Who is Akira Akao in Sakamoto Days?

Akira Rion
Akira Akao's first look in the Sakamoto Days (Image Source: TMS Entertainment)

Sakamoto Days presents a world where retired assassins must confront the shadows of their past. The series introduces numerous skilled killers with unique abilities. Each character carries distinct powers that shape the narrative's direction. The manga illustrates how family legacies shape the next generation of assassins.

Akira Akao is Rion Akao's niece in Sakamoto Days. She trains at the Japan Contractor Company as a first-year student. Her special ability lets her see assassination "paths" toward targets. She seeks the truth about her aunt's death while mastering deadly skills.

Akira presents herself as a little teenager with specific turquoise hair featuring lilac tips. Her hair is naturally styled in a messy, low ponytail with bangs rimming her face. The most notable feature she shares with her late aunt is her yellow eyes with white pupils, which instantly connect her to the Akao family lineage.

Akira's outfit as seen in the series (Image Source: TMS Entertainment)
Akira's outfit as seen in the series (Image Source: TMS Entertainment)

Her closet changes throughout Sakamoto Days, running from casual black leather jackets paired with simple t-shirts to brighter varieties like green leather jackets with yellow shirts. Her composite style shows both her adaptability and the practical approach she takes to assassin training.

The character shows a complicated personality that balances kindness with stern determination. She tends to be shy and easily scared, particularly when alone or in unfamiliar environments like the JCC during her initial weeks. Despite her soft nature, she consistently puts others' needs before her own, often leading to challenging situations.

Her primary inspiration originates from her deep respect for her aunt Rion. This affinity impacts most of her judgments and fuels her passion to become an accomplished assassin. In Sakamoto Days, Akira often considers how Rion would address various problems, using her aunt as a moral compass and source of inspiration.


Combat Skills and Unique Abilities

Clumsy Akira can't handle a heavy gun (Image Source: TMS Entertainment)
Clumsy Akira can't handle a heavy gun (Image Source: TMS Entertainment)

Akira's most notable ability is her power to see "paths" - imaginary lines that represent potential assassination routes to eliminate targets. This skill was taught by her aunt and allows her to strategically plan attacks by visualizing multiple approaches simultaneously. However, when facing significantly stronger opponents, she perceives an impassable cliff instead of clear paths.

Beyond her phenomenal abilities, she displays exceptional sewing skills that prove crucial during emergency situations. Her housework expertise, including cleaning and laundry, reflects her upbringing and practical training. Sakamoto Days also shows how domestic skills can unexpectedly prove useful in dangerous situations.

Her combat style relies heavily on her ability to see multiple potential paths and choose the most effective one. She pairs this with heightened speed and reflexes, making her a formidable presence in any encounter. She can quickly close distances with opponents. Her strikes follow precise routes revealed by her special vision. When emotion overwhelms her, she enters aggressive combat states.

The character's fighting style in Sakamoto Days emphasizes strategy over raw power. She analyzes situations carefully before acting. She evaluates multiple possible paths before choosing the most effective one. This methodical approach reflects her thoughtful personality. Her unique ability provides significant tactical advantages.


Akira’s Role in Different Story Arcs of Sakamoto Days

Akira and Taro Sakamoto, as seen in one frame (Image Source: TMS Entertainment)
Akira and Taro Sakamoto, as seen in one frame (Image Source: TMS Entertainment)

Her intro in Sakamoto Days occurs during the intense JCC entrance tests. The airplane-based examination indicates her resourcefulness when she makes a parachute from student clothing, demonstrating both her sewing expertise and quick thinking under pressure. This arc establishes her as more than just a supporting character.

During her time at the institution, she teams up with fellow students to locate crucial information about her aunt. Her confrontations with teacher Etsuko Satoda reveal the boundaries of her path-seeing ability against significantly stronger opponents.

The revelation of her aunt's death triggers a darker aspect of her character. Her encounter with the film-obsessed assassin Kanaguri showcases her capacity for violence when those she cares about are threatened. This pivotal moment reveals the depth and complexity of her character, going far beyond her initially gentle appearance.

All in all, Akira Akao’s path-seeing ability in Sakamoto Days makes her stand out among JCC students. She brings both vulnerability and strength to every scene she enters. Her quest for answers about Rion's death drives future plot possibilities.

Edited by Sroban Ghosh