List of cultural references in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Note: References listed on this page without citations have not been confirmed.

Music

 * Dio's name partially comes from the heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio, founder of the band "Dio."
 * Erina Pendleton's name is possibly two Clive Nolan bands Arena and Pendragon
 * Robert E. O. Speedwagon's name comes from the rock band REO Speedwagon.
 * The Zeppeli surname is named after the English rock band Led Zeppelin.
 * The name of the 8th chapter is a possible reference to the Queen song "Ogre Battle."
 * Tonpetty is named after American musician Tom Petty.
 * Dire and Straizo are named after the British Rock band Dire Straits.
 * Poco's name likely comes from the Californian Country Rock band Poco.
 * Wang Chan's name is inspired by the 80s Pop group Wang Chung.
 * Tarkus is named after the album Tarkus, by Emerson, Lake &amp; Palmer.
 * Bruford is named after musician Bill Bruford, formerly the drummer of Yes.
 * Doobie's name is a reference to the Doobie Brothers.
 * Page, Jones, Plant, and Bornnam are named after Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, and Jon Bonham, the four members of Led Zeppelin.
 * The song used for the first ending of the anime is "Roundabout" by British progressive rock band Yes.
 * The farmer testifying about the presence of Jonathan and Co. (though he does not know their name) is named Jeff Beck, after the guitarist of the same name.
 * Father Styx is named after the American rock band Styx.

People

 * Dio's surname is possibly named after the actor Marlon Brando.
 * Will Anthonio Zeppeli's first name is possibly a reference to the English novelist William Makepeace Thackeray, who was quoted upon Zeppeli's death.
 * The university where Jonathan and Dio studied is named Hugh Hudson Academy. This is likely named after Hugh Hudson, a British film director, known by the masterpiece movie Chariots of Fire.
 * The concept designs of Jonathan and Dio came from Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose films were popular at the time.

Film

 * In, Dio is unsure of Jonathan's survival and seen drinking on the street. The label on the bottle reads both "Cronenberg," a reference to the Canadian director, , as well as "," a movie adaptation Cronenberg had directed.

Manga/Anime

 * Jonathan is vaguely influenced by Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star.

Literature

 * The interactions between George Joestar I and Dario Brando parallel that of various interactions in Victor Hugo's novel Les Misérables. George mistakes Dario, who was trying to loot him, as his savior, just as Marius' father mistakes Thenadiers as his savior. George also claims that he gave Dario the ring that Dario himself stole, similar to how the bishop Myriel claims that he had given Jean Valjean the silverware.
 * The premise of Part I parallels Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, in that both take place in the closing years of the 19th Century and involve a young adult protagonist named Jonathan interacting with and defeating a charismatic vampire.

Other

 * The name Jonathan came from a local restaurant called Jonathan's that Araki used to visit frequently.

Music

 * Lisa Lisa is named after Lisa Lisa from the band Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam.
 * Loggins and Messina are named after musicians Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina.
 * Suzi Q is named after musician Suzi Quatro. May also come from the song "Susie Q" by Dale Hawkins (and famously covered by Creedence Clearwater Revival).
 * Wired Beck is inspired by musician Jeff Beck and his album Wired.
 * The four Pillar Men are named after the bands Santana, Wham!, AC/DC, and The Cars.
 * Smokey Brown is named after musicians Smokey Robinson and James Brown.
 * The line by Joseph Joestar to Caesar Zeppeli, "Nice, nice, very nice, Caesarino", is a reference to the song by Californian band Ambrosia and the British Alan Parsons, "Nice, Nice, Very Nice".
 * Donovan is named after the musician of the same name.
 * The Red Stone of Aja is named after the song and album by the group Steely Dan.
 * Air Supplena Island is a reference to the band Air Supply.
 * In the final chapter, Joseph listens to a cassette tape by on his walkman.

People

 * Caesar Anthonio Zeppeli is named after the Roman emperor Julius Caesar.
 * Rudol von Stroheim is possibly named after Austrian-born actor Erich von Stroheim.

Film

 * The cave in which Santana is discovered resembles the interior of the derelict spacecraft on LV-426 from the movie Aliens.


 * Joseph is shown reading a Superman comic when he and Speedwagon are attacked by a group of hijackers.

Western Animation

 * The minor character Bruto appears to be a direct Expy of the character Bluto from the series Popeye.

