After 34 Years JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’s Creator Keeps One Tradition Alive

As a dedicated fan who has been following JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure since its inception, I can confidently say that Hirohiko Araki’s New Year’s tradition is one of the highlights of my year. Each illustration is like a treasure trove, filled with intricate details and hidden clues about the future of the series. It’s like receiving a personal message from Araki himself, and it’s always a thrill to see what he has in store for us.

This year’s card featuring Jodio Joestar is no exception. The magenta snake circling his arm is more than just a decorative element; it’s a symbol that holds deep meaning. The ouroboros represents the never-ending cycle of life and death, but in the context of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, it could also hint at Jodio’s journey and quest for wealth.

The fact that Araki has been consistent with this tradition for over three decades is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a testament to his passion and dedication as an artist. I can only imagine what the next 37 years will bring!

On a lighter note, I can’t help but wonder if Jodio will ever get a pet snake, considering Araki’s penchant for including animals in his designs. After all, even Joestars need a little companionship on their bizarre adventures!

As the clock strikes midnight for half the globe, Japan is already four hours into the year 2025. With a blend of apprehension and excitement, many are ushering in the new year. To cling to the comforting and enjoyable aspects of this transition, let’s look at a tradition stemming from the mind of Hirohiko Araki, the creator of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Since 1991, he has been sharing illustrated JJBA greeting cards almost annually.

At precisely midnight in Japan, Hirohiko Araki shared his 2025 New Year’s illustration card. This artwork features the main character from The JOJOLands, Jodio Joestar, adopting a pose reminiscent of Part 4 – Diamond is Unbreakable – with a vibrant magenta snake coiled around his arm. As with any greeting card, the accompanying message is eagerly awaited by fans.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Creator Has Continued New Year’s Card Tradition Since 1991

Roughly translated, Araki included this message for fans with the illustration:

Looking back at my journey through life, I can confidently say that the Reiwa Era Year 7 (2025) marks a significant milestone for me. I am truly grateful for all the support I have received in the past year, which has undoubtedly contributed to my growth and successes. As we usher in this new year, I extend my sincere wishes for your good health and happiness, hoping that you too will continue to prosper and flourish. In return, I humbly ask for your continued support as I navigate through the challenges ahead. Together, let’s make Reiwa Era Year 7 a year of growth, learning, and mutual success.

The official JoJo X (formerly Twitter) account posted the illustration with the following message:

As a longtime fan of Mr. Hirohiko Araki’s work, I am always eagerly awaiting his annual New Year’s card. This year, I was particularly thrilled to receive it and share it with all of you. With his unique style and creative flair, Mr. Araki has the ability to bring joy and inspiration into our lives, and I have witnessed firsthand the impact his work can have on people from all walks of life.

In 2025, I believe that we will continue to be captivated by his talent and look forward to seeing what he creates next. His dedication to his craft is unparalleled, and it’s a privilege to follow along on this artistic journey with him. So, let us all raise a glass to Mr. Araki and the new year ahead, filled with more amazing art and stories that will touch our hearts and minds. Happy New Year!

あけましておめでとうございます

荒木飛呂彦先生から皆さまへの年賀状をお届けします

2025年もよろしくお願いいたします

— ジョジョの奇妙な冒険公式 (@araki_jojo) December 31, 2024

Since 1991, Araki has made nearly all the greeting cards annually, with only three exceptions out of thirty-four years. Translated to percentages, this means he published a card 90% of the time. From 2013 onwards, Araki started integrating the Chinese Zodiac symbol representing the upcoming year. Moreover, he often uses these New Year’s cards to hint at or reveal updates for his manga series. In 2023, he playfully teased the design for Jodio Joestar by featuring his profile on a rabbit in one of the cards.

There Could Be Story Clues in Araki’s 2025 New Year’s Card

This year, Araki might be hinting at a revisit to Morioh – a wish he once shared in a 2007 interview with Jump Square. Notably, Part 9 is set in Hawaii, making it quite feasible for his character to board a 6-hour flight to Japan.

Remarkably, the character portrayed as a snake embodies the ouroboros, a symbol often associated with an endless loop or cycle, commonly linked to life and death. Yet, in the 36 (soon to be 37) years of creating this extraordinary series, Araki meticulously infuses details and imagery with intent. In Japanese folklore, snakes were frequently depicted as fearsome man-eaters, lending them a negative image. However, under the influence of Chinese mythology, snakes can symbolize positivity too. For Jodio Joestar, this representation signifies his pursuit of riches and his voyage.

At present, you can find “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” streaming on both Crunchyroll and Netflix. Notably, only Part 6 of the series is available exclusively on Netflix.

JOJOLands” refers to an ongoing comic book series, which represents the ninth installment in the popular JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series. Penned by Hirohiko Araki, this captivating series revolves around a succession of generations from the Joestar family. Each segment offers a distinct narrative, characters, and setting. The English translations and releases are handled by VIZ Media, with the translations currently available up to Part 6: “Stone Ocean.

2025-01-01 01:11

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Creator Has Continued New Year’s Card Tradition Since 1991

There Could Be Story Clues in Araki’s 2025 New Year’s Card

Read More