List of References in JoJo

 See also: List of cultural references and inspirations from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Within JoJo's Bizarre Adventure there exists a great number of overt references to existing art and media, as well as echoes of Hirohiko Araki's artistic influences. This article represents a provisional list of these.

_{Note: References listed on this page without citations have not been confirmed.}

Part 1: Phantom Blood

Music

• Dio's name partially comes from the heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio, founder of the band "Dio."
• Danny's name is a reference to Danny's Song by musical duo Loggins and Messina
• Erina Pendleton's name is possibly based on a mispronunciation of Eleanor Rigby
• The name of the 8th chapter is a possible reference to the Queen song "Ogre Battle."
• Robert E. O. Speedwagon's name comes from the rock band REO Speedwagon.
• Wang Chan's name is inspired by the 80s Pop group Wang Chung.
• The Zeppeli surname is named after the English rock band Led Zeppelin.
• Poco's name likely comes from the Californian Country Rock band Poco.
• Tarkus is named after the album Tarkus, by Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
• Bruford is named after musician Bill Bruford, formerly the drummer of Yes and King Crimson.
• Tonpetty is named after American musician Tom Petty.
• Dire and Straizo are named after the British Rock band Dire Straits.
• Doobie's name is a reference to the Doobie Brothers.
• Page, Jones, Plant and Bornnam are named after Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, and John Bonham, the four members of Led Zeppelin.
• The farmer testifying about the presence of Jonathan and party (though he does not know their name) is named Jeff Beck, after the guitarist of the same name.
• Father Styx is named after the American rock band Styx.

People

• Dio's surname is possibly named after the actor Marlon Brando.^{[citation needed]}
• Will Anthonio Zeppeli's first name is possibly a reference to the English novelist William Makepeace Thackeray, who Zeppeli himself quoted in his dying moments.
• The university where Jonathan and Dio studied is named Hugh Hudson Academy. This is likely named after Hugh Hudson, a British film director, known by the masterpiece movie Chariots of Fire.
• The concept designs of Jonathan and Dio came from Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose films were popular at the time.

Film

Dio drinking Cronenberg

• In Chapter 9: The Stone Mask, Part 2, Dio is unsure of Jonathan's survival and seen drinking on the street. The label on the bottle reads both "Cronenberg," a reference to the Canadian director, David Cronenberg, as well as "Dead Zone," a Stephen King movie adaptation Cronenberg had directed.

Manga/Anime

• Jonathan is vaguely influenced by Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star.^{[citation needed]}

Literature

• The interactions between George Joestar I and Dario Brando parallel that of various interactions in Victor Hugo's novel Les Misérables. George mistakes Dario, who was trying to loot him, as his savior, just as Marius' father mistakes Thenadiers as his savior. George also claims that he gave Dario the ring that Dario himself stole, similar to how the bishop Myriel claims that he had given Jean Valjean the silverware.
• The premise of Part I parallels Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, in that both take place in the closing years of the 19th Century and involve a young adult protagonist named Jonathan interacting with and defeating a charismatic vampire.

Other

• The name Jonathan came from a local restaurant called Jonathan's that Araki used to frequent.

Part 2: Battle Tendency

Music

• Smokey Brown is named after musicians Smokey Robinson and James Brown.
• Donovan is named after the musician of the same name.
• The four Pillar Men are named after the bands Santana, Wham!, AC/DC, and The Cars.
• The track WELCOME TO THE WORLD from the anime uses the guitar intro of Owner of Lonely Heart by Yes.
• Lisa Lisa is named after Lisa Lisa from the band Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam.
• Air Supplena Island is a reference to the band Air Supply.
• Loggins and Messina are named after the musicians Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina.
• Suzi Q is named after musician Suzi Quatro and/or the song "Susie Q" by Dale Hawkins (and famously covered by Creedence Clearwater Revival).
• The Red Stone of Aja is named after Aja, the song and album by the group Steely Dan.
• The line by Joseph Joestar to Caesar Zeppeli, "Nice, nice, very nice, Caesarino", is a reference to the song Nice, Nice, Very Nice by Californian band Ambrosia and the British Alan Parsons, "Nice, Nice, Very Nice". 
• Wired Beck is inspired by musician Jeff Beck and his album Wired.
• In the final chapter, Joseph listens to a cassette tape by The Beatles on his walkman.
• The song used for the first ending of the anime is "Roundabout" by British progressive rock band Yes.

People

• Caesar Anthonio Zeppeli is named after the Roman emperor Julius Caesar.^{[citation needed]}
• Rudol von Stroheim is likely named after Austrian-born actor Erich von Stroheim.

Film

• The cave in which Santana is discovered resembles the interior of the derelict spacecraft on LV-426 from the movie Aliens.

• Joseph is shown reading a Superman comic when he and Speedwagon are attacked by a group of hijackers.

Manga/Anime

• In the anime version of the hijacking scene, Joseph is reading a Baoh: The Visitor manga instead of a Superman comic, presumably to avoid legal issues with DC Comics. However, the scene still references Superman in a more subtle way, as the Baoh comic's cover is based on that of Superman #1.

Western Animation

• The minor character Bruto appears to be a direct expy of the character Bluto from the series Popeye.

