Josuke Higashikata
Josuke Higashikata (東方 定助,, Higashikata Jōsuke)[3] is the protagonist of the eighth part of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series, JoJolion, and is the eighth JoJo of the 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 (exposing his birthmark in latter depictions), 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
Personality
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.[4] 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.[5] 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.[6] 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.[7]
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.[8] 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.[9]
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,[10][11] and he even kept his promise to not harm Jobin while trying to get information about the Locacaca out of him.[12] 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.[13] Josuke is not afraid to threaten to kill, and he indeed killed Tamaki Damo in cold-blood in retaliation for threatening his adoptive family,[14] 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.[15] 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,[16] and Josuke honors Norisuke Higashikata's adoption of him, considering himself a part of the Higashikatas.[17] When Karera rejects her own parents, Josuke comments that they would never get along.[18] 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."[19] 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.[20]
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.[21] Josuke prefers sleeping underneath a whole mattress rather than the bed sheets for "increased compression."[22] He also regularly spills food he enjoys.[23][24] 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).[25] Josuke has also demonstrated a more childish side, implanting his hair into Joshu and Hato Higashikata for fun.[26] Whenever the mood is right, Josuke seems to have fun declaring his victory. He notably consciously poses after outsmarting the population of Shakedown Road[27] and also smugly claimed his win against Jobin in a stag beetle fight.[28]
Abilities
Stand
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.
Major Battles
- Josuke Vs. Joshu Higashikata
- Josuke Vs. Ojirou Sasame
- Josuke Vs. Daiya Higashikata
- Josuke & Paisley Park Vs. Kyo Nijimura
- Josuke Vs. The population of Shakedown Road
- Josuke & Norisuke Higashikata IV Vs. Yotsuyu Yagiyama
- Josuke Vs. Jobin Higashikata
- Josuke & Karera Sakunami Vs. A. Phex Brothers
Relationships
Josuke's first contact is with Yasuho Hirose, his discoverer. He lives in the Higashikata family household after tentative adoption by Norisuke Higashikata IV.
Love Interest
- Yasuho Hirose: Josuke holds Yasuho in special regard, as the first person he has ever met or known. Yasuho's casually considerate nature with Josuke in the first instance is to have naturally built with his trust. Yasuho in return is able to appreciate his innocence and empathize with his sadness over having no family. They are the only certain allies in the story so far, and they hold romantic feelings for one another. The proof of their romantic progression can be seen during the Love Love Deluxe arc where, after meeting up, the two begin holding hands and look like they are on a date. Yasuho helps him gather information on his identity and Josuke in turn protects her, becoming enraged when someone tries to harm her in any way. She is the only person Josuke whole-heartedly trusts.
Adopted Family
Josuke was adopted into the Higashikata household, thus bearing their family name. At first suspicious of them as a whole, their quirky demeanor and subsequent reveals about their motives made him open up toward them, and Josuke wishes to honor the family's kindness, making efforts not to antagonize them, at least openly.
- Norisuke Higashikata IV: Mutually suspicious; Josuke's natural curiosity as to his origins and Norisuke's intentions carries him beyond the boundaries set for him by the Higashikata patriarch as condition to his residence at the family home, which Norisuke appears to have offered under ulterior motives. He reveals that he knows Josuke has some link to Yoshikage Kira who had information on how to cure the family and for that reason adopted Josuke in hopes of acquiring that information. Norisuke later reveals himself as an ally, and the two hold a mutual trust for one another. Norisuke still places his family above all else, but seems to have grown to care for Josuke as family and even a possible surrogate son (one main example being when Damo tortures Norisuke to get information about Josefumi and Kira from him. While he knows Josuke is somehow involved, he does not rat on him until Damo threatens to kill his family. Even during this, Norisuke breaks down crying and sincerely apologizes to Josuke for not being able to protect him, showing the depth of his care).
- Daiya Higashikata: After engaging Josuke with her Stand, Daiya expresses arousal for him, which Josuke acknowledges to an extent while in a state of diminished responsibility. Upon her defeat, he extends his friendship in recognition of the personal virtues she expressed during their engagement, with Daiya pledging a degree of assistance in his inquiries. Daiya is constantly clinging to Josuke and he partially returns her affection, at the very least considering her a friend and watching out for her well-being.
