Why Did Josuke Higashikata Voice Actor Change Between Parts?

Hearing both Josukes one after another made me think about how performance shapes character. I tend to nitpick tone and delivery, so the change jumped out at me as more than just a trivia point — it affects how scenes land.

From my perspective, the single most important factor is identity: the Josuke in 'Diamond is Unbreakable' is a distinct individual from the Josuke who appears in later parts. Even though they share a family name, the creators often intend them to be different people with unique temperaments. Casting a different voice actor is a storytelling tool; it signals to the audience, even subconsciously, that this is a fresh take. Also, studios sometimes switch directors, and each director has a different ear for casting — what one wants as a slightly rougher, comedic edge, another might prefer softer or more understated.

Practical realities matter too. Voice actors’ schedules change, contracts expire, or a production wants to try a veteran or a younger talent. Dubs are another factor: English and other language versions are almost always recast because different studios handle them and they tailor performances to local audiences. I personally enjoy comparing both versions to see what each actor emphasizes — it’s like hearing two interpretations of the same scene, and it’s why I keep rewatching certain arcs.

I got into this whole fandom through late-night manga binges, and one of the first things that caught my eye was how the same name can belong to very different people across the JoJo universe. When people ask why Josuke Higashikata’s voice changes between parts, the short and blunt take: they’re not always the same person, and the production wants the voice to match who that Josuke is in that story.

In 'Diamond is Unbreakable' the Josuke we meet is a high-schooler with a very distinct mix of brash confidence and warm protectiveness. The voice directors deliberately chose a performance that captures that specific energy — certain pitches, timing, and little vocal quirks that sell his personality. Fast forward to the Josuke in 'JoJolion' (or other later parts that reuse the name), and you’re often dealing with someone who has a different backstory, different age, different emotional baggage. Casting a different actor gives the studio a chance to re-characterize through voice: tone, delivery, and even the way small moments of humor land.

There are also practical reasons I’ve seen at cons and panels: scheduling conflicts, agency contracts, and sometimes a new studio or director coming in with a new vision. Dubbing for different regions adds another layer — even English and Japanese versions will naturally have different casts because localization teams have different pools of talent and direction. Bottom line, it’s less a conspiracy and more a mixture of storytelling choice and real-world logistics; sometimes I miss the old voice, sometimes the new one grows on me — both can work, depending on the role and the performance.

Short and honest: there are multiple Josukes, and casting changes reflect that and the realities of production. The Josuke in 'Diamond is Unbreakable' is voiced to be youthful, energetic, and protective, while any Josuke that appears in later parts often needs a different emotional palette; that alone often justifies using a different actor.

Beyond characterization, real-world reasons are huge. Different animation studios or directors often bring their own casting choices; contracts, availability, and union rules can force a recast; and when the series is localized the dub teams almost always pick their own actors. I’ve heard fans upset when a favorite voice doesn’t return, but sometimes a new actor brings surprising depth or nuance that fits the new story better. At the end of the day I’m just thrilled there’s so much richness to revisit — different voices, different takes, same weird, wonderful JoJo energy.