Akira was the ace pitcher of the Nanyou Lions team, who enrolled into Fuurin Middle School with Kazuki Sugawara, Takumi Chiba, Sota Kitaoji and Yusuke Umemiya through athletic scholarship by their manager. They joined the baseball club through the initiation match between boys vs. girls. Unlike the other four, only Akira had the recommendation to enroll into Fuurin without tuition. An ironic disappointment for Akira as the only one to stay in the baseball club, while the others left due to their guardians' decision after their manager left unnoticed. (Source: Major Wiki)