Part 3: Stardust Crusaders

Music

• Jotaro's absent father, Sadao Kujo, might be named after Japanese jazz musician Sadao Watanabe
• Muhammad Avdol is named after American singer Paula Abdul.
  • Avdol's Stand Magician's Red has an attack called Crossfire Hurricane which comes from the opening line of the Rolling Stones' song "Jumpin' Jack Flash".
• In the manga, just before Jotaro arrives home with an unconscious Kakyoin, Holy can be seen singing The Loco-Motion to herself.
  • Alternatively, in the anime, Holy instead sings Aoi Sangoshu by Japanese singer Seiko Matsuda
• DIO's base of operation being Egypt may have been inspired by the song "Egypt (The Chains Are On)" by Ronnie James Dio.
• Gray Fly is named after musician Glenn Frey.
• Jean Pierre Polnareff is named after French musician Michel Polnareff.
  • His sister, Sherry Polnareff, is named after the Michel Polnareff song "Tout, Tout Pour Ma Chérie".
• Captain Tennille is named after the 1970 musical duo Captain & Tennille.
  • In the localized version Captain Tennille is called Captain Dragon, after the Captain & Tennille member Daryl Dragon.
• The Imposter's Stand, Dark Blue Moon's name may have been inspired by the song Blue Moon by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.
• Jotaro's favorite musician is Toshinobu Kubota
• Forever is named after the album Wu-Tang Forever, by the Wu-Tang Clan.
• Kakyoin's favorite musician is Sting.
• Devo the Cursed is named after the American band Devo.
  • In the localized version Devo is called Soul Sacrifice, after the Santana song. 
• When Joseph tries to use Hermit Purple on a television in order to detect DIO from Singapore, his Stand shows him random TV programs. One of these shows the cover of Tom Petty's debut solo album, Full Moon Fever, and another shows an advert from MTV's prime in the 1980s. The Tom Petty reference was changed to the performance of an artist who's name is "Putty" in the anime.
• Rubber Soul is named after the Beatles album Rubber Soul.
• In the Part 3 drama CD the Old Man's stand is called Strange Relation after the Prince song Strange Relationship.
• Hol Horse is named after the American music duo Hall and Oates.
• J. Geil is named after The J. Geils Band.
  • In the localized version J. Geil is called Centerfold, after the J. Geils Band song.
• Nena is named after the New Wave German singer Nena.
• ZZ is named after the American Rock band ZZ Top.
• Enya the Hag is named after the Irish singer Enya.
• Steely Dan is named after American Rock band Steely Dan.
  • In the original localized version Steely Dan was called Rubber Soul, after the Beatles album.
  • Steely Dan makes a pose similar to the cover of the Suzanne Vega album Solitude Standing.
• Arabia Fats is named after musician Fats Domino.
• Mannish Boy is named after Muddy Waters' song Mannish Boy.
• The chickens Avdol cares for on the secluded island (Prince, Michael, and Lionel) are likely named after the musicians Prince, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.
• Cameo is named after the 70s funk and R&B group Cameo.
• The submarine from the 66th Chapter of Part 3 may be a reference to the Beatles song Yellow Submarine.
• Midler is named after singer/actress Bette Midler.
  • In the localized version Midler is called Rose, after the Bette Midler song The Rose.
• The song used for the first ending of the anime's second season is "Walk Like An Egyptian" sung by the US Pop group The Bangles.
• Iggy is named after Iggy Pop.
• N'Doul is named after Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour.
• In the light novel The Genesis of Universe, the Stand Dark Mirage is a reference to the song Mirage by Tommy Jones and the Shondells.
• ​​​​​​Oingo and Boingo are named after the band Oingo Boingo.
  • In the localized version Oingo and Boingo are called Zenyatta and Mondatta, after the Police album.
• Anubis' first user, Caravan Serai, is named after the Santana album Caravanserai.
• Anubis' other users, Chaka and Khan, are named after British-American singer Chaka Khan.
• Mariah is named after US singer Mariah Carey.
• Alessi is named after the American duo Alessi Brothers.
• The D'Arby brothers are named after US singer Terence Trent D'Arby.
  • Daniel J. D'Arby's victims Garie Moor and Christian Vander are named after Irish singer Gary Moore and French musician Christian Vander, respectively.
• Pet Shop is named after the Pet Shop Boys.
• Kenny G. is named after Jazz artist Kenny G.
  • Kenny G.'s Stand, Tenore Sax, is named after one of the types of saxophones used by the real-life Kenny G., the tenor saxophone.
  • In the localized version Kenny G. is called Billie Jean, after the Michael Jackson song Billie Jean.
• Vanilla Ice is named after American rapper Vanilla Ice.
  • Vanilla Ice's localized name, Cool Ice, is a reference to the film and song Cool as Ice by Vanilla Ice.
• Cream is a reference to Ginger Baker's blues band Cream.
• Suzi Q's Bulter, Roses could be a reference to the band Guns N' Roses.
• The World's name, power, and the stair scene with Polnareff are a possible reference to the song "Stargazer" by Rainbow and sung by Ronnie James Dio (DIO's namesake), verse 3:
  • "All eyes see the figure of the wizard" "As he climbs to the top of the world" "No sound, as he falls instead of rising" "Time standing still, then there's blood on the sand"
• The World's design may have been inspired by the band mascot of Dio, Murray, the demonic figure seen on select album covers of Dio albums.
• Senator Wilson Phillips is named after the vocal group of the same name.
• Jotaro quizzes Joseph to make sure he isn't possessed by DIO by asking him who sang the song "Eat It" to which he responds "Al Yankovic".
• In the last chapter Joseph listens to "Get Back" from The Beatles; this is a wink to the audience as many people think the name "JoJo" is a reference to this song as it's about a man named Jojo.
  • In the OVA, Joseph puts on a Gipsy Kings tape instead.
• In the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Capcom fighting game, Kakyoin's ending theme uses a score similar to the opening chords of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven ."
• In Escape From JoJo's Bizarre Mansion the character Dija Maker is named after the Led Zeppelin song D'yer Mak'er.
  • His stand is called House of Holy, after the Led Zeppelin album House of the Holy.
• The song used for the second ending of the anime's second season is "Last Train Home" an instrumental song by the Pat Metheny Group.

People

• Araki mentions that some of the inspiration for Jotaro's character comes from Hollywood actor, Clint Eastwood.
• In the anime when Joseph uses Hermit Purple in Singapore one of the images seen is of a show called "The Vision". This is a reference to "The View" which is a show presented by Whoopi Goldberg .
• At some point in the High Priestess (story arc), the crew attempts to take advantage of Midler's infatuation with Jotaro by complimenting her. Kakyoin suggests that she sounds like film icon, Audrey Hepburn.

