Joe Shimamura, known as Cyborg 009, is the protagonist of the anime series Cyborg 009. Born to a Japanese father and an American mother, Joe becomes a reluctant hero when he is forcibly transformed into a cyborg by the nefarious Black Ghost organization. Gifted with superhuman abilities, including enhanced speed and agility, Joe leads a group of eight other cyborgs in their fight against Black Ghost. His character embodies themes of identity, freedom, and the struggle against oppression, making him a central figure in the series' exploration of humanity and technology.