Music

 * Muhammad Avdol is named after American singer Paula Abdul.
 * Avdol's Stand Magician's Red has an attack called Crossfire Hurricane which comes from the opening line of the Rolling Stones' song "".
 * Kakyoin's favorite musician is Sting.
 * Gray Fly is named after musician Glenn Frey.
 * Jean Pierre Polnareff is named after French musician Michel Polnareff.
 * His sister is named after one of Michel Polnareff's songs "Tout, Tout Pour Ma Chérie".
 * Captain Tennille is named after the 1970 musical duo Captain &amp; Tennille.
 * In the localized version Captain Tennille is called Captain Dragon, after the Captain & Tennille member Daryl Dragon.
 * Forever is named after the album, by the.
 * Devo the Cursed is named after the American band Devo.
 * In the localized version Devo is called Soul Sacrifice, after the Santana song.
 * When Joseph tries to use Hermit Purple on a television in order to detect DIO from Singapore, his Stand shows him random TV programs. One of these shows the cover of Tom Petty's debut solo album, Full Moon Fever, and another shows an advert from MTV's prime in the 1980s. The Tom Petty reference was changed to the performance of an artist who's name is "Putty" in the anime.
 * Rubber Soul is named after the Beatles album Rubber Soul.
 * Hol Horse is named after the American music duo Hall and Oates.
 * J. Geil is named after The J. Geils Band.
 * In the localized version J. Geil is called Centerfold, after the J. Geils Band song.
 * Nena is named after the New Wave German singer Nena.
 * ZZ is named after the American Rock band ZZ Top.
 * Enya the Hag is named after the Irish singer Enya.
 * Steely Dan is named after American Rock band Steely Dan.
 * In the localized version Steely Dan is called Rubber Soul, after the Beatles album.
 * In the Viz Media localization, Steely Dan is called Dan of Steel, a play on the band's name while also being a reference to DC Comic's Man of Steel, Superman.
 * Arabia Fats is named after musician Fats Domino.
 * Mannish Boy is named after Muddy Waters' song Mannish Boy.
 * The chickens Avdol cares for on the secluded island (Prince, Michael, and Lionel) are likely named after the musicians Prince, Michael Jackson, and Lionel Richie.
 * Cameo is named after the 70s funk and R&B group Cameo.
 * The submarine from the 66th Chapter of Part 3 may be a reference to the Beatles song Yellow Submarine.
 * Midler is named after singer/actress Bette Midler.
 * In the localized version Midler is called Rose, after the Bette Midler song The Rose.
 * The song used for the first ending of the anime's second season is "Walk Like An Egyptian" sung by the US Pop group The Bangles.
 * Iggy is named after Iggy Pop.
 * N'Doul is named after Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour.
 * ​​​​​​Oingo and Boingo are named after the band Oingo Boingo.
 * In the localized version Oingo and Boingo are called Zenyatta and Mondatta, after the Police album.
 * Anubis' first user,, is named after the Santana album Caravanserai.
 * Anubis' other users, Chaka and Khan, are named after British-American singer Chaka Khan.
 * Mariah is named after US singer Mariah Carey.
 * Alessi is named after the American duo Alessi Brothers.
 * The D'Arby brothers are a reference to American singer Terence Trent D'Arby.
 * Daniel J. D'Arby's victims Garie Moor and Christian Vander are named after Irish singer Gary Moore and French musician Christian Vander, respectively.
 * Pet Shop is named after the Pet Shop Boys.
 * Kenny G. is named after Jazz artist Kenny G.
 * In the localized version Kenny G. is called Billie Jean, after the Michael Jackson song Billie Jean.
 * Vanilla Ice is named after the rapper of the same name.
 * Cream is a reference to Ginger Baker's blues band Cream.
 * Suzi Q's Bulter, Roses, could be a reference to the band Guns N' Roses.
 * Senator Wilson Phillips is named after the vocal group of the same name.
 * Jotaro quizzes Joseph to make sure he isn't possessed by DIO by asking him who sang the song "Eat It" to which he responds "Al Yankovic".
 * In the last chapter Joseph listens to "Get Back " from The Beatles; this is a wink to the audience as many people think the name "JoJo" is a reference to this song as it's about a man named Jojo.
 * Jotaro's absent father Sadao Kujo might be named after Japanese jazz musician Sadao Watanabe
 * In the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Capcom fighting game, Kakyoin's ending theme uses a score similar to the opening chords of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven ."
 * In the part 3 drama CD the Old Man's stand is called Strange Relation after the Prince song Strange Relationship.
 * In Escape From JoJo's Bizarre Mansion, the character Dija Maker is named after the Led Zeppelin song D'yer Mak'er.
 * His stand is called House of Holy, after the Led Zeppelin album House of the Holy.
 * The song used for the second ending of the anime's second season is "Last Train Home" an instrumental song by the Pat Metheny Group.

People

 * Araki mentions that some of the inspiration for Jotaro's character comes from Hollywood actor,.
 * In the anime when Joseph uses Hermit Purple in Singapore one of the images seen is of a show called "The Vision". This is a reference to "The View" which is a show presented by Whoopi Goldberg.
 * At some point in the High Priestess (story arc), the crew attempts to take advantage of Midler's infatuation with Jotaro by complimenting her. Kakyoin suggests that she sounds like film actress,.

Film

 * During Joseph's usage of Hermit Purple on the TV, one of the random programs shows Marlon Brando in his famous film The Godfather, where he played Don Vito Corleone.
 * When Polnareff hits Devo in his hotel room, Devo falls off the balcony; he is nowhere to be found when Polnareff checks for his body. This is a possible shout-out to the ending of John Carpenter's Halloween.
 * Ebony Devil's possession of a doll is similar to the horror film.
 * Yellow Temperance is likely a reference to The Blob.
 * Strength was possibly inspired by the tale of, while its user was modeled after , a character from a 1986 movie of the same name.
 * When Polnareff is turned into a kid by Alessi's Stand and locks himself behind a wooden door, Alessi tears this door down by using his axe. He then puts his head into the now broken door, saying "Polnareff, I'm here." The scene closely resembles the famous setting of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining.
 * The first half of the Wheel of Fortune part is possibly a reference to Steven Spielberg's first movie, Duel.
 * Lovers' appearance is that of the robot from, crossed with a tick or a fly.
 * The events involving Lovers is based on the sci-fi film Fantastic Voyage.
 * N'Doul is based on Kan Shimozawa's, a long-running Japanese film series centered around a blind swordsman of the same name.
 * While Iggy is fighting Pet Shop in the sewer Iggy uses The Fool to create a wound across the front of Pet Shop's torso. Pet Shop touches the wound with his wing and licks the blood off it, similar to a famous scene in the movie Enter The Dragon.

