Military men always consider the risks first.
It's taken thirty long years.
We've come so far from the rubble.
We can't just trade one for the other.
I've always thought that you hated this city, Colonel.
The passion to build has cooled and the joy of reconstruction forgotten,
and now it's just a garbage heap made up of hedonistic fools.
So you're trying to save the city, then.
It's how a soldier thinks. A scientist wouldn't understand.
Colonel, we're here.
This way, sir.
Room 10, 148 degrees Kelvin.
Fluctuation tolerance range, check.
Room 9, 118 degrees Kelvin. Fluctuation tolerance, check.
Emergency power generator, check.
Open it.
Yes, sir.
Uh...
Go to the Control Room!
Yes sir!
Room 1 is at 0.0005 degrees Kelvin. It's within tolerances.
No abnormalities detected in any of the rooms'...
...Dewar Walls or in the defense system.
No abnormal atmospheric concentrations or reactions recorded.
All systems nominal, then?
Look at what they abandoned in their panic. They were afraid!
They were too scared, so they hid it away from the public.
They forgot all shame and honor...
...and cast off the civilization and science we had created,
and shut the lid of the Pandora's Box they themselves had opened.
Ryu!
Hey, we're still young.
I think we can start over.
I'll go with you to the police.
Ryu!
Come on, turn yourself in!
That was the first time you ever killed somebody, right?
Ryu!
Anyway, once you've purified your body and soul,
Let's go out for tea or something.
Don't kick yourself over it, okay?
What's done is done. The guy's dead.
Who're you?!
Ryu! You're okay!
- Kei, is that you? - Ryu!
Who's this?
Who, me?
Well, I guess saying I'm Kei's boyfriend might be stretching it a bit.
But we haven't gotten physical or anything yet, understand?
- Are you a spy?! - No!
Liar!
Is he really okay?
All I know for sure is that he's not a spy.
Ow...
Sneak into their lab?!
Are you serious? Don't you remember the fiasco with that kid?!
Last-minute orders. Besides, the plan's already in place.
The lab passes they issue once a week...
They're from Mr. Nezu?
What's the objective?
Detailed data on the new subject.
New subject?
Yes. Last week, on the night we tried to abduct the subject called Number 26,
a boy who was in an accident on an old city highway was brought to the lab.
Looks like he's a student at a vocational training school,
but he's now their new subject for human experimentation.
Ow!
OW! What's the big idea?!
You!
He heard us! Let's kill him!
Ryu!
W- Wait a minute! Listen to me! Listen to what I have to say!
He saved me!
Twice!
Maybe it was just to get close to us.
The guy who was in that accident in the old city is a friend of mine!
I know it's hard to believe, but it's the truth!
I was there when it happened!
Don't they say the only foolish questions are unasked ones?
Huh? They don't?
That's an intriguing story.
Will you be taking the boy with you?
He knows the subject, and I think we can use him as a decoy if necessary.
Neo Tokyo is going to change.
I n all respects, this city is saturated. It's like an overripe fruit.
And within it is a new seed.
We only need to wait for the wind which will make it fall.
The wind called Akira!
Ryu, look!
What is it?
We aren't the ones who will change it,
but rather, those citizens who hope for Akira will.
That which is called science perverts providence!
That which is called progress encourages extravagance!
That which is called civilization devastates the spirit of man!
The time of a atonement is upon us!
The time of his awakening is nigh!
The time of Lord Akira's awakening draws near!
Are your hearts prepared?!
Holding meetings here is prohibited!
Break up this illegal gathering!
Terrorist activities carried out by...
...anti-government elements have skyrocketed this month.
The army, riot police, and even traffic police have been fully mobilized.
The overtime costs alone have used up the public safety budget.
And then there's the abduction of Number 26!
Isn't their existence supposed to be highest of state secrets?
No one's ever heard of "Peace and Order" here in Neo Tokyo, then?
And then there's this request of yours...
...for further funding because of subject Number 25's prediction.
You must be joking!
We Parliament members have been begging the public to bear with us...
...while we straighten out the former Prime Minister's historic tax reform blunders,
so where, exactly, are we supposed to get that kind of money?!
You've spent a fortune, and all we have to show for it is that grotesque kindergarten!
The Olympics are next year. The postwar period is over.
How much longer will you keep spending money on some ghost?!
I always said that we should've put that money into the welfare program!
Shut up, old man!
What?!
That power is starting to walk around free as we speak.
Unless we control it now, we'll lose everything!
Who do you think you're talking to, youngster?
It was your lack of policy that started this mess in the first place!
There's still no proof that the last World War was caused by Akira!
Won't you even try to understand anything at all...
...unless an Akira disaster actually happens?!
Has anyone actually seen this "Akira"?
