Joe Higashi is a fictional character originally from the Fatal Fury series of fighting games, who appears as a main character in the anime Fatal Fury: Legend of the Hungry Wolf. Although his place of origin is Japan, he spent a significant portion of his life in Thailand, where he became a champion of the martial art Muay Thai. His skill and power in the ring earned him the nickname Hurricane Upper Joe Higashi. In the anime, he is already an established champion when he travels to the fictional American city of South Town to participate in the King of Fighters tournament.

In terms of personality, Joe is characterized by a mix of confidence and a somewhat goofy, brash nature. He is a passionate fighter who loves competition and the thrill of battle, often seeking out strong opponents to test his abilities. While he takes his training very seriously, he does not always approach a fight with the same grim intensity as his close friends, the brothers Terry and Andy Bogard. He is fiercely loyal and stands by his comrades without hesitation. Joe is also known for his love of the spotlight and enjoys the glory that comes with victory. He has a tendency to be a bit boastful and self-promoting, though this is tempered by his genuine skill and good-natured heart.

Joe's primary motivation in Legend of the Hungry Wolf is to enter the King of Fighters tournament and prove his strength against the world's best fighters. He quickly allies himself with Terry and Andy Bogard, who are seeking revenge against the tournament's host, the crime lord Geese Howard, for murdering their father. Initially, Joe's goal is to find worthy rivals, but his journey becomes intertwined with the Bogards' quest, and he becomes a steadfast ally in their fight against Geese. In the story, Joe plays a crucial role as a dependable and powerful friend. He is the one who informs Terry about the King of Fighters tournament and later fights alongside the brothers against Geese's henchmen, demonstrating his bravery when he intentionally gets in the way of an assassin's bullet meant for Terry. While he and Andy attempt to confront Geese directly and are ultimately outmatched, Joe's contributions are vital in clearing a path to the final battle and providing unwavering support to Terry.

Joe's most significant relationships are with Terry and Andy Bogard. He meets Andy prior to the events of the film and the two become best friends and sparring partners, with Joe holding Andy's fighting abilities in high regard. Through Andy, he meets Terry, and the three form a powerful and tight-knit trio. He is also connected to the wider Fatal Fury universe through his rivalry with fellow Muay Thai fighter Hwa Jai, whom he defeated to become champion, though Hwa Jai does not appear in this specific animated film. The anime also hints at a romantic interest in Lilly Kane, the sister of Geese's lethal enforcer, Billy Kane. Joe is seen flirting with her, though this subplot is secondary to the main action.

As a fighter, Joe is a master of Muay Thai, which he uses as the foundation for a dynamic and aggressive fighting style. He relies on powerful kicks, knee strikes, and punches. His most famous and notable ability is the Hurricane Upper, a special technique where he generates a small, tornado-like projectile with a powerful uppercut. This whirlwind can travel forward and strike an opponent from a distance. He can also perform the Tiger Kick, a rising knee attack that can be imbued with explosive energy. Joe is known for his incredible speed, particularly the velocity of his punch combinations, and his remarkable durability and stamina, traits he honed through rigorous training in the jungles of Thailand. His fighting spirit is immense, and he never backs down from a challenge, embodying the heart of a true champion.