Jojo is in Japanese School Textbooks Now

The legendary manga JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has reached an entirely new level of cultural recognition. Its creator, Hirohiko Araki, is now featured in Japanese middle school textbooks as part of the national art curriculum. That’s right—some students in Japan are learning about art through JoJo

Jojo is in Japanese School Textbooks: Well-Deserved Recognition

The incident came to light after a Japanese mother shared on Twitter that she was surprised to see Jojo in her son’s art book. Below you can see photos of the school art book:

This news gained attention after a Japanese mother posted on social media, expressing surprise at finding Araki’s name in her child’s art textbook. The page listed Araki right next to famous names like Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet, sparking excitement—and humor—among fans.

The mother joked:

“Apollo and Daphne are mentioned (next to Araki), but I’m relieved they didn’t mention the Mona Lisa.”

She was likely referencing the infamous Diamond is Unbreakable scene in which Yoshikage Kira discusses his strange awakening upon seeing the Mona Lisa in a schoolbook.

Naturally, fans took the joke further. On Japanese Twitter (now X), many floated the playful theory that Araki might be immortal and has appeared in textbooks multiple times—possibly as the Mona Lisa or as the samurai Toshizo Hijikata.

JoJo connects classical and modern art

According to the textbook publisher’s official preview, including Araki’s work serves an educational purpose. It helps students engage with art in a way that feels more familiar. Since manga is a part of their everyday life, incorporating it into lessons fosters stronger connections with the subject.

Moreover, Araki’s art stands out for its fusion of classical aesthetics and modern design. His stylized figures, flamboyant poses, and artistic references bridge the gap between pop culture and fine art. Let’s not forget that his work was even exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The inclusion of Hirohiko Araki in Japanese school textbooks marks a major milestone. It shows that manga is not just a form of entertainment, but also a legitimate artistic expression. And for JoJo fans, this moment is more than symbolic—it’s proof that otaku culture is becoming a celebrated part of Japan’s mainstream heritage.

via Você Sabia Anime