Akiyo was raised in the north suburbs of Chicago, Hemmingway calls it, “the land of the wide lawns and narrow minds.” Akiyo never had a wide lawn.

In high school Akiyo did not like theatre. A lot. He was more interested in music, quantum physics, skateboarding, and lunch.

Post High School, he fell into existential crisis, and became a Buddhist monk. He traveled Asia and oddly (or not so oddly) enough Taos, New Mexico.

Post monk hood his search continued. He hit another bottom. In a community college acting class he found the next step in his search for the answer. He was lit on fire (metaphorically speaking). He simultaneously discovered Muay-Thai and boxing which he currently competes in.

Cut to - New York University. Graduated. Had his first leading role in an Off-Broadway Play. First Co-star in Mr.Robot, first time run over by cement mixer, and first recurring role as Liam in the 3rd season of Powerbook II:GHOST. With more roles/projects subsequently and in between.

He recently directed the short Ondeh which is in post-production. It will be premiered at The Angelika.

He is currently in pre-production for the short film SuperRare a meditation on grief and loss through the collectable trading card game Yu-Gi-Oh.

He loves his mom.

Thank you.