JoJo

All the current JoJos from top to bottom: Joseph Joestar, Johnny Joestar, Jonathan Joestar, Josuke Higashikata, Jotaro Kujo, Jolyne Cujoh. Bottom left: Giorno Giovanna. Bottom right: Josuke Higashikata (Jojolion)

JoJo (ジョジョ) is a nickname shared by each of the main protagonists of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, derived from the recurrence of "Jo" in their names.

In the text of the manga during Part I and Part II it is used most frequently in reference to Jonathan and Joseph Joestar.

With the tentative exception of JoJolion' s Josuke, each of the protagonists is also descended from the Joestar Family; while all bear the Joestar Birthmark.

Protagonists

The JoJos
File:Jonathan.png	File:Joseph1Av.png	File:Jotaro1Av.png	File:JosukePic2.png
Jonathan Joestar	Joseph Joestar	Jotaro Kujo	Josuke Higashikata
File:Giorno1.png	File:Jolyne1.png	File:Johnny1.png	File:Josuke2.png
Giorno Giovanna	Jolyne Cujoh	Johnny Joestar	Josuke Higashikata (JoJolion)

Non-Protagonists

The following characters are not protagonists in the series, but since their names can also result in "JoJo" when shortened, they may also be considered "JoJos":

• George Joestar I
• George Joestar II
• Holy Joestar-Kujo (in the context of her maiden surname and husband's surname)
• Norisuke Higashikata IV (born Josuke)
• Jyosefumi Kujo
• Jesus (Joshua bar Joseph)

Notes

In the case of Josuke Higashikata, the second kanji of his name, 助 (Suke), may also be read as Jo (ジョ), giving him the alternate-yet-unused name of "JoJo Higashikata".

Another unusual case lies with Giorno Giovanna, who is called GioGio. His name in katakana is written "Joruno Jobana", reflecting the Italian pronunciation of GioGio (a "jo" rather than "gee-oh" sound).

Origin

Araki admits that the idea for the name came from his neighborhood's local Jonathan's restaurant where he and his editor would often hold midnight meetings. The two decided the protagonist's first name would be Jonathan, and Araki, using Steven Spielberg's name as a reference, decided the last name should follow the same format, and thus Joestar was decided. Araki mentions that it was risky using this type of name, as using a foreign name for a main protagonist at the time was considered taboo.

Araki also admits that stories such as East of Eden and the TV series Roots inspired him to use a periodical style where the main character changes, but the story continues; although this was not a very Jump-style format for manga at the time.

Another probable inspiration, accompanying the series' perennial musical theme, could be the Beatles' song "Get Back", whose first part tells the story of a man referred to as "JoJo". This point is referenced at the end of the Stardust Crusaders arc, in which Joseph inserts in his cassette player a tape with the song's name on the label.