Film

• During Joseph's usage of Hermit Purple on the TV, one of the random programs shows Marlon Brando in his famous film The Godfather, where he played Don Vito Corleone.
• When Polnareff hits Devo in his hotel room, Devo falls off the balcony; he is nowhere to be found when Polnareff checks for his body.  This is a possible shout-out to the ending of John Carpenter's Halloween.
• Ebony Devil's possession of a doll is similar to horror film Child's Play.
• Yellow Temperance is likely a reference to The Blob.
• Strength was possibly inspired by the tale of Mary Celeste, while its user was modeled after Link, a character from a 1986 movie of the same name.
• When Polnareff is turned into a kid by Alessi's Stand and locks himself behind a wooden door, Alessi tears this door down by using his axe. He then puts his head into the now broken door, saying "Polnareff, I'm here." The scene closely resembles the famous setting of Stanley Kubrik's The Shining.
• The first half of the Wheel of Fortune part is possibly a reference to Steven Spielberg's first movie, Duel.
• Lovers' appearance is that of the robot from Short Circuit, crossed with a tick or a fly.
• The events involving Lovers is based on the sci-fi film Fantastic Voyage.
• N'Doul is based off Kan Shimozawa's Zatoichi, a long running Japanese film series centered around a blind blademaster of the same name.
• While Iggy is fighting Pet Shop in the sewer Iggy uses The Fool to create a wound across the front of Pet Shop's torso. Pet Shop touches the wound with his wing and lick the blood off it, similar to a famous scene in the movie Enter The Dragon.

Manga/Anime

• When Joseph tries to use Hermit Purple on a television in order to detect DIO from Singapore, his Stand shows him random TV programs. One of the shows that appears is Doraemon.
• Dio's Road Roller move was inspired an identical move used by Kinnikuman in the first episode of the Kinnikuman anime.

Other

• When Polnareff asks to become a famous comicbook author, several characters from Western comic books can be seen in the background. One of them is notably Colonel Clifton from the Franco-Belgian comics Clifton.
• In the Viz Media localization (from 2012 onward), Steely Dan is called Dan of Steel, a play on the band's name while also being a reference to Detective Comic's Man of Steel, Superman.
• Judgement's design was influenced by Shotaro Ishinomori's Kamen Rider and Kikaider. Its ability is based off the story of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp.
• When DIO forces Senator Wilson Phillips to drive through the crowd, Waldo from the Where's Waldo? children's book series can be seen flying through the air.

Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable

Music

• Josuke's appearance is based on the musician Prince. His favorite musician is also Prince.
  • The "1999" insignia on Josuke's shirt is also a reference to Prince, specifically the song 1999, which likely inspired the year in which Diamond is Unbreakable takes place.
  • Josuke's Stand, Crazy Diamond, is named after the Pink Floyd song Shine on You Crazy Diamond.
• Anjuro Katagiri's nickname "Angelo" is a reference to the American composer Angelo Badalamenti.
  • His Stand, Aqua Necklace, might be a reference to Progressive Rock band Asia's album, Aqua.
• Okuyasu's Stand The Hand is a reference to Canadian Rock band The Band.
• Keicho's Bad Company is named after Rock supergroup Bad Company.
• Akira Otoishi's Red Hot Chili Pepper is named after American Rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers.
• Koichi owns a dog named Police, a reference to the English rock band The Police.
• Tamami Kobayashi's The Lock is likely a reference to the The Rock, a song by The Who.
• Koichi's Stand Echoes is named after Pink Floyd's song Echoes
  • The fact that the stand Echoes has three acts is a reference to how the song Echoes has three acts.
• Toshikazu Hazamada's Surface is a reference to R&B trio Surface.
• Yukako Yamagishi's Stand Love Deluxe is named after the album of the same name by the British R&B group Sade.
• During the Let's Go Out for Italian arc, Okuyasu compares the harmony between mozzarella and tomato to a Simon & Garfunkel duet.
• Tonio Trussardi's Stand is named after Grunge band Pearl Jam.
• Akira Otoishi was modeled after young Kenji Ohtsuki, a Japanese rock musician and award-winning writer, considering their similar wavy hair and scar on the left side of the face
  • The pins on Akira's wrists read AC/DC, a reference to the band AC/DC.
  • Akira is a fan of Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Van Halen and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
• The boat Joseph came to Morioh on is possibly named after the band Traffic.
• Shizuka Joestar's Stand Achtung Baby is a reference to the album of the same name by Irish band U2.
• Rohan's Heaven's Door is named after Bob Dylan's song Knockin' on Heaven's Door.
• The title of Rohan's manga, Pink Dark Boy, may be a reference to Pink Floyd's album The Dark Side of the Moon.
• The Stand Ratt is named after Heavy Metal band Ratt.
• Reimi Sugimoto's name may be a reference to the Pink Floyd song See Emily Play.
  • The name of Reimi's dog Arnold may also be a reference to another Pink Floyd song, Arnold Layne.
• Shigekiyo Yangu's last name is based off the last name of the musician, Neil Young.
  • Shigekiyo's Harvest is named after Neil Young's song and album Harvest.
• Aya Tsuji's Cinderella is named after Heavy Metal band Cinderella.
• Yoshikage Kira's appearance is based on that of David Bowie.
  • Kira's Stand Killer Queen is named after the Queen song, Killer Queen.
  • Killer Queen's secondary bomb, Sheer Heart Attack, is named after the Queen song, Sheer Heart Attack.
• Yoshihiro Kira's Stand Atom Heart Father is named after the Pink Floyd song and album Atom Heart Mother.
• Ken Oyanagi's Stand is a reference of the Hip-Hop group Boyz II Men.
• Mikitaka's Stand is a reference to the R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire.
• Yuya Fungami's Highway Star is a reference to the Deep Purple song Highway Star.
  • Yuya's tie bears the words Speed King, possibly a reference to the Deep Purple song Speed King.
• Tama's Stand is named after Rockabilly band Stray Cats.
• Toyohiro Kanedaichi's Super Fly is a reference to Curtis Mayfield's song "Superfly."
• Terunosuke Miyamoto's Enigma is named after New Age band "Enigma."
  • In the localised version Enigma is called Misterioso, after the Thelonious Monk album.
• Masazo Kinoto's Cheap Trick is a reference to American Rock band "Cheap Trick ."
• The Another One Bites The Dust story arc and Kira's tertiary bomb Bites the Dust are named after the Queen song Another One Bites the Dust.
• In The Book: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure 4th Another Day Takuma Hasumi's stand is called The Book after the band The Books. 
• Also in The Book: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure 4th Another Day, the stand of Teruhiko Futaba is called Memory of Jet, after the song Jet by Paul McCartney & Wings.
• The song used for the ending of the anime's third season is "I Want You" by Australian pop duo Savage Garden.

