Kaneda's High-Speed Chase

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. The source details that 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. Rather than a chase scene defining their relationship early on, the source describes Tetsuo's powers causing him to assume leadership of the rival Clown Gang through violence. 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.

In Their Own Story

Instead, the narrative focuses on the conflict between Kaneda's group and Tetsuo after Tetsuo assumes leadership of the Clown Gang. A violent citywide turf war erupts between the Clowns and Kaneda's forces. In this confrontation, Tetsuo's psionic powers render him virtually invincible against conventional attacks. During the battle, Tetsuo kills Yamagata, who is identified as Kaneda's second-in-command. Astonishingly, Tetsuo survives after being shot by Kaneda. The Colonel arrives with powerful drugs to suppress Tetsuo's violent headaches and extends an offer for him to join the project. Later, Kaneda, Kei, and Tetsuo are taken into military custody in a highly secure skyscraper following a confrontation with the JSDF.

Reader's Guide

The source outlines that 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 centers on teenage biker gang leader Shotaro Kaneda and his childhood friend Tetsuo Shima, who develops unstable telekinetic abilities.
• Tetsuo kills Yamagata, Kaneda's second-in-command, during a citywide turf war between the Clowns and Kaneda's faction.
• Colonel Shikishima uses SOL, a laser satellite, in an attempt to kill Tetsuo, which results only in severing Tetsuo's arm.
• The manga was serialized biweekly in Young Magazine from December 20, 1982, to June 25, 1990.