Being a policeman, Joseph is seen wearing what appears to be the official KCPD detective uniform at all times. His and Sebastian's outfits are similar to each other, though Joseph's own tie and waistcoat aren't pinstriped, the former of which is neatly fixed. Joseph's uniform overall looks newer, or better-maintained. Joseph wears black leather gloves. He also wears his badge on his shoulder holster and a KCPD logo tie tack.

Joseph is bespectacled, and as such is always seen wearing his grandfather's large-framed glasses which he is effectively blind without.

Despite being a second-generation Japanese-Canadian, Joseph bears a typical Asian appearance with very little Caucasian characteristics, though his skin tone is noticeably light.

Compared to his colleagues, Joseph is considerably more passive, observant and meticulous to a fault. Joseph is kind to others but hard on himself, and he doesn't give up on something once he has committed to it. When Sebastian looked like he was in danger of losing his badge, Joseph took the only choice he thought he had left and reported Sebastian to Internal Affairs.

Joseph is steadfast and orderly yet this does not make him combative with his partner and close friend, Sebastian Castellanos who has shown flexibility in breaking the police guidelines to get results. He has shown considerable tolerance for Castellanos' ethically-sketchy behaviour due to his past tragedies, but it was his friend's alcoholism that finally caused Joseph to take litigation against Castellanos out of fear for his well-being. This saves both of their careers, but also puts a strain on their friendship.

Despite his noticeably more chipper personality compared to his partners, Joseph is especially vulnerable to feelings of guilt. Joseph has depressive episodes and does self harm.

Joseph has a huge crush on the new trainee Juli Kidman and stares at her butt sometimes though he means well and genuinely cares about her and Sebastian who he calls him Seb as a nickname and Juli Kid as her nickname.

One night Joseph walks over you while on a case at Beacon Memorial Mental Hospital and says in a friendly way So what do you think happened here?