People

• Tonio Trussardi is named after Italian fashion designer Nicola Trussardi.
• Rohan Kishibe may be named after Rohan Marley.
• In the Sheer Heart Attack (story arc), Josuke is seen reading a book with the name Gianfranco Ferré on the cover.

Film

• In the English dub Okuyasu says "So go ahead punk, make my day" during his fight with Josuke. This is a reference to the Clint Eastwood film Dirty Harry.
• In the Italian food arc, Okuyasu drinks some water that heals his tiredness by releasing large amounts of tears from his eyes. He underplays this by claiming that he had presumably cried a lot more when watching the 1979 film, The Champ.
• In Episode 24 of the TV Anime, in the final shot where Kira escapes, an advertisement for Austin Powers 2 can be seen on the cinema marquee.
• The story outline of Diamond is Unbreakable takes inspiration from the David Lynch television series Twin Peaks. Both series are supernatural thrillers that are set around the search for a psychopath that has caused the death of a teenager girl in a small town with odd characters. The characters of Jotaro, Reimi Sugimoto and Yoshikage Kira play similar roles to that of Dale Cooper, Laura Palmer and Killer Bob (With both Bob and Kira hiding in the guise of another person).
• The fight between Josuke and Highway Star parallels the film "Speed" starring Keanu Reeves.
• In episode 33 of the TV anime, an 80s Corolla namely the AE86 briefly appears, making a reference to Initial D which stars Takumi's AE86.

Manga/Anime

• Josuke is initially introduced being bullied by some upperclassmen. One of the bullies insults his hair by claiming it looks like Astro Boy's. In his rage, Josuke mishears it as Sazae-san.
• After turning into Josuke, Surface asks him if he was familiar with the copy robot from Perman, a parody series by Doraemon author, Fujiko Fujio.
• In the Italian food arc, Okuyasu compares the harmony between mozzarella and tomato to Asao Takamori and Tetsuya Chiba's work on Ashita no Joe.
• When asking Okuyasu his name during the Red Hot Chili Pepper arc, Joseph mishears it as Osomatsu.

Literature

• The whole story for Tama/Stray Cat is an homage to the popular 1983 horror novel Pet Sematary by Stephen King.

Other

• Reimi's and Arnold's murders are based on a popular urban legend.

Part 5: Vento Aureo

Music

• Giorno's name is a reference to the Italian musician "Giovanni Giorgio Moroder".
  • Giorno's Gold Experience is named after Prince's album "The Gold Experience".
  • Giorno's favorite musician is Jeff Beck.
• Luca's name is possibly a reference to the song Luka sung by Suzanne Vega.
• Sticky Fingers is named after The Rolling Stones' album of the same name.
  • The album "Sticky Fingers" was particularly known for having a functional zipper in the sleeve for its vinyl release. Sticky Fingers the Stand creating zippers is a reference to this.
  • Bucciarati licking Giorno's face is a possible reference to the Rolling Stones logo featuring a tongue.
  • Bucciarati's favorite music is Agharta and Bitches Brew by Miles Davis.
• Polpo's Black Sabbath is named after the English heavy metal band, Black Sabbath.
  • Polpo biting off his fingers may be a reference to the Black Sabbath guitarist, Tony Iommi, losing the tips of his middle and ring finger as a teenager.
• Abbacchio's Moody Blues is a direct reference to the British rock band The Moody Blues.
  • Abbacchio's favorite musician is Claudio Monteverdi.
• Zucchero's Soft Machine is named after British rock band "Soft Machine."
  • Zucchero's name is a reference to the Italian musician Zucchero Fornacian.
• Mista's Sex Pistols is a reference to the British punk band "Sex Pistols".
  • Mista's favorite musician is The Carpenters.
• Sale's Kraft Work is named after the German electronic band, Kraftwerk.
  • Kraft Work's robotic design may have been inspired by the songs The Man-Machine or The Robots from the Kraftwerk album The Man-Machine.
  • The location of Mista and Sale's fighting being a highway may have been inspired by the Kraftwerk album Autobahn.
• The name Pericolo refers to Il Pericolo Numero Uno by Renato Carosone.
  • Pericolo may also be a reference to Perry Como.
• Formaggio's Little Feet is a reference to the American rock band "Little Feat".
  • A pose pulled off by Little Feet and Aerosmith is a reference to the album cover of Little Feat's Under the Radar
• Narancia Ghirga's Aerosmith is named after the legendary group Aerosmith.
  • Narancia's favorite musicians are Biggie Smalls and Tupac.
• Illuso's Man in the Mirror is a reference to the Michael Jackson's song of the same name.
  • In the localized version of Golden Wind, Man In The Mirror is instead called Mirror Man, a reference to the song Mirror Man by The Human League
• Fugo's Purple Haze is a reference to the song Purple Haze, written and performed by Jimi Hendrix.
• Coco Jumbo and its Mr.President are references both to the Eurodance group Mr. President, and their song Coco Jamboo.
• Pesci's Beach Boy is named after American Rock band "The Beach Boys".
• Prosciutto's The Grateful Dead is a reference to Jam band "Grateful Dead".
• Melone's Baby Face is named after R&B artist Kenneth B. Edmonds' nickname.
• Ghiaccio's White Album is named after the Beatles' album "The Beatles", nicknamed "White Album" by fans.
  • White Album's special skill is named after the Beatles song "While My Guitar Gently Weeps".
• The song used as the first ending of the anime's fourth season is Freek'n You by American A&B group Jodeci.
• Diavolo/Vinegar Doppio's King Crimson is named after the alternative rock band King Crimson; whilst the ability Epitaph is named after their song Epitaph.
• Squalo's Clash is named after British punk group "The Clash".
• Tiziano's Talking Head is a reference to the "Talking Heads", a new wave American group.
• Some music references can be found in the Part 5 novel Golden Heart, Golden Ring; Coniglio's The Cure, Sogliola Lopez's Joy Division and Rigatoni's Public Image Limited are named after three Post-Punk/New Wave bands: The Cure, Joy Division and Public Image Ltd, respectively.
• Carne's Notorious B.I.G. is a reference to American Rapper Notorious B.I.G.
• Trish's Spice Girl is named after the British pop group Spice Girls, as well her battlecry is a reference to the song "Wannabe" performed by the same group.
• Risotto's Metallica is a homage to the Heavy Metal band Metallica with the ability being inspired by the album cover of the Metallica album Load.
• Cioccolata's Green Day shares its name with the American Punk group "Green Day."
• Secco's Oasis is named after alternative British Rock band "Oasis."
• The pose done by Giorno on the cover of Volume 62 is a reference to the album cover of Ronnie James Dio's Holy Diver.
• The Requiem Arrow and the Stands created from it are a reference to the requiem mass composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Xaver Süssmayr, and Joseph Leopold Eybler, Requiem.
• Scolippi's Rolling Stone is named after the British Rock band "The Rolling Stones".
• In the novel Purple Haze Feedback, Sheila E is named after the American singer of the same name.
• In Purple Haze Feedback, Sheila E's Voodoo Child, Cannolo Murolo's All Along The Watchtower, Vittorio Cataldi's Dolly Dagger, Angelica Attanasio's Night Bird Flying, Vladimir Kocaqi's Rainy Day Dream Away, and Massimo Volpe's Manic Depression are named after the Jimi Hendrix songs: Voodoo Child, All Along The Watchtower, Dolly Dagger, Night Bird Flying, Rainy Day Dream Away, and Manic Depression, respectively.
• The song used as the second ending of the anime's fourth season is Modern Crusaders by German band Enigma.