- Joshu Higashikata: Emotionally immature and unstable, Joshu perceives the sight of the newly-conscious Josuke lying nude on the ground next to Yasuho as an insult, becoming enraged and attacking Josuke with lethal force before he is subdued. Joshu retains a powerful sense of insult at Josuke's interruption in his relationship with Yasuho and his family. Paired by Norisuke while travelling to school together, Josuke exerts an arms-length reception of Joshu, who persistently curses and discriminates against him.
- Jobin Higashikata: Although they seem to have a cordial relationship, Josuke and Jobin are technically enemies and recognize each others as threats. Josuke was first interested in Jobin because of his mysterious relationship with the Locacaca. He prepared to fight him, but settled for tricking him into revealing himself in several gambles about beetle fights. During these gamble, Josuke faked a more friendly and smug demeanor, ultimately leading Jobin to suspect foul play.
- Tsurugi Higashikata: Tsurugi initially tried to kill Josuke because Yotsuga promised him a cure for his rock disease if he helped him. Despite this, Josuke doesn't seem to wish harm on Tsurugi partially understanding Tsurugi's fear of his disease. He has manipulated information on Tsurugi's father Jobin out of Tsurugi by urgency and mentioning his father hiding secrets that could cure him. Josuke is willing to use Tsurugi but seems to still care for his safety as he was worried when he was attacked by Aisho Dainenjiyama and went to him to make sure he was ok, showing the two are at least on amiable terms.
- Hato Higashikata: The two initially do not have much interaction, especially since Josuke is mainly focused on finding more about his past. Despite this, the two seem to get along fine as she was worried when Josuke was trying to use a razor and told Joshu to teach him how to use it properly. When Damo is attacking the family, Hato initially can't believe it and when he attacks both her and Josuke, Josuke uses his bubbles to protect her, implying he cares for her as a friend. The two even worked well together fighting and defeating Damo.
Allies
- Rai Mamezuku: An ally due to his connection with Norisuke along with being the plant appraiser that could tell where the branch of the Locacaca fruit tree is, he becomes Josuke's ally when enemies begin to try to capture him due to his abilities and seeks Josuke's protection. While the two are not on friendly terms, they get along well enough.
Past Affiliations
- Karera Sakunami: Josuke initially didn't recognize Karera at first, however she insisted that she knew him before. Karera refers to him by the mysterious name "Setchan" and leaves before Josuke can obtain more information on his identity. Obtaining her name using Soft & Wet, Josuke lies to her about Yasuho in a failed attempt to retrieve more information. After showing Josuke an old picture on her cellphone of her, Kira and a mysterious other boy she reveals that Josuke's identity is that of Josefumi Kujo - the other boy in the photo. Rebuked by her manners and her willingness to let go of her past, he comments that they will never get along.
- Josefumi Kujo: Perhaps the most mysterious link to Josuke's past; from Karera's account, Josuke was originally Josefumi and apparently knew Kira at some point before losing his memories. The trio seemed to be friends before Josefumi and Kira were fused together to create the current Protagonist. Josuke seems to take after Josefumi in appearance, intelligence, and stand abilities, along with a similar feeling of loneliness as Josuke wonders why no one came to visit him in the hospital and feels alone since he has no memories and doesn't know anyone while Josefumi always felt he was ignored and abandoned all his life. Josefumi is revealed to serve as his body.
- Yoshikage Kira (JoJolion): The other half of Josuke's identity. He and Yasuho went to his apartment to find clues on Josuke's identity but initially found nothing as Sasame confirmed he was not Kira. The two also found his body buried. Despite seeming to have hit a road bump, Kyo later confirms Josuke is a combination of Kira and another person (later revealed to be Josefumi). Josuke seems to get his trademark outfit and part of his stand abilities from Kira, along with possibly some of his personality traits such as his shrewd manipulative intelligent mind, his drive to succeed in his goals, and loyalty to friends and family. It is later revealed he serves as the mental inhabitant of Josuke.
- Kyo Nijimura: Initially he did not interact with her. However, when she learned he was trying to investigate Holy and her connection to Yoshikage Kira, Kyo intervened using her stand Born this Way and nearly killing him in the process. When he defeated her with help from Paisley Park, she confessed she was Kira's sister and was only working for the Higashikatas (whom she hated) to investigate what happened to her brother and reveals herself as an ally. She has him promise not to see Holy Joestar-Kira which he agrees to, upon seeing her break down and cry and not wanting to hurt her or Holy. While she does not assist him again, the two seem to be on better terms.
