 7, p12-17
  7. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 90: The Wonder of You, Part 7, p8-9
  8. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 58: Dawn of the Higashikata Family, p14-15
  9. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 34: It's a Summer Vacation Everyday, Part 1, p16
  10. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 59: Dolomite's Blue Lagoon, Part 1, p14
  11. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 34: It's a Summer Vacation Everyday, Part 1, p25
  12. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 16: "Paisley Park" and "Born This Way", Part 5, p22
  13. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 55: Walking Heart, Breaking Heart, p26
  14. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 34: It's a Summer Vacation Everyday, Part 1, p22
  15. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 15: "Paisley Park" and "Born This Way", Part 4, p5
  16. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 59: Dolomite's Blue Lagoon, Part 1, p17
  17. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 44: Love Love Deluxe, Part 2, p17
  18. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 31: "I Am a Rock", Part 1, p14
  19. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 27: Norisuke Higashikata, Tsurugi Higashikata, and Yotsuyu Yagiyama, Part 1, p22
  20. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1, p4
  21. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1, p6
  22. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1, p10
  23. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 33: Josuke! Go to the Higashikata Fruit Parlor, p34
  24. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1, p19
  25. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 11: Family Tree, p12-13
  26. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 21: "Shakedown Road", Part 4, p24
  27. ↑ JoJolion Chapter 37: It's a Summer Vacation Everyday, Part 4, p40

Site Navigation

Template:Jojos
Retrieved from "http://jojowiki.com/index.php?title=Josuke_Higashikata_(JoJolion)&oldid=354867"