Manga/Anime

• When Team Bucciarati enter Coco Jumbo, they turn the T.V. on and there is a football soccer game on the screen which shows Tsubasa Oozora from Captain Tsubasa.

Film

• Luca is also a fictional character in Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather, as well as its 1972 film adaptation.
• In the anime, Fugo uses his wit to outdo a waiter's threats on putting him in jail by mentioning a 1987 court case between "Argento v. De Sica". Said court case is fictional and the names used are references to film directors Dario Argento (Suspiria) and Vittorio de Sica (Bicycle Thieves)
• Squalo /Clash's theme in the anime seems to be inspired by the Jaws theme.
• The idea of Diavolo and Vinegar Doppio is very similar to the idea of Keyser Söze and Verbal Kint from the Brian Singer movie The Usual Suspects

Other

• When Chariot Requiem has the arrow, Polnareff describes how Diavolo has a split personality. He mentions Billy Milligan as an example of someone who had ten different personalities.
• Narancia's backstory is nearly identical to that of the character Tom Hagen in Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather.
• During the fight with Ghiaccio, the pose that Giorno holds Mista at the end of the fight is a reference to Michelangelo's Pietà in St Peter's Basilica, on Vatican City

Part 6: Stone Ocean

Music

• The location of Stone Ocean's setting is set in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where interestingly, real-life former rapper Vanilla Ice currently resides; considering the part's focus on villains who are still devoted to DIO, this appears to not be just coincidence.
• Jolyne Cujoh's name is likely a reference to the American country song Jolene by Dolly Parton. Notably, during her fight with Gwess, Jolyne's name is repeated several times in a fashion similar to the song.
• Stone Free, Jolyne's Stand, is named after the song Stone Free, composed and performed by Jimi Hendrix.
• Ermes Costello's name is a reference to the British musician Elvis Costello.
• The Green Dolphin Street Prison is named after the song On Green Dolphin Street.
• Gwess' Goo Goo Dolls is a reference to the American Alternative Rock band of the same name.
• Johngalli A's Stand is named after the contemporary Jazz Fusion band "Manhattan Transfer."
• Pucci's Whitesnake is named after the Metal band of the same name.
• The title of the chapter Prisoner of Love as well as the volume title might be a reference to the song Prisoner of Love, sung by Columbo, The Ink Spots and Perry Como among others.
• Ermes' stand, Kiss, is named after American Hard Rock band KISS.
• McQueen's Stand is a reference to "Highway to Hell", a song and album by Australian band AC/DC.
• Emporio's Stand is a reference to the Talking Heads' song "Burning Down the House"
• The Like A Virgin bracelets the prisoners must wear while searching the farm are a reference to the song of the same name.
• F.F. and her Stand's names are based on American alternative Rock band "Foo Fighters."
• The scene in SO Chapter 34 in which Miraschon steals Pucci's cross may be inspired by the lyrics to the Whitesnake song Saints an' Sinners; "Saints an' sinners, priests an' thieves."
  • Miraschon's Stand, Marilyn Manson shares its name with the American Rock band Marilyn Manson and its lead singer.
• Weather Report and his Stand's names are based on Jazz band "Weather Report."
  • Weather's appearance is based on a silhouette known as Buffalo man, which appears on many of Jamiroquai's album covers.
• Lang Rangler's Stand, Jumpin' Jack Flash, is a reference to the Rolling Stones song of the same name.
• Savage Garden's name is based on an Australian pop rock duo of the same name.
• Limp Bizkit is a reference to the American Rock band Limp Bizkit.
• Diver Down, Anasui's Stand, is named after the same name album by Van Halen.
• The name of Guccio's Survivor is based on American 80s Hard Rock band "Survivor."
• Planet Waves is named after the album of the same name by Bob Dylan feat. The Band.
• Dragon's Dream is named after Roger Dean's publishing company.
• Yo-Yo Ma is named after French-born American cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
  • Yo-Yo Ma mentions having an R.E.M. sticker.
• Pucci forces Guccio to sing Handel's Messiah, conducted by Gardiner in 1982.
• Green, Green Grass of Home, the stand of the Green Baby, is based on the Tom Jones song of the same name.
• During a flashback, Pucci mentions seeing a Michael Jackson concert on television.
• The phrase "Rhinoceros Beetle" is repeated four times in Dio's Diary and may be a reference to The Beatles.
• Desolation Row (廃墟の街, Haikyo no machi), a 1965 song written and sung by Bob Dylan, is one of the 14 words for Heaven found in Dio's Diary.
• Jail House Lock is a reference to the song "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley.
• The name of Ungalo's Bohemian Rhapsody is based on the 1975 Queen song of the same name.
  • The nature of Bohemian Rhapsody as a Stand is most likely a reference to the opening lyrics of the song it shares its name with, "Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide,/No escape from reality." Due to Bohemian Rhapsody's ability to bend "fantasy" into "reality", much to the confusion of Anasui and Weather Report, it appears as a direct reference to the lyrics.
• Rikiel's Sky High is named after Jigsaw's song "Sky High."
• Versus' Underworld shares its name with British Electronic band "Underworld."
• Weather Report's ability Heavy Weather shares its name with the Weather Report album of the same name.
• C-Moon's name is based on a song by Paul McCartney called "C-Moon".
• Made in Heaven and its original name Stairway to Heaven are respectively references to the song and album "Made in Heaven" by Queen and "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin.
• The title of SO Chapter 158, What a Wonderful World, is likely based on the song of the same name by Louis Armstrong.

