Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1 (2017) movie poster

Characters & Themes

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1 (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 119 mins · Japanese
Loading streaming availability…
Directed by
Takashi Miike
Starring
Takayuki Yamada, Masaki Okada, Jun Kunimura, Kento Yamazaki, Nana Komatsu, Mackenyu

Welcome to Morioh, a seemingly peaceful town in 1999 that has become a hotbed of unusual activity. Marine biologist Jōtarō Kūjō travels to Morioh to meet Jōsuke Higashikata, who he soon discovers is the illegitimate son of his grandfather, Joseph Joestar. The two men find they share more than just a family connection. Joined by the gentle Kōichi Hirose and the energetic Okuyasu Nijimura, they begin investigating a series of disappearances and unsettling events plaguing the town. Armed with the power of Stands, the group faces danger as they work to uncover Morioh's secrets.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (15)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Every angle
Loading streaming availability…

15 main characters · contains spoilers

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1 Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1 (2017), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Jōsuke Higashikata — Kento Yamazaki

    A second-year high school student who befriends Koichi Hirose. He wields the healing-oriented Stand Crazy Diamond, which can fix objects and injuries, signaling a protective, pragmatic nature. Brash yet principled, he steps up to shield his town from the Stand-wielding killer Angelo. His determination to defend Morioh fuels much of the action.

    • 🗡️ Protagonist
    • 🛡️ Protector
    • 💪 Resolve
  • Jōtarō Kujo — Yūsuke Iseya

    played by Yûsuke Iseya

    An emblem of experience who warns Josuke about Stand users and the dangers they present. He demonstrates time-manipulation via his Stand, Star Platinum, and acts as a mentor figure guiding the younger heroes. His arrival intensifies the mystery and signals that Morioh is a battleground for powers beyond ordinary means. He embodies leadership, restraint, and strategic thinking.

    • 🕴️ Mentor
    • ⏳ Time power
    • 🧭 Guidance
  • Anjūrō Katagiri — Takayuki Yamada

    A terrifying Stand user and serial killer who wields Aqua Necklace. He is calculating, elusive, and dangerous, using his power to threaten and kill. His confrontations with Josuke and Koichi reveal the darker side of Morioh’s quiet streets. His arc drives the revelation of the broader Stand-using network.

    • 🧊 Villain
    • 💧 Water Stand
    • 🪓 Threat
  • Keichō Nijimura — Masaki Okada

    A strategic and morally ambiguous ally-turned-antagonist who manipulates Koichi and others with his Stand Bad Company. He is willing to sacrifice for a greater aim and reveals a complicated, protective motive toward his family. His actions catalyze key battles and the quest to restore a fragment of humanity within his father.

    • 🧭 Strategist
    • 🎭 Duality
    • 🛡️ Sacrifice
  • Ryohei Higashikata — Jun Kunimura

    Josuke’s grandfather, a kind and respected figure in the Higashikata family. His death during Angelo's assault becomes a turning point that galvanizes the community and strengthens the resolve of the young protagonists. His memory anchors the family and motivates the pursuit of justice.

    • 🕊️ Mourning
    • 🏛️ Family
    • ⚰️ Funeral
  • Tomoko Higashikata — Arisa Mizuki

    Josuke’s mother, whose safety becomes a focal concern as the killer targets the Higashikata household. She represents the vulnerable family unit that Josuke vows to protect. Her near-miss experiences heighten the tension and emotional stakes of the pursuit.

    • 👪 Family
    • 🏠 Home
    • 💗 Protection
  • Kōichi Hirose — Ryunosuke Kamiki

    A new student who befriends Josuke and gradually awakens his Stand. He embodies caution tempered by curiosity, growing more confident as they face down the killer. His partnership with Josuke highlights themes of trust and teamwork in the fight against hidden threats.

    • 🧭 Friend
    • 🧬 Stand awakening
    • 🛡️ Courage
  • Okuyasu Nijimura — Mackenyu

    Keicho’s younger brother who joins the fray with his Stand The Hand. He starts as a formidable foe but ultimately becomes a crucial ally in the battle to rescue Koichi. His loyalty and blunt directness contrast with Josuke’s calculated approach, enriching the team dynamic.

    • 🤜 Ally
    • 🖐️ The Hand
    • 🗡️ Loyalty
  • Yoshizawa Masaya — Shuntaro Yanagi

    A local youth whose actions intersect with the escalating danger around Morioh. His presence adds to the sense that the town’s younger generation is drawn into the Stand-fueled conflict. He represents how ordinary residents become entangled in extraordinary events.

    • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Local
    • 👀 Involvement
    • 🧭 Participant
  • Koichi Hirose — Ryunosuke Kamiki

    A cautious but determined new student who becomes Josuke’s ally. He demonstrates growth as he learns to manifest and control his Stand, contributing to the duo’s capacity to heal and fight when threatened. His partnership with Josuke underscores collaboration as a path to solving the mystery.