Manga/Anime

 * When Joseph tries to use Hermit Purple on a television in order to detect DIO from Singapore, his Stand shows him random TV programs. One of the shows that appear is Doraemon.
 * Dio's Road Roller move was inspired by an identical move used by Kinnikuman in the first episode of the Kinnikuman anime.

Other

 * Judgement's design was influenced by 's and Kikaider. Its ability is based on the story of.
 * When DIO forces Senator Wilson Phillips to drive through the crowd, Waldo from the Where's Waldo? children's book series can be seen flying through the air.

Music

 * Josuke's Stand Crazy Diamond is named after the song.
 * Josuke's design is based on the musician . His favorite musician is also Prince.
 * Koichi's Stand Echoes is named after 's song
 * The fact that the stand Echoes has three acts is a reference to how the song Echoes has three acts.
 * Okuyasu's Stand The Hand is a reference to Canadian Rock band the Band.
 * Rohan's Heaven's Door is named after Bob Dylan's song Knockin' on Heaven's Door.
 * The title of Rohan's manga, Pink Dark Boy, may be a reference to Pink Floyd's album The Dark Side of the Moon.
 * Tamami Kobayashi's The Lock is likely a reference to The Rock, a song by The Who.
 * Toshikazu Hazamada's Surface is a reference to R&B trio Surface.
 * Yukako Yamagishi's Stand Love Deluxe is named after the album of the same name by the British R&B group Sade.
 * Trussardi's Stand is named after Grunge band Pearl Jam.
 * Shizuka Joestar's Stand Achtung Baby is a reference to the album of the same name by Irish band U2.
 * Reimi Sugimoto's name may be a reference to the Pink Floyd song See Emily Play.
 * The name of Reimi's dog Arnold may also be a reference to another Pink Floyd song, Arnold Layne.
 * Shigekiyo's last name is based on the last name of the musician,.
 * Shigekiyo's Harvest is named after Neil Young's song and album Harvest.
 * Aya Tsuji's Cinderella is named after Heavy Metal band Cinderella.
 * Mikitaka's Stand is a reference to the R&B group Earth, Wind &amp; Fire.
 * Yuya Fungami's Highway Star is a reference to the Deep Purple song of the same name.
 * Yuya's tie bears the words Speed King, possibly a reference to the Deep Purple song of the same name.
 * Anjuro Katagiri's nickname "Angelo" is the namesake to the American composer Angelo Badalamenti.
 * His Stand, Aqua Necklace, might be a reference to Progressive Rock band Asia's album, "Aqua."
 * Keicho's Bad Company is named after Rock supergroup Bad Company.
 * Akira Otoishi's Stand is named after American Rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers.
 * The pins on Akira's wrists read AC/DC, a reference to the band of the same name.
 * Akira likes Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eddie Van Halen, and Stevie Ray Vaughan's music.
 * The Stand Ratt is named after Heavy Metal band Ratt.
 * Ken Oyanagi's Stand is a reference of the Hip-Hop group Boyz II Men.
 * Tama's Stand is named after the Rockabilly band "Stray Cats."
 * Toyohiro Kanedaichi's Super Fly is a reference to Curtis Mayfield's song "Superfly."
 * Terunosuke Miyamoto's Enigma is named after the New Age band "Enigma."
 * In the localized version Enigma is called Misterioso, after the Thelonious Monk album.
 * Masazo Kinoto's Cheap Trick is a reference to the American Rock band "Cheap Trick ."
 * Yoshihiro Kira's Stand Atom Heart Father is named after the Pink Floyd song and album Atom Heart Mother.
 * Yoshikage Kira's Stand Killer Queen and his evolution powers (Sheer Heart Attack and Another One Bites the Dust) are named after songs of the British rock band Queen.
 * Kira's appearance is based on that of David Bowie.
 * The boat Joseph came to Morioh on is possibly named after the band Traffic.
 * Koichi owns a dog named Police, a reference to the band of the same name.
 * During the Let's Go Out for Italian arc, Okuyasu compares the harmony between mozzarella and tomato to a duet.
 * In The Book: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure 4th Another Day Takuma Hasumi's stand is called The Book after the band The Books.
 * Also in The Book: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure 4th Another Day, the stand of Teruhiko Futaba is called Memory of Jet, after the song Jet by Paul McCartney &amp; Wings.

People

 * Tonio Trussardi is named after Italian fashion designer Nicola Trussardi.
 * Rohan Kishibe may be named after.
 * In the Sheer Heart Attack (story arc), Josuke is seen reading a book with the name on the cover.

