I really wish I could talk you out of this one... Akira is probably the most popular import from Japan, but it is far from the best, in my not-so-humble opinion. There's some stuff that is so much better. On the other hand, there are oceans of stuff out there that is just unwatchable.
If you're just looking for an animated sci-fi movie, try the 2004 version of "Appleseed".
Bwaahahahaha... I totally wanted one of those little cars they were driving around, though.