---
title: "Akira"
year: 1988
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/akira-1988"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 149
imdb_id: "tt0094625"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 124
community_rating: 7.9
vote_count: 4847
content_rating: "R"
---

# Akira (1988) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/akira-1988

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The film Akira is a project that involves a secret military endeavor. A secret military project is central to the plot and has significant consequences for Neo-Tokyo. The project affects a biker gang member in a profound way, transforming the individual into a threatening entity. This transformation poses a danger to Neo-Tokyo, necessitating intervention from a group of characters. Two teenagers and a group of psychics are the ones who attempt to stop the resulting threat. The combination of these characters and their actions forms the core of the story as it unfolds in response to the secret military project. The plot is driven by the consequences of this project and the efforts of the characters to mitigate its effects. The story takes place in a setting referred to as Neo-Tokyo, where the events of the film occur.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A secret military project threatens Neo-Tokyo after a biker gang member gains uncontrollable psychic powers."

### Why Watch
- dynamic animation
- high-stakes narrative

### Caveats & Content Note
- intense violence
- complex plot
- Tone & Suitability: This film contains intense sequences of violence and disturbing imagery.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: intense, dystopian, kinetic, gritty

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Crunchyroll, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | None |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, Crunchyroll | None | Apple TV Store |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Katsuhiro Otomo
- **Networks / Studios**: MBS, Sumitomo Corporation, TOHO

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Mitsuo Iwata** as *Shotaro Kaneda (voice)*
- **Nozomu Sasaki** as *Tetsuo Shima (voice)*
- **Mami Koyama** as *Kei (voice)*
- **Taro Ishida** as *Colonel Shikishima*
- **Mizuho Suzuki** as *Doctor Ônishi*
- **Tessyo Genda** as *Ryûsaku (voice)*
- **Koichi Kitamura** as *Priestess Miyako / Council A (voice)*
- **Yuriko Fuchizaki** as *Kaori (voice)*
- **Masaaki Okura** as *Yamagata (voice)*
- **Takeshi Kusao** as *Kai (voice)*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the setting of the film?
The story takes place in a location called Neo-Tokyo.

### Q: Who are the primary antagonists?
The conflict involves a rampaging psychic individual and a secret military project.

### Q: Who attempts to stop the threat?
A group of psychics and two teenagers work to halt the destruction.

### Q: What is the protagonist's background?
The central character is a member of a biker gang.

### Q: What genre is this film?
It is a science fiction film featuring psychic elements.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*