Film

 * In the English dub, Okuyasu says "So go ahead punk, make my day" during his fight with Josuke. This is a reference to Dirty Harry.
 * In the Italian food arc, Okuyasu drinks some water that heals his tiredness by releasing large amounts of tears from his eyes. He underplays this by claiming that he had presumably cried a lot more when watching the 1979 film,.
 * In Episode 24 of the TV Anime, in the final shot where Kira escapes, an advertisement for Austin Powers 2 can be seen on the cinema marquee.
 * The story outline of Diamond is Unbreakable takes inspiration from the David Lynch television series Twin Peaks. Both series are supernatural thrillers that are set around the search for a psychopath that has caused the death of a teenage girl in a small town with odd characters. The characters of Jotaro, Reimi Sugimoto and Yoshikage Kira play similar roles to that of Dale Cooper, Laura Palmer and Killer Bob (With both Bob and Kira hiding in the guise of another person).
 * The fight between Josuke and Highway Star parallels the film "Speed " starring Keanu Reeves.
 * In episode 33 of the TV anime, an 80s Corolla namely the AE86 briefly appears, making a reference to Initial D which stars Takumi's AE86.

Manga/Anime

 * Josuke is initially introduced to being bullied by some upperclassmen. One of the bullies insults his hair by claiming it looks like Astro Boy's. In his rage, Josuke mishears it as.
 * After turning into Josuke, Surface asks him if he was familiar with the copy robot from Perman, a parody series by Doraemon author, Fujiko Fujio.
 * In the Italian food arc, Okuyasu compares the harmony between mozzarella and tomato to and 's work on.
 * When asking Okuyasu his name during the Red Hot Chili Pepper arc, Joseph mishears it as Osomatsu.

Literature

 * The whole story for Tama/Stray Cat is an homage to the popular 1983 horror novel  by.

Other

 * Reimi's and Arnold's murders are based on a.

Music

 * Giorno's Gold Experience is named after Prince's album "The Gold Experience".
 * Giorno's name is a reference to the Italian musician "Giovanni Giorgio Moroder".
 * Giorno's favorite musician is Jeff Beck.
 * Gold Experience's design resembles the cover art of the Asia album Astra.
 * Luca's name is possibly a reference to the song sung by Suzanne Vega.
 * Sticky Fingers is named after The Rolling Stones' album of the same name.
 * The album "Sticky Fingers" was particularly known for having a functional zipper in the sleeve for its vinyl release. Sticky Fingers the Stand creating zippers is a reference to this.
 * Bucciarati licking Giorno's face is a possible reference to the Rolling Stones logo featuring a tongue.
 * Bucciarati's favorite music is  Agharta  and  Bitches Brew  by Miles Davis.
 * Mista's Stand is a reference to the British punk band "Sex Pistols".
 * Mista's favorite musician is The Carpenters.
 * Narancia Ghirga's Stand is named after the legendary group Aerosmith.
 * Narancia's favourite musicians are Biggie Smalls and Tupac.
 * Abbacchio's Stand name is a direct reference to the British rock band The Moody Blues.
 * Abbacchio's favourite musician is Claudio Monteverdi.
 * Fugo's Purple Haze is a reference to the song of the same name, performed by Jimi Hendrix.
 * Trish's Stand Spice Girl is named after the British pop group Spice Girls, as well her Stand cry is a reference to the song "Wannabe" performed by the same group.
 * Zucchero's Stand is named after the British rock band "Soft Machine."
 * Polpo's Stand Black Sabbath is named after the English heavy metal band, Black Sabbath.
 * Sale's Kraft Work is named after the German electronic band, Kraftwerk.
 * The name Pericolo refers to Il Pericolo Numero Uno by Renato Carosone.
 * Pericolo may also be a reference to Perry Como.


 * Formaggio's Little Feet is a reference to the American rock band "Little Feat".
 * Illuso's Man in the Mirror is a homage to Michael Jackson's song of the same name.
 * Coco Jumbo and its Stand's name are references to the Eurodance group Mr.President, since Coco Jamboo is one of their songs.
 * Pesci's Stand is named after the American Rock band "The Beach Boys".
 * In the localized version Beach Boy is called Fisher Man, possibly after the song John the Fisherman.
 * Prosciutto's Stand is a reference to Jam band "Grateful Dead".
 * Melone's Baby Face is named after R&B artist Kenneth B. Edmonds' nickname.
 * Ghiaccio's White Album is named after the Beatles' album "The Beatles", nicknamed "White Album" by the fans.
 * White Album's special skill is named after the Beatles song "While My Guitar Gently Weeps".
 * Squalo's Stand is named after the British punk group "The Clash".
 * Tiziano's Talking Head is a reference to the "Talking Heads", a new wave American group.
 * Carne's Stand is a reference to American Rapper Notorious B.I.G.
 * Risotto's Metallica is a homage to the heavy Metal band of the same name.
 * Cioccolata's Green Day shares its name with the American Punk group "Green Day."
 * Secco's Stand Oasis is named after the alternative British Rock band "Oasis."
 * Scolippi's Stand is named after the British Rock band "The Rolling Stones".
 * Diavolo/Vinegar Doppio's Stand King Crimson is named after the rock band King Crimson; whilst the ability Epitaph is named after their song Epitaph.
 * Some music references can be found in Part 5 novel. The Stands of Coniglio, Sogliola Lopez and Rigatoni are named after three Post-Punk/New Wave bands: The Cure, Joy Division and Public Image Ltd, respectively.
 * In the novel Purple Haze Feedback, Sheila E is named after the American singer of the same name.
 * In Purple Haze Feedback, the stands of Sheila E, Cannolo Murolo, Vittorio Cataldi, Angelica Attanasio, Vladimir Kocaqi, and Massimo Volpe are named after six Jimi Hendrix songs: Voodoo Child, All Along The Watchtower, Dolly Dagger, Night Bird Flying, Rainy Day Dream Away, and Manic Depression, respectively.