People

• Ermes Costello's first name is based on French high fashion house "Hermès."
• Emporio Alniño is named after Italian fashion brand "Emporio Armani."
• Narciso Anasui is a reference to American fashion designers "Narciso Rodriguez" and "Anna Sui."
• Gwess shares her name with the American fashion brand "Guess."
• Loccobarocco is a reference to the Italian Fashion designer of the same name.
• Johngalli A has his name based on Spanish-British fashion designer "John Galliano."
• Thunder McQueen is named after British fashion designer and brand "Alexander McQueen."
• Miraschon's name is based on Italian fashion designer "Mila Schön."
• Lang Rangler might be a reference to both Austrian fashion designer "Helmut Lang" and Jeans manufacturer brand "Wrangler."
• Sports Maxx is named after Italian fashion brand "Sportmax."
• Guccio's name is based on Italian fashion designer "Guccio Gucci."
• Viviano Westwood's name is based on British fashion designer "Vivienne Westwood."
• Kenzou is named after Japanese stylist "Kenzou Takada."
• D an G is a reference to Italian fashion house "D&G", founded by "Domenico Dolce" and "Stefano Gabbana."
• Miuccia Miuller is a reference to both Italian stylist "Miuccia Prada" and her fashion house "Miu Miu."
• Ungalo is named after French stylist "Emanuel Ungaro."
• Rikiel shares his name with French fashion designer "Sonia Rykiel."
• Donatello Versus is named after the Italian fashion designer "Donatella Versace's" brand, Versus.
• Enrico Pucci's name is based on Italian fashion designers "Enrico Coveri" and "Emilio Pucci."
• The prisoner whose body F.F. takes over is named for the fashion brand Etro.

Film

• Affected by Jail House Lock, Jolyne watches some movies while suffering from amnesia. At first she questions Johnny Depp and later she spoils the ending of The Sixth Sense. The notes she makes for herself are a reference to the movie Memento.
• The name of the Enter the Dragon's Dream (燃えよ竜の夢(ドラゴンズ・ドリーム), Moe yo Doragonzu Dorīmu) story arc references the Japanese localization of Bruce Lee's Enter The Dragon (燃えよドラゴン, Moe yo Doragon).

Manga/Anime

• Bohemian Rhapsody is a Stand able to bring fictional characters into reality. Some characters from Manga and Comic were summoned. Among them: Spiderman, Kenshiro, Raoh, Mazinger Z, Tetsuwan Atom (Astro Boy), Tetsujin 28 (Gigantor) and Giant Robo.
• The arc There's Six of Them! bears a strong resemblance in name and initial plot to the short shojo manga and anime film They Were Eleven.

Other

• Bohemian Rhapsody is a Stand able to bring fictional characters into reality. Some characters from Popular Tales were summoned. Among them: Pinocchio, Mickey Mouse, E.T., Mother Goat, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Peter Pan, Little Red Riding Hood and The Big Bad Wolf.
• Bohemian Rhapsody also summoned some art pieces: Vincent van Gogh's portraits and Venus by Botticelli.
• When the 7 dwarves are summoned they mentioned Terminator's T-2000 and Star Wars's Chewbacca.
• In popular culture, The Mayan Prophecy of 2012, announced the end of the world at December of that same year. In the manga Pucci succeeded in ending the actual world to create a new one.
• In a Florida tourist guide book read by Anasui, the city of Orlando's Disney's Magic Kingdom and MGM, Universal Studios and Sea World Theme Park are referenced.
• Donatello Versus' back story is a reference to the book Holes.

