Dr. Onishi

Lore & Background

Dr. Onishi operates within the highly secure skyscraper in Neo-Tokyo where Kaneda, Kei, and Tetsuo are held after their confrontation with the JSDF. While Kei escapes by becoming possessed as a medium for Kiyoko and later frees Kaneda, Tetsuo rapidly heals from his wounds and demands answers. Onishi is forced to take Tetsuo to meet the other Espers following a violent confrontation involving all parties. This decision is pivotal, as it facilitates Tetsuo's escape from the skyscraper with the intent of releasing Akira, who is stored in a cryogenic chamber beneath Neo-Tokyo's new Olympic Stadium.

In Their Own Story

The narrative places Dr. Onishi at the center of a violent confrontation inside the military custody facility. After Kei/Kiyoko frees Kaneda and Tetsuo recovers from his injuries, the situation escalates. Tetsuo inquires about Akira and forces Doctor Onishi to lead him to the trio of Espers: Takashi, Kiyoko, and Masaru. It is here that Onishi makes a fateful choice; rather than restraining Tetsuo or maintaining strict protocol, he decides to attempt letting Tetsuo harness Akira. This decision occurs despite Tetsuo's clearly disturbed mental state. Following this interaction, Tetsuo learns the location of Akira—a cryogenic chamber beneath the Olympic Stadium—and escapes the building. Onishi's involvement directly leads to Tetsuo entering the secret military base the next day, killing soldiers, and eventually breaking open the underground chamber to free Akira, an ordinary-looking little boy whose release triggers massive panic in Neo-Tokyo.

Reader's Guide

Dr. Onishi is defined by his direct interaction with Tetsuo Shima during Volume 2: 'Akira I.' He serves as the conduit for Tetsuo's knowledge of the Espers and Akira. Unlike other figures who attempt to stop Tetsuo, such as Colonel Shikishima or Kaneda, Onishi actively facilitates Tetsuo's access to the project's most dangerous element. His specific action of deciding to let Tetsuo harness Akira is a turning point that transitions the conflict from a police matter to an existential crisis for Neo-Tokyo. He does not appear in later volumes after this pivotal moment, as his decision leads directly to the events at the Olympic Stadium where Tetsuo frees Akira and the city descends into chaos.

Did You Know?

• Dr. Onishi explicitly decides to let Tetsuo harness Akira despite knowing Tetsuo has a disturbed personality.
• Tetsuo forces Dr. Onishi to take him to meet the other Espers: Takashi, Kiyoko, and Masaru.
• Onishi is present in the facility when Kei becomes possessed by Kiyoko and escapes custody.
• The decision made by Onishi directly leads to Tetsuo freeing Akira from a cryogenic chamber beneath the Olympic Stadium.