Tomoko Higashikata: Josuke’s Mother and Joseph’s Former Lover

01Relationships

Tomoko Higashikata’s relationships

3 relationships

02Basic information

English name: Tomoko Higashikata
Japanese name: 東方朋子
Live-action actor: Alisa Mizuki (Diamond is Unbreakable, 2017 film)
Voice actors: Megumi Toyoguchi; Shizuka Ito (Japanese TV anime)
Occupation: Teacher

Appears in: Diamond is Unbreakable (manga and anime); Diamond is Unbreakable (2017 film)

03Place in the Joestar Family

Tomoko's relationship with Joseph complicates the earlier image of unwavering romantic devotion among the Joestar men. It introduces a more imperfect family situation while giving Part 4 a mother-and-son household at its center.

04Character Background

Tomoko met Joseph during his visit to Japan while she was a university student, and their son Josuke was born in 1983. Joseph was already married to Suzi Q. Tomoko raised Josuke on her own, and Joseph did not learn of his son until the events leading into Part 4.

05Personality

Tomoko has a forceful temper but cares deeply about her family. She remains attached to Joseph: when Jotaro Kujo visits, his resemblance to the younger Joseph briefly leads her to mistake him for her former lover. As Josuke's mother, she can also be strict about schoolwork and his future.

06History

Story spoilers

When Josuke was dangerously ill as a child, Tomoko tried to drive him to hospital through a snowstorm. An unknown student helped free their stranded car, an act that later inspired Josuke's hairstyle.

In 1999, the Stand user Anjuro Katagiri, known as Angelo, targets the Higashikata household with Aqua Necklace. Josuke saves Tomoko, but Aqua Necklace kills her father, Ryohei. His death occurs during the Angelo confrontation at the beginning of Part 4.

Later, Terunosuke Miyamoto captures Tomoko with Enigma and uses her in his attack on Josuke. She is freed after Josuke and Yuya Fungami overcome him. These threats place an otherwise ordinary mother directly in the path of Morioh's Stand battles.

07Appearances and Role

Tomoko appears in the manga and TV anime of Diamond is Unbreakable. Alisa Mizuki plays her in the 2017 live-action film. Her family ties ground Josuke's motivation to protect Morioh in the people and home he already loves.