Wasn't Akira Number 25?
No, I think he was Number 21...
The Colonel has lost sight of his duty as a soldier.
I've had reports that anti-government elements are using...
...this "Akira" madness of yours as an excuse to whip up their terrorist fervor!
No! That's untrue!
Then what about that Akira world renewal movement?
Wouldn't you say that information's being leaked?
World renewal movement? End of the world, more like!
Aren't you just using Akira as camouflage to cover up your misconduct?
What are you getting at?
Colonel, we can no longer leave the peace...
...of Neo Tokyo to your sole discretion.
Right!
You are to be put before an inquiry committee.
I agree!
Excuse me!
Colonel! Colonel, where are you-
Wait! This discussion isn't over yet!
Explain yourself!
Are you trying to insult the supreme executive council?!
Colonel!
Wait, Colonel!
W- Water...
Hey, wait a minute...
Isn't that cable replacement scheduled for next week?
The cable they ordered came in early.
Besides, I'm going on vacation at the end of the week.
I've brought some workers with me, too.
I could take it back, but the work's gonna be done sooner or later.
Okay, let's go.
What the-?
Milk?
Stay away!
Blood!
I'm scared!
Jerk!
W- Who the hell are they?
Room 887, Tetsuo Shima...
A problem with the automatic lock?
Hey! You can't just walk off from your room!
Come on, let's go back.
What the hell happened? What a mess!
There are 58 blocks with circuits that the computer won't display.
Of those, nearly 40 are concentrated on underground levels 7 and 8.
That's probably the place.
The central wiring shaft should be up ahead.
We should be able to use it to go straight to the sublevels.
Be careful, it's deeper in the middle.
What a stink!
Quiet!
What? I said it stinks because it stinks!
- Is your nose busted? - Hurry up and stay quiet!
Damn! Hide!
Huh? Where?
What're you doing, you idiot?!
They left?
Looks like they've beefed up security.
Must be that siren we heard.
What should we do? Scout around some?
No.
- Are you okay? - Let's keep going.
I want to check out their security at the very least.
All right.
We've been spotted! Run!
Shit!
Don't! Don't shoot!
Shimazaki! Shit!
Forget about him! Run!
What the hell is that?
Here it comes!
Forget it! You can't do any good!
Die!
This is Unit 304, Shaft H!
Have encountered intruders and am engaging! Request backup!
Here it comes!
Kei!
Where's that gun?!
Damn it!
Kaneda!
Kei, this way!
Hurry!
Kaneda, hurry!
Kaneda!
The brakes! Where are the brakes?!
That's not it?
This is the central wiring shaft!
It's gotta be this one, then!
Okay, I'm getting the hang of this!
Ask the Colonel for clearance to fire!
Turn that up!
There must be some mistake.
That boy looks like the patient they admitted to the lab.
The boy, the subject named Tetsuo Shima, broke out of his room.
I think he's headed for the Baby Room.
Tetsuo?!
He is an extremely dangerous state! Don't let him through!
I repeat, do not let him through!
What the-?
It's no use hiding.
We have no choice, then. Use your guns!
We can't let him go any farther, no matter what it takes!
Fire!
So, here you are...
Stop it!
How long are you gonna keep playing around?!
Where'd the other one go?
Why, you...
Die!
Takashi!
What the hell is going on? Am I dreaming or something?
I never knew I had powers like this!
Damn it, which way should I go?!
Straight. Straight ahead...
Huh?
There's a freight elevator.
We can take it to sublevel 8.
Good, you're all together.
You thought you could kill me?
You tried to mess with me... I'm gonna kill you!
That was you-
Takashi!
Attack him together!
O- Okay.
You little twerps!
That's enough! All of you!
Who the hell are you?!
What's the matter? Does your head hurt, Tetsuo Shima?
Your power isn't fully matured.
If you push yourself, you might do irreparable damage.
Just do as we tell you.
What the hell did you people do to my head?!
Calm yourself, Tetsuo Shima!
He can't control it.
What?!
She said that big people like you should never use the power like that.
She says something horrible will happen.
Mind your own business.
What? More powerful than me?
He's the one! He's been popping in and out of my head lately!
Where is he?! Where's this "Akira"?!
What?!
Kiyoko said that you'll awaken Akira.
If that happens, no one will be able to stop him.
So before that can happen, we have to stop you.
Impossible! Akira's already-
WH ERE IS H E?!
Stop it!
Shut up!
Threat level to facility integrity has passed level 7...
Enacting disaster protocols.
Threat level to facility integrity has passed level 7...
Enacting disaster protocols.
What the-?!
Hands up!
Where the hell is the "Baby Room"?!
Oh, no! Run!
