Joshua, known fully as Yoshiya Kiryu, operates as a pivotal figure in the anime's Reapers' Game. His visual identity features stark white-and-black attire, frequently captured mid-phone conversation with a trademark smirk that reinforces his confident, detached aura.

Personality-wise, the adaptation tones down his inherent condescension relative to the original game, accelerating his bond with protagonist Neku Sakuraba. While this streamlines dynamics for the anime format, Joshua preserves an enigmatic core—his motives and true nature remain obscured.

His narrative prominence surges in Week 2 when he replaces Shiki Misaki as Neku's compulsory Game partner. This partnership fractures predictability, fueled by Joshua's erratic actions and the incremental exposure of his deep ties to the Game's machinery. His role intensifies toward critical junctures: the "Hour of Reckoning" (審判の刻) and the climax, "It's a Wonderful World" (すばらしきこのせかい).

Anime compression reshapes certain story elements, including character ties. Though Joshua retains his fundamental mystery, the faster pace truncates his backstory's gradual reveal and alliance-building. His connections—especially with Neku—evolve through mission-driven collaboration rather than the source material's introspective monologues or prolonged tension.