Summary of Western Songs That Inspired the JoJo Series

Distant DreamerDuffy

[Japanese-to-English Translation] Duffy – Distant Dreamer | Anime “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean” Ending Theme

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure : Stone Ocean | ED 1 – “Distant Dreamer”

It’s an inspiring song that sings of the resolve to chase a distant dream.

Created by Welsh singer-songwriter Duffy, it’s included on her album Rockferry, released in March 2008.

The lyrics, filled with a yearning for freedom and hope, truly resonate.

Set to a laid-back melody, Duffy’s clear, luminous vocals are captivating.

It’s a track that gently supports anyone who wants to keep striving without giving up on their dreams.

It was also used as the ending theme for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, and its popularity is surging among anime fans.

Recommended for times when you’re feeling down or want to boost your motivation.

Under The BridgeRed Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under The Bridge [Official Music Video]

When it comes to the most well-known overseas rock bands in Japan, the Red Hot Chili Peppers—aka “Red Chili” in Japan—would likely be at the top of the list.

While they gained popularity with their eclectic mix of funk, rock, and hip-hop and their wild performances, they gradually revealed a more melodious American rock side as well, achieving global success.

In Japan, they’re big enough to headline the Tokyo Dome, so many people at least know their name.

In fact, the stand used by Akira Otoishi, the guitarist-aspiring rocker who appears in Part 4 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Diamond Is Unbreakable, is named “Red Hot Chili Pepper!”

Rock the CasbahThe Clash

The Clash – Rock the Casbah (Official Video)

Many references to Western music in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure include punk bands, and a representative example is the Stand name “Clash” used by Squalo in Part 5, Golden Wind.

It’s said to be based on The Clash, one of the defining British punk bands of the 1970s, known for their aggressive performances, their genre-blending music that incorporated reggae and dub, and their socially conscious stance.

As mentioned, not only their early punkish sound but also their later albums, which show musical evolution, are all compelling—so I recommend giving them a listen, even if you’re not a dedicated punk fan.

Every Breath You TakeThe Police

The Police – Every Breath You Take (Official Music Video)

Koichi Hirose, a character who appears from Part 4, Diamond Is Unbreakable, through Part 5, Golden Wind, of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, owns an old dog named “Police,” whose supposed namesake is the British band The Police.

They were an unbeatable power trio of exceptional musicians—Sting, Stewart Copeland, and Andy Summers—who, within a career of less than ten years, released innovative works and achieved worldwide hits.

They have five original albums, and to feel the remarkable evolution they underwent in just a few years, I highly recommend listening to them in order of release!

Georgy PorgyTOTO

Toto – Georgy Porgy (Official Video)

The names of the flag-bearers participating in the race in Part 7 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Steel Ball Run, are truly a treasure trove of Western music references.

This time, I’ll introduce the origin of “Georgy Porgy.” There’s a song called “Georgy Porgy” on the debut album “Toto” (released in 1978) by the American band TOTO, which was formed mainly by studio musicians and achieved explosive success from the late ’70s through the ’80s.

It’s an urbane, stylish track featuring guitarist Steve Lukather on lead vocals, and a highlight is the backing vocals by Cheryl Lynn, known for songs like “Got To Be Real.” It’s a true classic!