Equivalent Exchange
Equivalent Exchange (等価交換, Tōka Kōkan) is the blanket term for a type of phenomenon featured prominently in the eighth part of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series, JoJolion.
Taking on a variety of forms over the course of the part, the concept of equivalent exchange has become a central plot point in the part's overall narrative.
Summary
Equivalent exchange is the ability for one thing to be traded for something else of equal value. However, the exact mechanics of this principal's application differ depending on how equivalent exchange is induced. Beyond its various supernatural incarnations, the underlying idea of exchanging one thing for another is a recurring concept present in JoJolion. Notably, the "birth" of Josuke is a result of his two previous identities being permanently lost. This indirectly echoes the sense of responsibility shared by parental figures of the Higashikata family, who on multiple occasions have demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice their own health in order to cure a loved one of the family's unique hereditary illness.
Known Methods of Exchange
Wall Eyes
- Main article: Wall Eyes
The area around where the Wall Eyes formed (notably on and around the Higashikata estate) possesses a property that can result in Equivalent Exchange under the right conditions. If two subjects are buried together in close proximity to one another, they will undergo exchange with each other, trading seemingly randomly selected parts for other parts of equal value. A notable example of this type of exchange is demonstrated by Kyo Nijimura, who bisects a lemon and a tangerine that had been buried near the Higashikata estate, revealing that corresponding segments of both fruits had been swapped out for one another. So far, this method of exchange has only been demonstrated on organic matter. It is unclear whether or not this type of exchange is possible for things that are inorganic.
As stated by Kyo, the Higashikata family has been aware of this method of exchange for generations. This knowledge is demonstrated in that through unknown means, this type of exchange can be used to transfer the Rock Disease from one host to another.
Exchange via the Wall Eyes ultimately led to the creation of Josuke Higashikata after his two former identities were buried near the Wall Eyes in the midst of Kira being healed by the New Locacaca he and Josefumi had cultivated. It should be noted that while this type of exchange is seemingly equivalent, the matter which is exchanged does not always directly correspond (the most notable example being the fact that Josuke retains both Josefumi and Kira's pairs of testicles post-exchange.)
Locacaca
- Main article: Locacaca
The Locacaca 6251 drug developed by members of the T.G. University Hospital staff is able to maximize the healing properties of Locacaca exchange while minimizing the risk of an important sense or organ being sacrificed.