Takashi, also known as Number 26, is one of the Espers, a group of children with powerful psychic abilities who have been kept in the care of the government. He is the first Esper encountered by Tetsuo, setting off the chain of events that leads to Tetsuo’s transformation.
Takashi is frail and appears to be a child, but his age is deceptive due to the side effects of the experiments conducted on him, as he’s a product of Akira’s previous project. He’s very shy, and when he’s scared, he “magically” disappears.
He is cautious and fearful, aware of the destructive potential of his power that causes serious accidents, like Tetsuo. Takashi’s actions are guided by a desire to prevent the repeat of the catastrophic events caused by Akira. He enjoys watching TV and dogfighting, despite the ban from the Colonel who is very afraid of his excitement. In the end, Takashi sacrifices himself in order to save Neo-Tokyo.