- Holy Joestar-Kira: When he discovered she was Kira's mother, he tried to investigate her but was stopped by Kyo who had him promise not to bother her. Despite this, upon hearing about her condition from Yasuho he felt partially sorry for her and realizes she did not come to pick up her son because of her dementia. He also learns of her connection to the Higashikatas, making him more suspicious of them. When he later visited her, Josuke soon found out that her condition worsened, as she ate some of her fingers before the hospital had to restrain her. Recognizing her as his mother, even after the fusion, he promises the hospital that the their fees will be paid to continue her treatment, indicating his acceptance of two different identities.
Enemies
- Ojiro Sasame: Ojiro was struck with misfortune from both of Josuke's former identities, particularly with Kira who had supposedly convinced him to eat his own fingers while drunk. Ojiro would later attack Josuke, thinking he was Kira and would later be taken out.
- Yotsuyu Yagiyama: As a member of the Locacaca Fruit, Yotsuyu was an enemy of Josuke's and both of his former identities. After a confrontation, Yotsuyu ended up being unintentionally killed by Josuke, due to his Rock Human biology.
- Tamaki Damo: Damo, was originally unaware of Josuke's identity and presumed him to be a freeloader at the Higashikata household. Upon discovering Josuke's past, Damo saw him as an enemy but also a miraculous new potential for the Locacaca. Josuke treated Damo as a dangerous enemy and made sure to kill him.
- Dolomite: Dolomite is an assassin hired Jobin to kill Josuke. Using his Stand powers, Dolomite infects several people, before possessing Josuke himself. Dolomite attempted to make Josuke drown himself before being stopped by Yasuho.
Chapters
- JoJolion Chapter 1: Welcome to Morioh
- JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 3: Soft & Wet, Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 4: Soft & Wet, Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 5: Soft & Wet, Part 4
- JoJolion Chapter 6: Soft & Wet, Part 5
- JoJolion Chapter 7: Josuke, Go to the Higashikata Family
- JoJolion Chapter 8: California King Bed, Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 9: California King Bed, Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 10: California King Bed, Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 11: Family Tree
- JoJolion Chapter 12: "Paisley Park" and "Born This Way", Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 13: "Paisley Park" and "Born This Way", Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 14: "Paisley Park" and "Born This Way", Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 15: "Paisley Park" and "Born This Way", Part 4
- JoJolion Chapter 16: "Paisley Park" and "Born This Way", Part 5
- JoJolion Chapter 17: The Lemon and the Tangerine
- JoJolion Chapter 18: "Shakedown Road", Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 19: "Shakedown Road", Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 20: "Shakedown Road", Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 21: "Shakedown Road", Part 4
- JoJolion Chapter 22: Morioh 1901
- JoJolion Chapter 23: Paper Moon Deception, Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 24: Paper Moon Deception, Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 25: Paper Moon Deception, Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 26: Tsurugi Higashikata's Goal, and the Architect
- JoJolion Chapter 27: Norisuke Higashikata, Tsurugi Higashikata, and Yotsuyu Yagiyama, Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 28: Norisuke Higashikata, Tsurugi Higashikata, and Yotsuyu Yagiyama, Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 29: Norisuke Higashikata, Tsurugi Higashikata, and Yotsuyu Yagiyama, Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 30: King Nothing
- JoJolion Chapter 31: "I Am a Rock", Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 32: "I Am a Rock", Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 33: Josuke! Go to the Higashikata Fruit Parlor
- JoJolion Chapter 34: It's a Summer Vacation Everyday, Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 35: It's a Summer Vacation Everyday, Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 36: It's a Summer Vacation Everyday, Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 37: It's a Summer Vacation Everyday, Part 4
- JoJolion Chapter 38: Jobin Higashikata is a Stand User
- JoJolion Chapter 39: Doobie Wah, Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 40: Doobie Wah, Part 2 (Mentioned only)
- JoJolion Chapter 41: Doobie Wah, Part 3 (Flashback)
- JoJolion Chapter 42: Doobie Wah, Part 4 (Mentioned only)
- JoJolion Chapter 43: Love Love Deluxe, Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 44: Love Love Deluxe, Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 45: Love Love Deluxe, Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 46: Love Love Deluxe, Part 4
