Akiho Maya is one of the main characters from the anime series Starship Operators. She is a cadet at the Defense University, which serves as a training ground for future space fleet officers. Her background as a student suddenly thrust into real combat is a defining aspect of her character.

In terms of appearance, Akiho is a teenage girl with black hair that reaches her waist and pink eyes. She is often seen in her cadet uniform and has an ahoge, a single prominent strand of hair that sticks up from her head. Her personality is notably easygoing, and she possesses a good sense of humor, which can provide a lighter contrast to the serious and often tense situations the crew faces.

Akiho's role in the story is as a member of the crew of the starship Amaterasu. As a cadet, she is part of the group of trainees who decide to operate the advanced warship as a private military company after their home planet is surrendered to an aggressive empire. Her motivations are likely tied to her comrades and her sense of duty as an officer-in-training, choosing to fight not for her surrendered government but for the survival and principles of her crew. Her key relationships are with her fellow cadets, with whom she shares the immense burden of commanding a warship and the lives of everyone on board. The series explores how these young cadets, including Akiho, develop under extreme pressure, transitioning from students to seasoned military operators. Her notable abilities include her tactical acumen and strategic thinking, which are crucial for the ship's operations. She is described as a talented and respected captain who uses her intelligence and creativity to overcome challenges, although the exact command position she holds can vary in some descriptions. Her development throughout the series focuses on her growth as a leader, honing her analytical and strategic mind while maintaining her disciplined and responsible approach to command.