Part 7: Steel Ball Run

Music

• The Zeppeli surname is named after the English rock band Led Zeppelin.
  • Spin is a reference to the Danish band Spin and their 1976 album of the same name.
  • Gyro Zeppeli's horse, Valkyrie, references Richard Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries.
• Sandman's given name is a reference to the America song "Sandman" and/or the Metallica song "Enter Sandman."
• Johnny Joestar's name could be a reference to the song Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry.
  • Johnny's horse is named after the song and album Slow Dancer by Boz Scaggs.
• Steven Steel is named after musician Stephen Stills.
• Pocoloco is named after "Un Poco Loco", a composition by Bud Powell.
  • ​​​Pocoloco's Stand Hey Ya! is named after the song Hey Ya!" by US hip hop band Outkast.
• Being the alternate universe counterpart of Dio, Diego Brando retains the reference to Ronnie James Dio.
  • Diego's horse is named after the Silver Bullet Band.
• Lucy Steel's name could be a reference to The Beatles song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.
• Some of the other horses and racers in the race have names referencing songs. Dixie Chicken (referencing the Little Feat album of the same name), Ramblin' Man (referencing the Allman Brothers Band song of the same name), Zenyatta Mondatta (referencing the Police album of the same name) Roxanne (referencing the Police song of the same name), Baba Yaga (referencing the Emerson, Lake & Palmer song The Curse of Baba Yaga), Nut Rocker (referencing the Emerson, Lake & Palmer song of the same name), Caravanserai (referencing the Santana album of the same name), Moonflower (referencing the Santana album of the same name), Sloop John B (referencing the Beach Boys song of the same name), Catch A Wave (referencing the Beach Boys song of the same name), Billy White (referencing the Billy Idol song White Wedding), Love Unlimited (referencing the vocal trio of the same name), #1 (referencing the Nelly song No. 1), Nellyville (referencing the Nelly album of the same name), Country Grammer (referencing the Nelly album of the same name), Iglesias (referencing the singer Julio Igesias), Nathalie (referencing the Julio Igesias song of the same name), Mack the Knife (referencing the Lois Armstrong song of the same name), Rotters Club (referencing the Hatfeild and the North album of the same name), Nightfly (referencing the Donald Fagen album The Nightfly), Kanye (referencing the rapper Kanye West), Mister (referencing the band Mr. Mister), Georgie Porgie (referencing the Toto song Georgey Porgy) and Europe Express (referencing the Kraftwerk album Trans-Europe Express)
• Mountain Tim's name may be a reference to the song Mountain Jam by The Allman Brothers Band.
  • Mountain Tim's horse references Stan Jones' song (Ghost) Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend.
  • ​​​Mountain Tim's Stand is named after the Don Gibson song Oh Lonesome Me.
• Mrs. Robinson is named after the song of the same name, by Simon & Garfunkel.
  • Mrs. Robinson's horse is named El Condor Pasa after the Simon & Garfunkel song of the same name.
• The three racers killed by the Boom Boom family are named for musicians Jay Fagen, Walter Carl Becker (both from Steely Dan) and Steve Lukather (from Toto).
• All three members of the Boom Boom Family are named from different parts of André Lauren Benjamin's name.
• The Boom Boom Family's horses are named for the Jimi Hendrix songs Foxy Lady, Crosstown Traffic, and Little Wing.
  • The Boom Boom Family's stand Tomb of the Boom is a reference to the song of the same name by Outkast.
• Oyecomova is named after the song Oye Como Va from the Latin jazz and mambo musician Tito Puente (famously covered by Santana).
• Pork Pie Hat Kid, and his Stand Wired, are repeated references to Jeff Beck's cover of the song "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" from Wired. 
• Johnny's Stand is a reference to Fleetwood Mac's song and album Tusk. ​​​​​​
• The third stage of the Steel Ball Run race, "Rocky Mountain Breakdown," is a reference to the Poco song of the same name.  
• Mt. Footloose is a direct reference to the song Footloose by Kenny Loggins.
• Dr. Ferdinand is named after the band, Franz Ferdinand.
  • His Stand, Scary Monsters, is named after the David Bowie album and song Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps).
• Hot Pants is based on the song of the same name performed by James Brown.
  • Hot Pants' horse is named Get Up, after the James Brown song Get Up (I feel like being a) Sex Machine.
  • Hot Pants' Stand, Cream Starter, is named after Firestarter, a song by the English band "the Prodigy."
• Both Gaucho and his horse, Peg, are named after Steely Dan songs of the same name.
• Ringo Roadagain is named after musician Ringo Starr and the Bob Dylan song "On the Road Again", despite the assumption that the name comes from Willie Nelson's eponymous song.
  • His Stand is named after the Jerry Wallace single "Mandom: The Lovers of the World", which was only released in Japan.
• Blackmore is named after Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.
  • His Stand is named after the song "Catch the Rainbow" by Richie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio's band "Rainbow."
• ​​​Sandman's Stand is a reference to Miles Davis's album "In a Silent Way."
• Sugar Mountain is named for the song by Neil Young.
• Tatoo You! references the album of the same name by The Rolling Stones.
• Mike O. is named after progressive Rock musician Mike Oldfield.
  • Similarly, his Stand is named after his debut song and album, Tubular Bells.
• Wekapipo's name is based on the single "Wake Up People" by SOUL'd OUT.
  • Similarly, his Wrecking Balls appear to be named after Neil Young 's song "Wrecking Ball."
• Magent Magent is also named in a single of SOUL'd OUT, "Magenta Magenta."
  • 20th Century Boy is named after T-Rex's song of the same name. 
• Axl RO is named after Guns N' Roses' frontman "Axl Rose."
  • Similarly, his Stand is named after Guns N' Roses' song "Civil War."
• The arc Both Sides Now is named after the Joni Michelle song "Both Sides, Now."
• Funny Valentine is a reference to famous Jazz slow tune "My Funny Valentine."
  • Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap is named after the AC/DC song of the same name.
• D-I-S-C-O is named after the song by Ottawan.
  • D-I-S-C-O's Stand is a reference to J-Pop song "Chocolate Disco" by Perfume.
• Lucy's Stand is named after the song of the same name by The Beatles.
• The S.S. Blue Hawaii is named after the Elvis Presley song Blue Hawaii.
• D4C Love Train is named after the O'Jays song Love Train.
• Gyro Zeppeli's Stand is named after the AC/DC Album and song Ballbreaker.
• The High Voltage Arc is a reference to the AC/DC song of the same name.
• The artwork Araki drew for the cover of the Ultra Jump May 2011 Issue is a reference to the album art of Progressive Rock Band Yes' album, Fragile. This album contains the song, "Roundabout", which happens to be the first ending of the anime.

Film

• Steel Ball Run (race) is based on the race movie Cannonball Run.
• The scene in which Funny Valentine receives his father's handkerchief is very similar to the famous "Gold Watch" scene from Pulp Fiction.

People

• In SBR Chapter 3, an actress named "Dorothy Parker" is named by Johnny's girlfriend, likely as a nod to the American writer Dorothy Parker.