Gangway, coming through! Coming through!
Damn it, move!
Damn, that hurt...
Kaneda? What're you doing here?
Tetsuo! Are you okay? I'm here to rescue you!
Hurry up, you moron! If we don't get out of here, those guys outside are gonna-
There he is! Catch him!
Stay away from me!
Kaneda!
Oh, right. I forgot you were there, Kaneda.
That's okay, Kaneda.
I won't be needing you to save me anymore.
From now on, I'll be saving you.
All you have to do is ask, Kanny.
Say what? Who the hell do you think you're talking to?!
You don't like the way I talk?
Does it make you mad?
Well, what're you gonna do about it?!
Huh, Kaneda?! What're you gonna do about it?!
That's enough! Don't hurt anyone else!
Where's this "Akira" guy?!
He...
The Olympic stadium? I n an underground facility?
No! You're wrong! Akira is-
Wait!
What the hell? I can do this, too?!
Kiyoko, are you okay?
It doesn't look like she's hurt.
What about you, Masaru? You're bleeding.
What happened to him?
He flew away.
How can he have so much power?
How could this have happened? Is anyone here?
He's developed so much power in such a short time...
Find him! Find Tetsuo!
- Find him! Go after him! - Kaneda! Hang on, Kaneda!
Hurry up! Get that rubble cleared!
He went to where Akira is.
What? You're all safe!
He's heading for the facility below the Olympic construction site.
How did Tetsuo find out about that?!
You mean he's gone outside?
Damn it! We'll follow him! Prepare for pursuit!
- Yes sir! - He's heading west!
He's heading for the Olympic construction site!
Tell them to beef up their security!
- You! - Set up checkpoints on all...
According to the defense team, intruders were encountered in the wiring shaft.
Two disguised as workers resisted and were shot, and the rest are at large.
He has to be stopped before his powers mature...
Your objective is the boy Tetsuo Shima.
If we are unable to capture him, you will lure him out to the old city and attack.
Request assistance from the Eastern District Battalion.
Yes sir!
Tell them there isn't a moment to lose!
I've been waiting for you, Colonel.
Who the hell are you?!
I'm here to inform you of the supreme executive council's decision.
At 2400 hours today, the Colonel is hereby stripped of his command and rank,
and will be placed under arrest.
What?!
Please come with us.
You expect me to hand Neo Tokyo over to those fools at a time like this?
- Shoot him. - Yes sir!
What?
W- Wait!
Enough! Open your eyes and look at the big picture!
We can't dance to the tune of corrupt politicians and capitalists!
Don't you understand?! It's pointless to fight anymore!
Announce a state of emergency, arrest all members of the executive council...
...and remove them from the chain of command!
We're going after Tetsuo!
Urgent message to all district battalion commanders!
Hey, what's up? You by yourself?
Weren't you in an accident or something?
Everybody's been worried. So, you feeling better?
Gimme some... capsules.
Hey, are you sure about that? You don't look so hot.
Just hand 'em over!
All right, if you say so.
But with all those demonstrations and terrorist attacks lately, things are rough.
They're hard to come by, so they're pretty expensive.
Tetsuo's run off, Kaneda's disappeared... I guess the team's finished.
And the checkpoints are so strict, even the Clowns are staying put.
What's wrong?
He's dead!
What?!
What the-?
Tetsuo?
What are you doing here?
You want some, too?
What are you talking about, damn it?! What the hell happened here?!
The barkeep's dead!
A fish out of water dies, huh?
You are Tetsuo... Aren't you?
Kaneda sends his regards.
You saw Kaneda?!
He's probably dead by now...
You did this, Tetsuo?
So anyway... Where's Kaneda's bike?
Tetsuo!
I don't need a piece of junk like that anymore...
You son of a...
Yamagata!
Shit...
He went to where Akira is?
That's what that girl said.
The army, you, and Ryu are all looking for this "Akira" guy,
so that's why you're chasing after Tetsuo.
It has something to do with that power of Tetsuo's, right?
What the hell is this "Akira" thing you keep talking about?
Ryu told me about it once. He said that Akira is absolute energy.
Absolute energy?
Humans do all kinds of things during their lifetime, right?
Discovering things, building things...
Things like houses, motorcycles, bridges, cities, and rockets...
All that knowledge and energy... Where do you suppose it comes from?
Humans were like monkeys once, right?
And before that, like reptiles and fish.
And before that, plankton and amoebas.
Even creatures like those have incredible energy inside them.
Because of genes, I guess.
And even before that, maybe there were genes in the water and air.
Even in space dust, too, I bet.
If that's true, what memories are hidden in it?
The beginning of the universe, maybe. Or maybe even before that.
Hey, what's the matter? Are you okay?
