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 Music That Inspired the JoJo Series (41–50)
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!”
Rock the CasbahThe Clash
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.
DriveThe Cars
The Cars are known as a rock band representing the new wave.
They’re famous as the band that inspired Kars, the final boss who appears in Part 2 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, “Battle Tendency.” The classic album Heartbeat City, which includes Drive, is known for having many tracks that match Kars’s vibe.
If you’ve read all of Part 2, be sure to check out the full album in addition to this song.
Personally, I think the track Magic especially fits Kars’s atmosphere, so don’t miss that one either!
Like A VirginMadonna
Madonna, the “Queen of Pop,” is the most successful female artist in history and a living legend who remains active even in her late sixties.
The title track of her masterpiece album Like a Virgin, which sold 21 million copies worldwide, is a signature song of early Madonna.
Produced by Nile Rodgers, with Chic’s rhythm section Tony Thompson and Bernard Edwards, it’s an ’80s mega-hit in which Madonna’s cute vocals shine.
In JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, the name “Like a Virgin” also appears in Part 6, Stone Ocean, as the name of bracelet-type handcuffs used to prevent escapes.
Every Breath You TakeThe Police
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
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!
In conclusion
World-famous bands and songs were used as the original inspirations, weren’t they? Because the series has been running for a long time, the artists and generations of songs change from part to part. It’s not Western music, so I didn’t include it in this article, but Perfume’s “Chocolate Disco” also makes an appearance. There are many other works used as motifs as well, so I think it’s fun to look into them!