Manga/Anime

 * When Team Bucciarati enters Coco Jumbo, they turn the T.V. on and there is a football soccer game on the screen which shows Tsubasa Ozora from Captain Tsubasa.

Film

 * Luca is also a fictional character in Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather, as well as its 1972 film adaptation.
 * In the anime, Fugo uses his wit to outdo a waiter's threats on putting him in jail by mentioning a 1987 court case between "Argento v. De Sica". Said court case is fictional and the names used are references to film directors Dario Argento (Suspiria) and Vittorio de Sica (Bicycle Thieves)
 * Squalo/Clash 's theme in the anime seems to be inspired by the Jaws theme.
 * The idea of Diavolo and Vinegar Doppio is very similar to the idea of Keyser Söze and Verbal Kint from the Brian Singer movie The Usual Suspects

Other

 * When Chariot Requiem has the arrow, Polnareff describes how Diavolo has a split personality. He mentions Billy Milligan as an example of someone who had ten different personalities.
 * Narancia's backstory is nearly identical to that of the character Tom Hagen in Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather.
 * During the fight with Ghiaccio, the pose that Giorno holds Mista at the end of the fight is a reference to Michelangelo's Pietà in St Peter's Basilica, on Vatican City

Music

 * Jolyne Cujoh's name is likely a reference to the American country song Jolene by Dolly Parton. Notably, during her fight with Gwess, Jolyne's name is repeated several times in a fashion similar to the song.
 * Stone Free, Jolyne's Stand is named after the song composed and performed by Jimi Hendrix.
 * Ermes Costello's name is a reference to the British musician Elvis Costello.
 * Her stand, Kiss is named after American Hard Rock band KISS.
 * Emporio's Stand is a reference to the Talking Heads' song "Burning Down the House".
 * F.F. and her Stand's names are based on American alternative Rock band "Foo Fighters."
 * Weather Report and his Stand's names are based on the Jazz band "Weather Report."
 * Similarly, Heavy Weather shares its name with one album by the same band.
 * Weather's appearance is based on a silhouette known as Buffalo man, which appears on many of Jamiroquai's albums.
 * Diver Down, Anasui's Stand, is named after the same name album by Van Halen.
 * Gwess' Goo Goo Dolls is a reference to the American Alternative Rock band of the same name.
 * Johngalli A's Stand is named after the contemporary Jazz Fusion band "Manhattan Transfer."
 * McQueen's Stand is a reference to "Highway to Hell", a song and album by Australian band AC/DC.
 * Marilyn Manson shares its name with the American Rock band Marilyn Manson and its lead singer.
 * Jumpin' Jack Flash is a reference to the Rolling Stones song of the same name.
 * Limp Bizkit is a reference to the American Rock band Limp Bizkit.
 * The name of Guccio's Survivor is based on the American 80s Hard Rock band "Survivor."
 * Green, Green Grass of Home, the stand of the Green Baby, is based on the Tom Jones song of the same name.
 * Pucci forces Guccio to sing Handel's Messiah, conducted by Gardiner in 1982.
 * Planet Waves is named after the album of the same name by Bob Dylan feat. The Band.
 * Dragon's Dream is named after the song and album of the same name by Thom Brennan.
 * Yo-Yo Ma is named after French-born American cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
 * Yo-Yo Ma mentions having an R.E.M. sticker.
 * Jail House Lock is a reference to the song "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley.
 * The name of Ungalo's Bohemian Rhapsody is based on the 1975 Queen song of the same name.
 * The nature of Bohemian Rhapsody as a Stand is most likely a reference to the opening lyrics of the song it shares its name with, "Is this real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide,/No escape from reality." Due to Bohemian Rhapsody's ability to bend "fantasy" into "reality", much to the confusion of Anasui and Weather Report, it appears as a direct reference to the lyrics.
 * Rikiel's Sky High is named after Jigsaw's song "Sky High."
 * Versus' Underworld shares its name with the British Electronic band "Underworld."
 * , a 1965 song written and sung by, is one of the 14 words for Heaven found in Dio's Diary.
 * "4 Rhinoceros Beetles" is one of the 14 words in Dio's Diary and maybe a reference to The Beatles.
 * Pucci's Whitesnake is named after the metal band of the same name.
 * The scene in SO Chapter 34 in which Miraschon steals Pucci's cross may be inspired by the lyrics to the Whitesnake song Saints an' Sinners; "Saints an' sinners, priests an' thieves."
 * C-Moon's name is based on a song by Paul McCartney called "C-Moon".
 * Made in Heaven and its original name Stairway to Heaven are respectively references to the songs "Made in Heaven" (also an album) by Queen and "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin.
 * The Green Dolphin Street Prison is named after the song On Green Dolphin Street.
 * Savage Garden's name is based on an Australian pop-rock duo of the same name.
 * Their song I Want You was the ending theme for the third season of the JoJo's Anime.
 * The Like A Virgin bracelets the prisoners must wear while searching the farm are a reference to the Madonna song of the same name.
 * The location of Stone Ocean's setting is set in St. Port Lucie, Florida, where interestingly, real-life former rapper Vanilla Ice currently makes his residence; considering the part's focus on villains who are still devoted to DIO, this appears to not be just coincidence.
 * The title of the chapter Prisoner of Love, as well as the volume title, might be a reference to the song Prisoner of Love, sung by Columbo, The Ink Spots and Perry Como among others.
 * The title of SO Chapter 158,, is likely based on the song of the same name by Louis Armstrong.

