Born in Fukushima, Japan, as the youngest of three brothers, creativity has always been part of Akira’s nature. After graduating with a degree in architecture, he dabbled in designing sets for film and television for a time. But it was during his university years that he discovered his true calling with cars.
“My first dream before joining Honda was to have a job building expo pavilions,” says Akira, referring to the striking temporary structures built specifically for large-scale international events. They may have been what inspired Akira’s degree in architecture, but an interest in design and innovation has proved a constant throughout his career.
“I wasn’t even interested in cars before I linked up with the motorsport crowd at university,” he admits. But it was this newfound curiosity for mechanics that would set him on an alternate path. “I saw how, when something breaks during a race, you have to fix it fast and if it works, that feeling is incredible. Suddenly everything became interesting.”
It was Akira’s desire to forge a career overseas that eventually saw his trajectory in design shift from the lofty heights of pavilions to the hoods of cars. He enrolled in the rigorous international technical training programme at the Honda Technical College Kanto, in Saitama, Japan. By chance, New Zealand was selected as his country for placement. "I didn’t choose New Zealand — the school sent me,” explains Akira. “But when I arrived, it felt very peaceful. It reminded me of the countryside in Japan."
After returning to Japan to graduate from the programme, Akira decided to move back to New Zealand of his own accord. It was a brave step for someone for whom English is a second language, but a quiet yearning to break away from convention – and steer his own future – was what drove his decision. “In Japan, you can’t always choose your job. Every few years, companies move you and decide where you work but in New Zealand, I can choose my role and my direction. That feeling of freedom here has changed everything.”
Photography by Emily Chalk
While diagnosing automotive problems is usually a job grounded in maths, science and technical expertise, Akira maintains that the creative thinking fostered in his early years is what sets him apart from the rest. “It’s like watching a mystery movie — I want to know what happened to the car and how to fix it,” he explains. “If a problem is simple and easy to solve, that’s fine. But if everything is too easy, it gets boring for me. I like it when things are difficult because that’s where I grow.”
Akira’s desire for freedom flows into his life outside of his role as a Master Technician and Technical Advisor, too. Exploration is in his nature. “I love sightseeing around New Zealand, I like driving the roads,” says Akira. “Except for the Auckland traffic. That’s no good,” he adds with a laugh.
“I love the New Zealand wine and whisky,” says Akira, when asked what he enjoys most about the culture here. “Also the meat pies and the fish and chips — I really love those too.”
It wasn’t all wining and dining at the start of his time here, though. “I found it really hard when I first came to New Zealand because I didn’t understand English. There are so many different people and cultures, so there were often miscommunications,” shares Akira. “I was nervous at first but I'm happy to be here.”
Driven by a desire to follow his curiosity over convention, Akira undoubtedly values the autonomy that comes with working in Aotearoa. Every couple of years, he flies back to Japan to visit his family (and get his fix of his favourite Tonkotsu ramen). His parents, who still reside there, are supportive of Akira living life on his terms: “They tell me, ‘You can enjoy your life.’”
Akira’s path may not have followed the usual map, but with each unexpected turn, he’s pleased to have found a home in New Zealand.
“Even after all these years, I still learn something new every day. That’s why I still enjoy what I do.”