    • 🧩 Growth
    • 🛡️ Defense
    • 🧭 Teamwork
  • Nao [Student] — Akari Matsukawa

    A student in Morioh whose presence signals everyday life continuing amid danger. Though not a central fighter, her inclusion helps depict the town’s social fabric under strain. Her role underscores the theme of community resilience.

    • 🏫 Student life
    • 👥 Community
    • 🔍 Subplot
  • [Student] — Shima Yuika

    Another student in Morioh who appears in school-related scenes. Her perspective contributes to the sense of a lived-in town where ordinary routines intersect with the extraordinary events surrounding Stand users. She helps illustrate the broad impact of the ongoing conflict.

    • 🏫 Youth
    • 🧭 Perspective
    • 🧬 Influence
  • Nijimura Okuyasu [Young] — Ryusei Iwata

    The younger version of Okuyasu Nijimura, glimpsed in earlier moments of the narrative. His presence hints at family ties and the evolution of the Nijimura siblings’ dynamics. He foreshadows the perseverance of Okuyasu’s loyalties later in the story.

    • 👶 Flashback
    • 🧭 Origins
    • 🗺️ Family
  • Bad Boy — Ryunosuke Suzuki

    A delinquent encountered in the town’s rougher corners, representing the everyday threats that Stand users can pose. His actions contribute to the chaotic atmosphere surrounding Morioh’s early investigations. He embodies the urban edge that contrasts with the protagonists’ more righteous aims.

    • 🧨 Delinquent
    • 🧭 Street
    • 🕹️ Chaos
  • Bad Boy — Shodai Fukuyama

    Another delinquent figure whose presence adds to Morioh’s rougher scenes. While not central to the core plot, this character helps establish the urban, high-school setting where Stand-related tension brews. His role reinforces the theme of diverse Stand-users crossing paths.

    • 🕹️ Delinquent
    • 🧭 Encounter
    • 🧱 Setting

Last updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:45

Was this helpful?

Setting

Where and When Does JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1 Take Place?

The setting of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1 (2017): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Location

Morioh, M Prefecture

Morioh is a fictional town in M Prefecture serving as a quiet backdrop for strange, murderous events. The setting blends ordinary suburban life—schools, homes, local shops—with the presence of Stand users and a creeping sense of danger. It is a close-knit community where secrets hide beneath a calm surface.

  • 🗺️ Morioh
  • 🔎 Murder mystery
  • 🏙️ Small-town atmosphere

Last updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:45

Was this helpful?

3 major themes

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1 Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1 (2017) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Time

    Time plays a crucial role through the Stand abilities, altering how battles unfold and how characters perceive moments. The story uses time as both a weapon and a shield, shaping decisions and outcomes. Characters must reckon with the consequences of manipulating time and fate.

  • Mystery

    A string of murders drives the plot, with clues hidden in everyday places like houses, schools, and neighborhoods. The protagonists chase leads and confront a dangerous Stand user, gradually revealing the killer's identity. The mystery unfolds through strategic confrontations and escalating dangers.

  • Friendship

    Friendship anchors the narrative as Josuke and Koichi team up against lethal threats. Bonds are tested, strengthened, and sometimes sacrificed in the fight to protect Morioh. The story emphasizes loyalty, trust, and collective defense over individual glory.

Last updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:45

Was this helpful?

Character & theme questions

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1 Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1 (2017): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable set?

The movie takes place in Morioh, a fictional town in M Prefecture, Japan. It appears peaceful on the surface with ordinary suburban elements like schools, homes, and local shops, but beneath this calm exterior lurks dangerous Stand users and a series of mysterious murders.

  • morioh town
  • setting
  • m prefecture
  • fictional town
Q2

When does the story take place?

The story is set in 1999, placing it in the late 20th century. This contemporary setting contrasts with the supernatural dangers that emerge in the seemingly quiet town, creating tension between ordinary suburban life and the world of Stand users.

  • 1999
  • time period
  • 1990s
  • modern setting
Q3

What are the main themes of the movie?

The movie explores three core themes: Time, through Stand abilities that alter how battles unfold and how characters perceive moments; Mystery, as a string of murders drives the investigation into a dangerous Stand user; and Friendship, which anchors the narrative as bonds between characters are tested and strengthened through collective defense.

  • themes
  • time
  • mystery
  • friendship
  • Stand users
Q4

Who is Josuke Higashikata?

Josuke Higashikata is a second-year high school student and the illegitimate son of Joseph Joestar. He wields the Stand Crazy Diamond, which can heal objects and injuries, reflecting his protective and pragmatic nature. Despite his brash personality, he is principled and determined to defend Morioh from threats.

  • josuke higashikata
  • crazy diamond
  • stand user
  • protagonist
Q5

Who is Jotaro Kujo and what is his role?