People

 * Ermes Costello's first name is based on the French high fashion house "Hermès."
 * Emporio Alniño is named after Italian fashion brand "Emporio Armani."
 * Narciso Anasui is a reference to American fashion designers "Narciso Rodriguez" and "Anna Sui."
 * Gwess shares her name with the American fashion brand "Guess."
 * Loccobarocco is a reference to the Italian Fashion designer of the same name.
 * Johngalli A has his name based on Spanish-British fashion designer "John Galliano."
 * Thunder McQueen is named after British fashion designer and brand "Alexander McQueen."
 * Miraschon's name is based on Italian fashion designer "Mila Schön."
 * Lang Rangler might be a reference to both Austrian fashion designer "Helmut Lang" and Jeans manufacturer brand "Wrangler."
 * Sports Maxx is named after the Italian fashion brand "Sportmax."
 * Guccio's name is based on Italian fashion designer "Guccio Gucci."
 * Viviano Westwood's name is based on British fashion designer "Vivienne Westwood."
 * Kenzou is named after Japanese stylist "Kenzou Takada."
 * D an G is a reference to Italian fashion house "D&G", founded by "Domenico Dolce" and "Stefano Gabbana."
 * Miuccia Miuller is a reference to both Italian stylist "Miuccia Prada" and her fashion house "Miu Miu."
 * Ungalo is named after French stylist "Emanuel Ungaro."
 * Rikiel shares his name with French fashion designer "Sonia Rykiel."
 * Donatello Versus is named after the Italian fashion designer "Donatella Versace's" brand, Versus.
 * Enrico Pucci's name is based on Italian fashion designers "Enrico Coveri" and "Emilio Pucci."
 * The prisoner whose body F.F. takes over is named after the fashion brand Etro.

Film

 * Affected by Jail House Lock, Jolyne watches some movies while suffering from amnesia. At first, she questions Johnny Depp and later she spoils the ending of . The notes she makes for herself are a reference to the movie.
 * The name of the Burn, Dragon's Dream (燃えよ) story arc references the Japanese localization of Bruce Lee's Moe yo Doragon (燃えよドラゴン).

Manga/Anime

 * Bohemian Rhapsody is a Stand able to bring fictional characters into reality. Some characters from Manga and Comic were summoned. Among them: Spiderman, Kenshiro, Raoh, Mazinger Z, Tetsuwan Atom (Astro Boy), Tetsujin 28 (Gigantor) and Giant Robo.
 * The arc There's Six of Them! bears a strong resemblance in name and initial plot to the short shojo manga and anime film They Were Eleven.

Other

 * Bohemian Rhapsody is a Stand able to bring fictional characters into reality. Some characters from Popular Tales were summoned. Among them: Pinocchio, Mickey Mouse, E.T., Mother Goat, Snow White, and the Seven Dwarves, Peter Pan, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Big Bad Wolf.
 * Bohemian Rhapsody also summoned some art pieces: Vincent van Gogh's portraits and Venus by Botticelli.
 * When the 7 dwarves are summoned they mentioned Terminator's T-2000 and Star Wars' Chewbacca.
 * In popular culture, The Mayan Prophecy of 2012, announced the end of the world in December of that same year. In the manga, Pucci succeeded in ending the actual world to create a new one.
 * In a Florida tourist guide book read by Anasui, the city of Orlando's Disney's Magic Kingdom and MGM, Universal Studios and Sea World Theme Park are referenced.
 * Donatello Versus' back story is a reference to the book Holes.

