Akira Touya is the son of Koyo Toya, a legendary figure in the Japanese Go world who holds multiple major titles. Raised with strict discipline in a family of esteemed Go players, Akira has been studying the game since the age of two, receiving direct instruction from his father. He is a prodigy whose skills far exceed those of his peers, leading his father to forbid him from participating in amateur children's tournaments out of fear he would crush the spirits of other aspiring players. Physically, Akira is portrayed as handsome and sharp-featured, with a fair complexion. He has a distinct hime-cut hairstyle with bangs parted to the side and longer sideburns. While his hair is described as naturally black, it often appears with lavender or amethyst tones depending on the light, and his eyes share a similar lavender hue.

In terms of personality, Akira is serious, strong-willed, and exceptionally self-disciplined. He is intelligent, academically excellent, and carries himself with the bearing of someone from an old, distinguished family. He is generally polite, kind, and friendly, yet he can appear detached and aloof towards matters that do not concern him. This polite exterior often masks a fierce and burning pride in his abilities as a Go player. He holds the dignity of the game and his status as a professional in the highest regard, and his determination to win is one of his most defining traits. Initially, due to his immense talent, he thought little of players less skilled than himself, but this stems less from arrogance and more from a lack of a true rival.

Akira's primary motivation throughout the story is his relentless pursuit of Hikaru Shindo. After being easily defeated by Hikaru, who was unknowingly acting as the vessel for the ghostly master Sai, Akira becomes obsessed with uncovering the secret behind Hikaru's impossible strength. This defeat ignites a deep-seated drive to surpass the mysterious rival who appeared from nowhere. He chases after the enigma of Hikaru's skill, believing that by defeating him, he can come one step closer to achieving the Divine Move, the perfect game that all Go masters seek. His pursuit is not merely about winning; it is about finding a worthy rival who can push him to reach his full potential.

Within the story, Akira serves as the primary rival and catalyst for Hikaru's growth. His very existence challenges Hikaru to take Go seriously and develop his own strength, separate from Sai's influence. His role is often contrasted with Hikaru's; while Hikaru is the protagonist who grows, Akira is the one who relentlessly pursues the mystery of Hikaru and the ghostly Sai. Akira's intense dedication and disappointment in Hikaru's early lack of respect for the game directly motivate Hikaru to train harder and eventually become a professional player himself.

His key relationships define much of his character arc. His relationship with Hikaru Shindo evolves from one-sided obsession to a complex, mutual rivalry and friendship. Akira is the only person who suspects that there is another presence within Hikaru, leading him to famously state, There is another you inside you. This deep, intuitive understanding of his rival forms the core of their bond. With his father, Koyo Toya, Akira shares a relationship of deep respect and admiration. Although the Meijin rarely offers direct praise, he is inwardly proud of his son's growth and dedication. Other key relationships include his friendship with fellow professional Hiroyuki Ashiwara and his connection with Seiji Ogata, a senior player who shares Akira's obsessive interest in Hikaru.

Akira undergoes significant development throughout the series. He begins as a lonely prodigy who believed he needed no rival, only to become consumed by his obsession with Hikaru. After a disappointing encounter where Hikaru plays poorly, Akira is offended and finally decides to take the professional exam, which he passes with only a single forfeit loss. As the series progresses, he matures from a cold and distant figure into someone who shows more vulnerability and humanity, particularly in his heated but petty arguments with Hikaru over Go problems. Their eventual official match in the Meijin title qualifiers solidifies their destiny as eternal rivals and marks the beginning of a true friendship.

In terms of notable abilities, Akira is an exceptionally strong Go player who plays aggressively, often cutting off opponents while skillfully balancing territorial control and influence over the center of the board. His strength is so formidable that he passes the professional exam undefeated in actual play, loses a close and vicious game against a sitting title holder, the Oza, and quickly rises through the ranks to 3-dan. By the end of the series, he is recognized as one of the strongest young players in Japan, earning the position of first board for the national team in the international Hokuto Cup, where he defeats his opponents from both China and Korea. His most defining quality is not just his natural talent, but his tenacity and unyielding determination to win, even when facing a disadvantageous position.