description Akira Overview
Japan, 1988. An explosion caused by a young boy with psychic powers tears through the city of Tokyo and ignites the fuse that leads to World War III. In order to prevent any further destruction, he is captured and taken into custody, never to be heard from again. Now, in the year 2019, a restored version of the city known as Neo-Tokyo—an area rife with gang violence and terrorism against the current government—stands in its place.
Here, Shoutarou Kaneda leads "the Capsules," a group of misfits known for riding large, custom motorcycles and being in constant conflict with their rivals "the Clowns." During one of these battles, Shoutarou's best friend Tetsuo Shima is caught up in an accident w...
insights Ranking position
Akira ranks #393 of 4125 in the Anime ranking, behind Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack, ahead of Clannad.
info Akira Specifications
| Year | 1988 |
help Akira FAQ
Who directed the 1988 Akira anime film?
Akira was directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, who also created the original manga. The film became one of the most influential anime releases outside Japan.
What year is Akira set in?
Akira is set in Neo-Tokyo in 2019, decades after a catastrophic explosion in 1988. The story follows Kaneda, Tetsuo, biker gangs, military experiments, and psychic power.
Is Akira the movie a complete adaptation of the manga?
No. The 1988 film compresses and changes a much larger manga story by Katsuhiro Otomo. The manga ran for years and includes more characters, politics, and post-destruction material.
Why is Tetsuo so important in Akira?
Tetsuo Shima is the biker gang member whose psychic abilities spiral out of control. His transformation drives the film's body horror, military conflict, and connection to the mysterious Akira.
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