Music

 * Johnny Joestar's name could be a reference to the song Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry.
 * Johnny's horse is named after the song and album Slow Dancer by Boz Scaggs.
 * His Stand is a reference to Fleetwood Mac's song and album Tusk.   ​​​​​​
 * Gyro Zeppeli's Stand is named after the AC/DC Album and song Ballbreaker.
 * The Spin is named after the band Spin and their 1976 album of the same name.
 * Diego's horse is named after the Silver Bullet Band.
 * Hot Pants is based on the song of the same name performed by James Brown.
 * Hot Pants' Stand, Cream Starter, is named after Firestarter, a song by the English band "The Prodigy."
 * Hot Pants' horse is named Get Up after the James Brown song Get Up (I feel like being a) Sex Machine.
 * Steven Steel is named after musician Stephen Stills.
 * Mountain Tim's horse references Stan Jones' song (Ghost) Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend.
 * ​​​Mountain Tim's Stand is named after the Don Gibson song Oh Lonesome Me.
 * Pocoloco is named after "Un Poco Loco", a composition by Bud Powell.
 * ​​​Pocoloco's horse Hey Ya! is named after the song Hey Ya!" by US hip hop band Outkast.
 * Sandman's given name is 'Sandman', a reference to the Metallica song "Enter Sandman."
 * ​​​Sandman's Stand is a reference to Miles Davis's album "In a Silent Way."
 * Mrs. Robinson is named after the song of the same name, by Simon &amp; Garfunkel.
 * Mrs. Robinson's horse is named El Condor Pasa after the Simon & Garfunkle song of the same name.
 * All three members of the Boom Boom Family are named from different parts of André Lauren Benjamin's name.
 * The Boom Boom Family's horses are named after the Jimi Hendrix songs Crosstown Traffic, Foxy Lady and Little Wing.
 * The three racers killed by the Boom Boom family are named after musicians Jay Fagen, Walter Carl Becker (both from Steely Dan) and Steve Lukather (from Toto).
 * The Boom Boom Family's stand Tomb of the Boom is a reference to the song of the same name by Outkast.
 * Oyecomova is named after the song Oye Como Va from the Latin jazz and mambo musician Tito Puente.
 * Pork Pie Hat Kid and his Stand Wired are repeated references to Jeff Beck's cover of the song "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" from Wired.
 * The third stage of the Steel Ball Run race, "Rocky Mountain Breakdown," is a reference to the Poco song of the same name.
 * Dr. Ferdinand is named after the band, Franz Ferdinand.
 * His Stand is named after the David Bowie album and song Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps).
 * Both Gaucho and his horse, Peg, are named after Steely Dan songs of the same name.
 * Ringo Roadagain is named after musician Ringo Starr and the Bob Dylan song "On the Road Again", despite the assumption that the name comes from Willie Nelson's eponymous song.
 * His Stand is named after the Jerry Wallace single "Mandom: The Lovers of the World", which was only released in Japan.
 * Blackmore is named after Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.
 * His Stand is named after the song "Catch the Rainbow" by Richie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio's band "Rainbow."
 * Sugar Mountain is named after the song by Neil Young.
 * Tatoo You! references the album of the same name by The Rolling Stones.
 * Mike O. is named after progressive Rock musician Mike Oldfield.
 * Similarly, his Stand is named after his debut song and album, Tubular Bells.
 * Wekapipo's name is based on the single "Wake Up People" by SOUL'd OUT.
 * Similarly, his Wrecking Balls appear to be named after Neil Young 's song "Wrecking Ball."
 * Magent Magent is also named in a single of SOUL'd OUT, "Magenta Magenta."
 * 20th Century Boy is named after T-Rex's song of the same name.
 * Axl RO is named after Guns N' Roses' frontman "Axl Rose."
 * Similarly, his Stand is named after Guns N' Roses' song "Civil War."
 * D-I-S-C-O is named after the song by Ottawan.
 * D-I-S-C-O's Stand is a reference to the J-Pop song "Chocolate Disco" by Perfume.
 * Funny Valentine is a reference to the famous Jazz slow tune "My Funny Valentine."
 * Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap is named after the AC/DC's Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap album and song of the same name.
 * D4C Love Train is named after the O'Jays song Love Train.
 * Lucy Steel's name could be a reference to The Beatles song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.
 * Lucy's Stand is named after the song of the same name by The Beatles.
 * The S.S. Blue Hawaii is named after the Elvis Presley song Blue Hawaii.
 * Some of the other horses and racers in the race have names referencing songs. Valkyrie (referencing Ride of the Valkyries), Dixie Chicken (referencing the Little Feat album of the same name), Ramblin' Man (referencing the Allman Brothers Band song of the same name), Zenyatta Mondatta (referencing the Police album of the same name) Roxanne (referencing the Police song of the same name), Baba Yaga (referencing the Emerson, Lake &amp; Palmer song The Curse of Baba Yaga), Nut Rocker (referencing the Emerson, Lake & Palmer song of the same name), Caravanserai (referencing the Santana album of the same name), Moonflower (referencing the Santana album of the same name), Sloop John B (referencing the Beach Boys song of the same name), Catch A Wave (referencing the Beach Boys song of the same name), Billy White (referencing the Billy Idol song White Wedding), Love Unlimited (referencing the vocal trio of the same name), #1 (referencing the Nelly song No. 1), Nellyville (referencing the Nelly album of the same name), Country Grammer (referencing the Nelly album of the same name), Iglesias (referencing the singer Julio Igesias), Nathalie (referencing the Julio Igesias song of the same name), Mack the Knife (referencing the Lois Armstrong song of the same name), Rotters Club (referencing the Hatfeild and the North album of the same name), Nightfly (referencing the Donald Fagen album The Nightfly), Kanye (referencing the rapper Kanye West), Mister (referencing the band Mr. Mister), Georgie Porgie (referencing the Toto song Georgey Porgy) and Europe Express (referencing the Kraftwerk album Trans-Europe Express)
 * The High Voltage Arc is a reference to the AC/DC song of the same name.
 * The artwork Araki drew for the cover of the Ultra Jump May 2011 Issue is a reference to the album art of Progressive Rock Band Yes' album, Fragile. This album contains the song, "Roundabout", which happens to be the first ending of the anime.
 * The arc Both Sides Now is named after the Joni Michelle song "Both Sides, Now."

Film

 * Steel Ball Run (race) is based on the race movie Cannonball Run.
 * The scene in which Funny Valentine receives his father's handkerchief is very similar to the famous "Gold Watch" scene from Pulp Fiction.

People

 * In SBR Chapter 3, an actress named "Dorothy Parker" is named by Johnny's girlfriend, likely as a nod to the American writer.

