Thirty-one years after the Third World War and the nuclear bombing of the Japanese capital, a new city, New Tokyo, has been recreated. Although the country appears to be under control, it has become a pro-fascist state that brutally suppresses any attempts at rebellion. Research centers are conducting parapsychological experiments on humans to develop advanced weapons. The military, led by Colonel Shikishima, the head of the biological warfare experiments project, is in conflict with the government. Meanwhile, a religious cult of a superhuman named Akira has emerged, claiming that his arrival will solve all of Japan's problems.