- JoJolion Chapter 47: Hato Brought Her Boyfriend Home, Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 48: Hato Brought Her Boyfriend Home, Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 49: Hato Brought Her Boyfriend Home, Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 50: Vitamin C and Killer Queen, Part 1 (Cover only)
- JoJolion Chapter 51: Vitamin C and Killer Queen, Part 2 (Flashback)
- JoJolion Chapter 53: Vitamin C and Killer Queen, Part 4
- JoJolion Chapter 54: Walking Heart
- JoJolion Chapter 55: Walking Heart, Breaking Heart
- JoJolion Chapter 56: Milagroman, Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 58: Dawn of the Higashikata Family
- JoJolion Chapter 59: Dolomite's Blue Lagoon, Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 60: Dolomite's Blue Lagoon, Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 61: Dolomite's Blue Lagoon, Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 62: Dolomite's Blue Lagoon, Part 4
- JoJolion Chapter 63: Dolomite's Blue Lagoon, Part 5
- JoJolion Chapter 64: Mother and Child
- JoJolion Chapter 65: The Plant Appraiser - Rai Mamezuku (31), Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 66: The Plant Appraiser - Rai Mamezuku (31), Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 67: The Plant Appraiser - Rai Mamezuku (31), Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 68: Urban Guerrilla and Doremifasolati Do, Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 69: Urban Guerrilla and Doremifasolati Do, Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 70: Urban Guerrilla and Doremifasolati Do, Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 71: The Qing Dynasty Hair Clip
- JoJolion Chapter 72: North of the Higashikata House. The Orchard
- JoJolion Chapter 73: Ozon Baby's Pressure, Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 74: Ozon Baby's Pressure, Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 75: Ozon Baby's Pressure, Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 76: Ozon Baby's Pressure, Part 4
- JoJolion Chapter 77: Head to T.G. University Hospital
- JoJolion Chapter 78: Orthopedic Surgeon - Dr. Wu Tomoki
- JoJolion Chapter 79: Doctor Wu and Awaking 3 Leaves, Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 80: Doctor Wu and Awaking 3 Leaves, Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 81: Doctor Wu and Awaking 3 Leaves, Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 82: Doctor Wu and Awaking 3 Leaves, Part 4
- JoJolion Chapter 83: The New Locacaca
- JoJolion Chapter 84: The Wonder of You, Part 1
- JoJolion Chapter 85: The Wonder of You, Part 2
- JoJolion Chapter 86: The Wonder of You, Part 3
- JoJolion Chapter 88: The Wonder of You, Part 5 (Cover only)
- JoJolion Chapter 89: The Wonder of You, Part 6
- JoJolion Chapter 90: The Wonder of You, Part 7
- JoJolion Chapter 91: The Wonder of You, Part 8
- JoJolion Chapter 92: The Wonder of You, Part 9
- JoJolion Chapter 93: The Wonder of You, Part 10
- JoJolion Chapter 94: The Wonder of You, Part 11 (Mentioned only)
Quotes
- “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
- “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'm just gonna say this flat out! You're suspicious. There are things I want to ask. This could turn into an interrogation.”—Josuke Higashikata to Norisuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 27: Norisuke Higashikata, Tsurugi Higashikata, and Yotsuyu Yagiyama, Part 1
- “Do you hear me...? Mark my words, Yotsuyu Yagiyama... I'm going to beat you and make you regret from the bottom of your heart that you ever got Yasuho involved in this! No matter what relationship you and I have had in the past, I swear I'll defeat you!”—Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 31: "I Am a Rock", Part 1
- “I'm going to use my soap bubbles to attack! Soft & Wet!”—Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 31: "I Am a Rock", Part 1
- “You'd said my king and rook were forked, but that wrong...! I've got checkmate!”—Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 31: "I Am a Rock", Part 1
- “Hey... you're the one that isn't listening. I just said this a minute ago... I said I'm not going to defend anymore...[...] I've brought you here so I could push you off.”—Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 32: "I Am a Rock", Part 2
- “Jobin, allow me to say this amply... It looks like one way or another, I won. The winner... is MEEEEE! My Dorcus Titanus Palawanicus!”—Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 35: It's a Summer Vacation Everyday, Part 2
- “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
- “Left hand to right hand... you really should stop doing that. Your little brother kicked that ball to you and you caught it with your left hand, which is stuck inside it. If that ball contains poison gas, then I'll win. You should stop.”—Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 46: Love Love Deluxe, Part 4
- “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