Music

 * Josuke's Stand is named after Prince's first single, Soft & Wet.
 * Ojiro Sasame's Stand's name is based on the hit single, Fun, Fun, Fun by The Beach Boys.
 * California King Bed, Daiya Higashikata's Stand, is named after a Rihanna song of the same name.
 * Daiya is revealed to be a fan of the band Yes. She quotes a line from their song,.
 * Daiya asks Josuke to sing 's, while on their way to the store.
 * Jobin's name is a reference to Brazilian singer and songwriter Tom Jobim
 * Yasuho's Stand is named after Prince's Paisley Park.
 * Kyo Nijimura's Stand is named after Lady Gaga's song and album "Born This Way", though was originally named after The Jam's hit single Going Underground.
 * Shakedown Road (alternatively known as "Shakedown Street", a possible reference to the Grateful Dead) is also known as Dead Man's Curve.
 * The Stand Les Feuilles is possibly named after the song "Autumn Leaves" or "Les Feuilles Mortes", a poem by Jacques Prévert.
 * Joshu Higashikata's Stand Nut King Call is named after jazz artist Nat King Cole.
 * Tsurugi's Stand Paper Moon King is named after the song "It's Only a Paper Moon" by Nat King Cole.
 * Within the Sesame Honey Cafe, there are various fake music albums with covers that reference real ones. One in particular features the Dropout Bear found on Kanye West's album,.
 * Norisuke's Stand King Nothing is named after the Metallica song of the same name.
 * Yotsuyu's Stand I Am a Rock is named after the Simon & Garfunkel song of the same name. Yotsuyu himself says a line from the song, "I am a Rock, I am an Island."
 * Jobin's Stand Speed King is named after the Deep Purple song of the same name.
 * Aisho's Stand Doobie Wah! is named after the Peter Frampton song of the same name.
 * Karera's Stand name is a combination of Part 4's Yukako Yamagishi's Stand, who's name is based on an album by the British R&B group Sade, and the Japanese phrase, "Love-Love."
 * The A. Phex Brothers' moniker is a reference to electronic musician Aphex Twin, while their Stands' names' likely reference one of the artist's songs, Schottkey 7th Path.
 * Damo Tamaki's Stand Vitamin C is named after the Can song of the same name. His last name is derived from Damo Suzuki, the former vocalist of the band, Can. The first name "Tamaki" was chosen as a reference to the band itself as the kanji can also be read as "Kan". This reading is also reflected in the name of Damo's cleaning service.
 * Dolomite's Stand Blue Hawaii is named after the Elvis Presley album of the same name.
 * Rai's Stand, Doggy Style, is likely named after the album,.
 * The character Urban Guerrilla is likely named after the Hawkwind song of the same name.
 * Urban Guerrilla's Stand, Brain Storm, is likely named after the Hawkwind song of the same name.
 * The character Doremifasolati Do is likely named after the Hawkwind album,.
 * The character Poor Tom is likely a reference to the Led Zeppelin song of the same name.
 * Poor Tom's Stand, Ozon Baby, is likely named after the Led Zeppelin song,.
 * Josuke chases an ambulance with the license plate, "S Mori 3-11". This is possibly a reference to the band, '311 '.
 * The character Wu Tomoki and his Stand Doctor Wu are a reference to the.
 * Volume 21's title and the story arc that it covers may be references to the.

Film

 * When Yasuho and Josuke come to Yoshikage Kira's home, they see a naked woman bathing in a way similar to the room 237 scene of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining.
 * During the same arc Josuke is bitten on the ankle by a poisonous snake sent by Ojiro, who also left a hacksaw with "why don't you cut it off?" on it. This could be a reference to the first Saw movie.
 * When Yasuho is in the basement of the Higashikata residence with Tsurugi, there is a poster on the back wall of the film, Enter the Dragon, starring Bruce Lee.
 * The Trouble with the curve story arc is a reference to the movie, Trouble with the Curve. The movie stars Clint Eastwood, one of Araki's favorite actors.
 * When Josuke drags Yasuho into the Higashikata family photo, it resembled the family photo scene in The Godfather where Michael Corleone drags Kay into the photo. Also, when Norisuke realizes one of his sons is missing, he decides to not take the picture like the way Vito Corleone acted when he noticed Michael was missing.

Manga/Anime

 * The inside of the Higashikata bunker is filled with several toys and memorabilia, including figures of and.
 * In chapter 25, Yasuho goes in a car that has Monkey D. Luffy plush-doll and doll head wearing hat with antlers, similar to Tony Tony Chopper.
 * The famous mangaka Shotaro Ishinomori is mentioned to have mediated under a pine tree in Morioh, now on the Wall Eyes opposite the land that belongs to the Higashikatas.
 * When Josuke uses his bubbles to shave, there are some references to Kinnikuman. Josuke also uses Soft & Wet to steal the fur of a cat whose head bears the kanji for meat (肉), another reference to Kinnikuman.

Others

 * The natural disaster that hit Morioh in the manga is the same event that actually took place in Japan on March 11, 2011, the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

music

 * The stand Remote Romance from the JoJo Exhibition 2012 is named after the Camel song of the same name.
 * The JOJO A-GO!GO! artbook includes several images of different characters and stands having a dance party, with the artwork being captioned with "Let's Dance". This is a possible reference to the David Bowie song of the same name.