Kaneda's High-Speed Chase

The narrative begins on December 6, 1982, with the destruction of Tokyo, shifting to 2019 Neo-Tokyo where Shotaro Kaneda leads a bōsōzoku gang. The first major incident involving Kaneda and Tetsuo occurs when they explore old Tokyo ruins; there, Takashi, a child Esper, blocks Tetsuo's path, causing his bike to crash. This accident awakens psychic powers in Tetsuo rather than initiating a police chase.

Quick Facts

Character: Shotaro Kaneda
Location: Neo-Tokyo
Time period: 2019 (Post-Apocalyptic)
Affiliation: Kaneda's Biker Gang

Lore & Background

In Neo-Tokyo, built on artificial islands more than three decades after the 1982 explosion, society is gripped by anti-government terrorism and gang violence. Shotaro Kaneda leads a bōsōzoku gang through these volatile streets. Tetsuo Shima, Kaneda's childhood friend and a member of this gang, crashes his bike when Takashi blocks his path while exploring the ruins of old Tokyo. This specific incident awakens Tetsuo's telekinetic abilities, attracting the attention of Colonel Shikishima's secret government project. Kaneda later becomes involved with Kei, a member of a terrorist organization led by Ryusaku and opposition Diet leader Nezu, as they attempt to restrict Kaneda's movements due to his involvement in their activities.

Reader's Guide

After Tetsuo awakens his powers, he forces Doctor Onishi to take him to the other Espers: Takashi, Kiyoko, and Masaru. A violent confrontation unfolds between these groups in the skyscraper. The Doctor attempts to let Tetsuo harness Akira, a test subject stored in a cryogenic chamber beneath Neo-Tokyo's new Olympic Stadium. Tetsuo escapes with the intent of releasing Akira, entering the secret military base at the Olympic site and killing many soldiers. Kaneda and Kei enter through the sewers to witness the situation. Tetsuo breaks open the chamber, freeing Akira, who is revealed to be an ordinary-looking little boy. The terror of seeing Akira causes a state of emergency and massive panic. Colonel Shikishima attempts to use SOL, a laser satellite, to kill Tetsuo and Akira but only succeeds in severing Tetsuo's arm.

Did You Know?

The story begins with an apparent nuclear explosion destroying Tokyo on December 6, 1982, which starts World War III.
Neo-Tokyo is built on artificial islands in Tokyo Bay and is set to host the XXXII Olympic Games.