- “The man in the living room... do you mind if I kill him? I want you to give me your permission.”—Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 53: Vitamin C and Killer Queen, Part 4
- “My name is Josuke Higashikata. I still don't have any memories of my childhood or any memories as Yoshikage Kira. Nor... may I ever. But, I know something I have to do. What I need to do now actually supports the idea that my lost memories once existed! I know I can get a Locacaca for Holy, because I once had the power of that equivalent exchange phenomenon in my own hands! I need that and money!”—Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 58: Dawn of the Higashikata Family
- “I have a woman waiting for this Locacaca! I'm going to take back the past I lost! If Norisuke gets that Locacaca, it should open the righteous path that brings everyone happiness... and if we lose this Locacaca branch, all that will be left is despair! No matter what it takes, I cannot let the enemy get the Locacaca or let it burn!”—Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 74: Ozon Baby's Pressure, Part 2
- “Mr. Mamezuku, my name is Higashikata Josuke... that's the name I use. But... it's not really my name. It's just a temporary name Norisuke gave me. And... no matter whose memories you search... even if the police check everywhere in this whole world... there's no record of me... anywhere. I don't even know what I am, honestly. Half of my body [is Josefumi Kujo], yes. but no one is searching for me... not even my own mother. Even if I met her, I wouldn't know it. No matter where I go, my identity is nebulous. A nebulous existence that disappeared. I absolutely must get my hands on the new Locacaca. The other half of my body is Yoshikage Kira. For Kira's... for Holy's sake, I have to obtain that perfect equivalent exchange. That is the one and only proof of my existence.”—Josuke Higashikata, JoJolion Chapter 90: The Wonder of You, Part 7
Trivia
- When he is given the name "Josuke Higashikata", his name is written in a different kanji (定助 instead of 仗助) than that of the Part 4 protagonist's (of note is that this name is pronounced the same as Norisuke IV's birth name).
- The brand of his hat is "SBR" (a reference to the Steel Ball Run race).
- Josuke was originally going to have the Stand ability to attach screws to something, but Araki changed his mind and gave that to Joshu.[29]
- Foreign fans often refer to him as Jo2uke, Jo8uke, Josuk8, or Gappy (in reference to the distinct gap in his teeth) to avoid confusion with the other Josuke.
- In Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven Speedwagon regards Josuke as "Hat Josuke", presumably because he is wearing a hat.
References
- ↑ JJL Chapter 34: Every Day Is a Summer Vacation (1)
- ↑ JJL Chapter 43: Love Love Deluxe (1)
- ↑ Note: the Suke — 助 — in his name may also be pronounced as "Jo"
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1, p12-13
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 43: Love Love Deluxe, Part 1, p23
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 58: Dawn of the Higashikata Family, p17
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 90: The Wonder of You, Part 7, p12-17
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 90: The Wonder of You, Part 7, p8-9
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 58: Dawn of the Higashikata Family, p14-15
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 34: It's a Summer Vacation Everyday, Part 1, p16
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 59: Dolomite's Blue Lagoon, Part 1, p14
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 34: It's a Summer Vacation Everyday, Part 1, p25
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 16: "Paisley Park" and "Born This Way", Part 5, p22
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 55: Walking Heart, Breaking Heart, p26
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 34: It's a Summer Vacation Everyday, Part 1, p22
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 15: "Paisley Park" and "Born This Way", Part 4, p5
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 59: Dolomite's Blue Lagoon, Part 1, p17
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 44: Love Love Deluxe, Part 2, p17
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 31: "I Am a Rock", Part 1, p14
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 27: Norisuke Higashikata, Tsurugi Higashikata, and Yotsuyu Yagiyama, Part 1, p22
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1, p4
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1, p6
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1, p10
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 33: Josuke! Go to the Higashikata Fruit Parlor, p34
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 2: Soft & Wet, Part 1, p19
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 11: Family Tree, p12-13
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 21: "Shakedown Road", Part 4, p24
- ↑ JoJolion Chapter 37: It's a Summer Vacation Everyday, Part 4, p40
- ↑ JOJOVELLER Mini - Stand Comments