Thirty-eight years have passed since the end of World War III, and the megalopolis of Neo-Tokyo has sprung from the bones of the devastated old city. By night, the borderlands between glittering towers and irradiated ruins are ruled by criminals, cultists, and street gangs. Two childhood friends (and rivals), Kaneda and Tetsuo, ride with one of these gangs. By day, the military and a secret elite toy with the psychic phenomena that caused the devastation in the first place. A high-speed incident on a decrepit express road will lead to a collision between Tetsuo, Kaneda, and forces they cannot hope to understand and that will change them forever...