Summary of Western Songs That Inspired the JoJo Series
Since its serialization began in 1986, Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series has been beloved across generations as both a manga and an anime.
A pioneering work in so-called “supernatural power battles,” it continues to captivate many fans with its edge-of-your-seat storytelling and strikingly unique characters.
One of JoJo’s distinctive features is that the names of characters and abilities often draw inspiration from real-life artists, bands, and song titles.
With that in mind, this article rounds up Western songs related to the JoJo series!
Take a peek into the world of JoJo from a musical perspective!
- [2026] A compilation of Western songs used in Japanese anime
- [2026] Western music you've heard at least once — from trending new tracks to timeless classics
- [2026] A Collection of Cool Western-Style Anime Songs
- JoJo Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Only famous artists! Anime songs that energize the Reiwa era
- A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
- Famous Western songs everyone knows: a roundup of classic tunes you’ve heard somewhere before
- Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
- A compilation of jazz insert songs and covers from anime
- [Classic Hits of the 70s] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials
- [Representative Comic Songs] Hilarious! Recommended Songs That Will Give You Energy
- A collection of Western songs with titles starting with “J”
- Iconic scenes overlap! Anime songs recommended for the yutori generation
Western songs that inspired the JoJo series (21–30)
We RockDio
Dio Brando is such a popular character that you could even call him the hidden protagonist of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
For those unfamiliar with the original reference, many people think of DIO as the JoJo character.
In fact, Dio’s namesake is the band DIO, led by the charismatic hard rock vocalist Ronnie James Dio.
Ronnie, who performed with legendary bands like Rainbow and Black Sabbath, is also the person who popularized the “devil horns” hand sign known to every heavy metal fan.
Although Ronnie has passed away, his incredible vocals—said to never go off pitch even live—are still celebrated today.
So if you like the character Dio, you should definitely listen to Ronnie’s singing.
Distant DreamerDuffy
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.
Dream OnAerosmith
Aerosmith, who rose to immense popularity in their home country and in Japan as titans of American hard rock in the 1970s, continued to thrive at the forefront of the scene for decades into the 2020s with a sound that digested a wide range of influences rooted in their origins.
Unfortunately, it’s still fresh in our memory that their farewell tour was canceled in August 2024 due to frontman Steven Tyler’s throat issues, but the many masterpieces they’ve created remain beloved and unfading.
In JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5: Golden Wind, the Stand used by Narancia Ghirga is named “Aerosmith,” directly referencing the band—so be sure to check it out.
Both Sides NowJoni Mitchell
The names of the racers in Part 7 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, “Steel Ball Run,” are a treasure trove of music references, but in fact there are hidden references in the stage names as well.
Stage 8, “Both Sides Now,” is said to be based on the timeless classic Both Sides Now, written and composed by the great Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell—an impressively subtle citation.
More people might recognize it by its Japanese title, “Seishun no Hikari to Kage” (Light and Shadow of Youth).
Incidentally, the first person to sing the song was Judy Collins, and it was included on her 1967 album Wildflowers.
Under The BridgeRed Hot Chili Peppers
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!”