Akihiro was, as his father and his father before him, the kogi kaikushunin, the executioner for his Lord. It was an honorable profession, and one he took deeply seriously. However, unbeknownst to Akihiro, the Lord was dishonorable, plotting behind the Jade Regent's back. When the Regent's forces attacked, Akihiro tried to protect his Lord, but when his wife was killed in the chaos and his new daughter taken hostage, he broke down and was captured. Then he learned the true nature of his Lord, who had mad a deal with a powerful Oni in exchange for influence. Akihiro and most of the Lord's men were pardoned, but Minkai held only ghosts, memories, and regrets. He and his daughter traveled west, making money on the road as best he could. Eventually, he heard of the expedition funded by Restov. A true fresh start for he and Fujiko.
He is a tall, broad shouldered Minkai man with a stoic, serious expression. He wields a Nodachi, a large sword of Minkai design. When he enters his "sword trance" all hint of emotion disappears as he becomes one with his blade.