Part 8: JoJolion

Music

• Josuke's Stand is named after Prince's first single, Soft & Wet.
• Ojiro Sasame's Stand's name is based off the hit single, Fun, Fun, Fun by The Beach Boys.
• California King Bed, Daiya Higashikata's Stand, is named after a Rihanna song of the same name.
• Daiya is revealed to be a fan of the band Yes. She quotes a line from their song, Heart of the Sunrise.
• Daiya asks Josuke to sing Queen's Bicycle Race, while on their way to the store.
• Jobin's name is a reference to Brazilian singer and songwriter Tom Jobim
• Yasuho's Stand is named after Prince's Paisley Park.
• Kyo Nijimura's Stand is named after Lady Gaga's song and album "Born This Way", though was originally named after The Jam's hit single Going Underground.
• Shakedown Road (alternatively known as "Shakedown Street", a possible reference to the Grateful Dead) is also known as Dead Man's Curve.
• The Stand Les Feuilles is possibly named after the song "Autumn Leaves" or "Les Feuilles Mortes", a poem by Jacques Prévert.
• Joshu Higashikata's Stand Nut King Call is named after jazz artist Nat King Cole.
• Tsurugi's Stand Paper Moon King is named after the song "It's Only a Paper Moon" by Nat King Cole.
• Within the Sesame Honey Cafe, there are various fake music albums with covers that reference real ones. One in particular features the Dropout Bear found on Kanye West's album, The College Dropout.
• Norisuke's Stand King Nothing is named after the Metallica song of the same name.
• Yotsuyu's Stand I Am a Rock is named after the Simon & Garfunkel song of the same name. Yotsuyu himself says a line from the song, "I am a Rock, I am an Island."
• Jobin's Stand Speed King is named after the Deep Purple song of the same name.
• Karera's Stand name is a combination of Part 4's Yukako Yamagishi's Stand, who's name is based off an album by the British R&B group Sade, and the Japanese phrase, "Love-Love."
• The A. Phex Brothers' moniker is a reference to electronic musician Aphex Twin, while their Stands' names' likely reference one of the artist's songs, Schottkey 7th Path.
• Damo Tamaki's Stand Vitamin C is named after the Can song of the same name. His last name is derived from Damo Suzuki, the former vocalist of the band, Can. The first name "Tamaki" was chosen as a reference to the band itself as the kanji can also be read as "Kan". This reading is also reflected in the name of Damo's cleaning service.
• Dolomite's Stand Blue Hawaii is named after the Elvis Presley album of the same name.
• Rai's Stand, Doggy Style, is likely named after the Snoop Dogg album, Doggystyle.
• The character Urban Guerrilla is likely named after the Hawkwind song of the same name.
• Urban Guerrilla's Stand, Brain Storm, is likely named after the Hawkwind song of the same name.
• The character Doremifasolati Do is likely named after the Hawkwind album, Doremi Fasol Latido.
• The character Poor Tom is likely a reference to the Led Zeppelin song of the same name.
• Poor Tom's Stand, Ozon Baby, is likely named after the Led Zeppelin song, Ozone Baby.
• Josuke chases an ambulance with the license plate, "S Mori 3-11". This is possibly a reference to the band, '311 '.
• The character Wu Tomoki and his Stand Doctor Wu are a reference to the Steely Dan song of the same name.
• Mitsuba's Stand, Awaking III Leaves, is possibly named after the David Yeagley song, "Awakenings: No. 3. Leaves Floating (On a Slow Stream)".
• Volume 21's title and the story arc that it covers is likely a reference to the Ray Peterson song The Wonder of You.
• Volume 23's title is the Japanese name for Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love.

Film

• When Yasuho and Josuke come to Yoshikage Kira's home, they see a naked woman bathing in a way similar to the room 237 scene of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining.
• When Yasuho is in the basement of the Higashikata residence with Tsurugi, there is a poster on the back wall of the film, Enter the Dragon, starring Bruce Lee.
• The Trouble with the curve story arc is a reference to the movie, Trouble with the Curve. The movie stars Clint Eastwood, one of Araki's favorite actors.
• When Josuke drags Yasuho into the Higashikata's family photo, it resembled the family photo scene in The Godfather where Michael Corleone drags Kay into the photo. Also, when Norisuke realizes one of his sons is missing, he decides to not take the picture like the way Vito Corleone acted when he noticed Michael was missing.

Manga/Anime

• The inside of the Higashikata bunker is filled with several toys and memorabilia, including figures of Ultraman and Astro Boy.
• In chapter 25, Yasuho goes in a car that has a Monkey D. Luffy plush-doll and a doll head wearing a hat with antlers, similar to Tony Tony Chopper.
• The famous mangaka Shotaro Ishinomori is mentioned to have mediated under pine tree in Morioh, now on the Wall Eyes opposite the land that belongs to the Higashikatas.
• When Josuke uses his bubbles to shave, there are some references to Kinnikuman. Josuke also uses Soft & Wet to steal the fur off a cat whose head bears the kanji for meat (肉), another reference to Kinnikuman.

Others

• The natural disaster that hit Morioh in the manga is the same event that actually took place in Japan on March 11, 2011, the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

Other

music

• The JOJO A-GO!GO! artbook includes several images of different characters and stands having a dance party, with the artwork being captioned with "Let's Dance". This is a possible reference to the David Bowie song and album Let's Dance.
• The stand Remote Romance from the JoJo Exhibition 2012 is named after the Camel song of the same name. 

Gallery

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  Marlon Brando as The Godfather, as he appears in Stardust Crusaders

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  Doraemon homage as "Neko Dora" in Stardust Crusaders

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  Shining Alessi

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  The car crash scene in Chapter 251. Waldo can be seen among the people flying in the air.

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  Characters Summoned by Bohemian Rhapsody

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  Jolyne spoiling the ending of Sixth Sense

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  Johnny Depp

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• 3c5ca9a543d74fad62dd79da80795adc.jpg

  Tsubasa Ozora in a Soccer game inside Coco Jumbo

• Jjl reference.jpg

  Monkey D. Luffy plush-doll and Tony Tony Chopper.