Jotaro Kujo is an experienced Stand user who travels to Morioh to find and warn Josuke about the dangers of Stand users. He wields Star Platinum, which has time-manipulation abilities, and serves as a mentor figure to the younger heroes, guiding them through the threat posed by the town's killer.

  • jotaro kujo
  • star platinum
  • mentor
  • stand user
Q6

What are Stands in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure?

Stands are supernatural manifestations of the user's fighting spirit, appearing as invisible entities that can perform various abilities. In this movie, different characters wield Stands with unique powers, from time manipulation to object repair to weapon-based attacks, each reflecting the user's personality and intentions.

  • stands
  • stand abilities
  • supernatural powers
  • fighting spirit
Q7

What is Crazy Diamond's ability?

Crazy Diamond is Josuke's Stand with the power to restore or 'fix' objects and heal injuries. This healing-oriented ability signals Josuke's protective nature, as he uses it to repair damage and shield others rather than primarily for attack, making him a defensive force in battle.

  • crazy diamond
  • stand power
  • healing
  • restoration
Q8

What is Star Platinum's ability?

Star Platinum is Jotaro's Stand, known for its exceptional strength, speed, and precision. Its most notable ability is time manipulation, allowing Jotaro to halt or slow time momentarily. This makes Star Platinum one of the most formidable Stands encountered in Morioh.

  • star platinum
  • time stop
  • time manipulation
  • jotaro's stand
Q9

Who is the main antagonist in Chapter 1?

Anjuro Katagiri is the primary antagonist and serial killer introduced in this chapter. He wields the Stand Aqua Necklace and uses his power to threaten and kill, becoming the central threat that Josuke and his allies must confront as they investigate the mysterious events plaguing Morioh.

  • anjuro katagiri
  • antagonist
  • killer
  • aqua necklace
  • stand user
Q10

What is the Joestar family connection in the movie?

Josuke Higashikata is revealed to be the illegitimate son of Joseph Joestar, making him Jotaro Kujo's uncle. This family connection brings Jotaro to Morioh, as he seeks out his relative to warn them about Stand users and the dangers threatening the town.

  • josuke
  • joseph joestar
  • family connection
  • inheritance
Q11

Who is Koichi Hirose?

Koichi Hirose is a cautious but determined new student at Morioh's high school who befriends Josuke. He gradually awakens his own Stand ability as the threat escalates, growing more confident through his partnership with Josuke. His character embodies the theme of teamwork and trust in facing hidden dangers.

  • koichi hirose
  • student
  • stand user
  • ally
Q12

Who are the Nijimura brothers?

Keicho and Okuyasu Nijimura are brothers who become entangled in Morioh's Stand conflict. Keicho wields Bad Company, a strategic Stand used to manipulate others, while Okuyasu wields The Hand, a powerful offensive Stand. Initially antagonists, they become crucial allies as the story progresses.

  • nijimura brothers
  • keicho
  • okuyasu
  • stand users
  • the hand

Movie threads

More Movies Like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1 tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Supernatural town mysteries with a dark edge like in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1

Stories where a seemingly peaceful community hides supernatural secrets and danger. If you liked the tense investigation and supernatural secrets in Morioh, explore more movies like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1. These films feature a tight-knit community grappling with hidden horrors, blending mystery with intense action and dark thematic weight.

  • supernatural
  • tense
  • gritty
  • investigation
  • small town
  • dark secrets
  • Tone: dark, tense
  • Pacing: fast, investigative
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Narratives in this thread typically begin with an outsider or a group discovering that their town is not what it seems. The plot revolves around investigating a series of strange events, leading to confrontations with a hidden antagonist or supernatural force. The journey involves uncovering layers of secrets that are deeply tied to the location itself.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a contained setting plagued by supernatural phenomena, a core mystery driving the plot, and a tone that balances dark, unsettling reveals with bursts of high-stakes action. The feeling of a community under threat is central.

Found families confronting inherited violence like in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1

Groups bound by choice must face dangers stemming from a traumatic past. For viewers who enjoyed the dynamic of Jōsuke and his friends facing a legacy of trauma in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1, this section finds similar movies. These stories feature a found family unit battling evils born from a painful past, blending heavy emotional weight with intense action.

  • found family
  • inherited trauma
  • sacrifice
  • moral conflict
  • somber
  • hopeful
  • Tone: dark, somber, hopeful
  • Pacing: fast, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves characters brought together by a shared connection to a past conflict or trauma. Their bond is tested as they are forced to confront a new incarnation of that old evil. The journey is as much about coping with inherited baggage and forming new loyalties as it is about the physical conflict.

Why they belong together: These movies share a specific emotional mix: the hopeful, bonding energy of a found family is constantly challenged by the grim, heavy weight of a violent legacy they must overcome. The tone is dark, the pacing is fast due to constant threat, and the emotional stakes are profoundly high.

Every angle

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1 (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable – Chapter 1 in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app