Did you get hit on the head back there?
Maybe everyone has those memories.
What if there were some mistake and the progression went wrong,
and something like an amoeba were given power like a human's?
That's what Akira is?
Amoebas don't build houses and bridges.
They just devour all the food around them.
That's what Tetsuo's doing? You're saying he has that kind of energy?!
A long time ago, there were people who tried to control that power.
At the government's request, you see.
They failed, and it triggered the Fall of Tokyo.
That power is still too much for-
What?!
The door's unlocked.
Huh?
This has got to be a trap.
Go back, then.
No, we ought to find out how much of it is a trap...
By the way, what's with you and that Ryu guy?
- What do you mean? - You're always together.
That's none of your business!
What I'm saying is, he doesn't know about us, does he?
"Us"?
Hey, wait a minute! What's that supposed to mean?
Do you think this will work?
It can't be helped. At this point, our only option is to use her.
The fact that she turned up right under our noses says as much, I think.
I guess...
Have arrived at Ward 13, East Ginza intersection. Over.
Northern District battalion has not responded to mobilization request.
Special search team to HQ! Special search team to HQ!
We're at the Haruki-ya snackbar near the highway interchange in Ward 8.
It doesn't look like a bomb explosion, so we think it was him.
It was almost certainly the work of the subject that escaped from the lab.
Yes, sir! Yes, sir! Understood!
Kaneda!
What?! Yamagata's dead?!
Something seemed strange about him from the second I saw him.
He was wearing what looked like a white hospital gown.
It was like he was a different person.
Yamagata asked him if he was really Tetsuo.
And then... Yamagata, he...
We've always been together.
I've known everything about him since we were in the children's home.
He was a klutz, and everybody made him cry.
Oh, right... He wanted to know where your bike was.
My bike?
What're you gonna do?
I'm gonna send Yamagata his bike.
You dumb bastard!
Kaneda!
Kei!
What's wrong?
You! You were there that night...
Wait!
Kei!
They disappeared!
You were the ones who changed Tetsuo too, weren't you?
Akira's power exists within everyone.
Who's there?!
But when that power is awakened, you must choose how to use it,
even if you weren't prepared for it.
And he has made his choice.
Tetsuo is our newest companion.
We're partly to blame for his actions.
Why did you take Kei, then?!
We want her to help us.
You can't just use people like that! Bring Kei back!
Tetsuo's our friend! If anyone's gonna kill him, it should be us!
Hey!
Damn it!
Mr. Omi and the other executives have been arrested by the coup?
Y- Yes, that's right.
The house guards are fighting them right now.
Yes.
I'd like to have a helicopter waiting at West Haneda.
Yes.
That damned Colonel... I can't believe he's taken up arms.
I underestimated him.
Hold them here! Damn!
Mr. Nezu...
R- Ryu?! Is that you?
I'm sorry, sir...
The mission was a failure.
What are you doing here?!
I've told you, you can't be seen here!
All of my men...
They've all been killed.
Y- You sold me out, didn't you, you bastard?!
What? You can't be-
Kei...
I got fresh fish in here, buddy! I'm gonna get compensated for 'em, right?
Please, I have to catch a flight at noon!
What?
7th Avenue is just ahead!
It intersects this road 100 meters from here!
Prepare for battle!
Right, we've spotted the subject.
What? Attack?!
But he's just a... We're attacking a boy?!
Look! There he is!
Impossible!
Is this for real?
Firing preparations complete.
Damn it! Fire!
- Akira! - It's Lord Akira!
It's the advent of Lord Akira!
That's not him! Don't be fooled!
That's not Lord Akira!
Shut up!
Long live Lord Akira!
Fire!
Huh?
What's wrong?
Neo Tokyo Broadcasting is exclusively covering the news...
...in spite of martial law in the name of freedom of the press!
What in the world is happening here in Neo Tokyo?
What you see here seems to be fires caused by tank cannons.
But who is this young boy?
Is he fighting the coup forces all by himself?
Viewers, the army has just illegal ordered us to land!
Freedom of the press is now in jeopardy!
What happened? Were they cut off?
The bridge! He's heading for the bridge!
Let's go see!
Are you really going alone?
He wants this, doesn't he?
We should call the gang together.
Hey!
I wouldn't want to keep him waiting.
Hey, Kaneda! Wait!
Half seem to be anti-government demonstrators.
The rest are... Well, they're more like some crazy cult than onlookers.
They're following after the subject, and more and more keep coming.
Oh, flames of purity,
raze this corrupt city!
Consume our unclean hearts!
Fear not!
Your bodies will be purified in the flames!
Ready!
Fire!
Set the switch to hold for three seconds and converge your beams!
Aim!
Fire!
Watch this!