Akira Tōya is a central character who serves as the primary rival to the protagonist. He is a prodigious Go player, the son of the legendary Meijin, Kōyō Tōya. Akira is introduced at the age of eleven as a serious and polite youth who has dedicated his life to the game of Go, having begun his studies at the age of two. His skill is already near the professional level, making him an exceptional figure among his peers. Physically, he is depicted with handsome, sharp features, fair skin, and dark hair that can appear with a lavender or dark green tint depending on the medium. His eyes are a matching lavender or cyan color, and he is often seen in his school uniform or formal suits, reflecting his disciplined and mature nature.

Akira's personality is defined by his intense dedication, rigorous self-discipline, and deep-seated pride in the game of Go. He carries himself with the bearing of someone from an old, distinguished family, showing courtesy and detachment towards matters that do not concern him. However, beneath this calm exterior lies a fierce and passionate competitor. He is described by the original creator as the character who pursues a mystery, endlessly chasing an unsolvable truth. His primary motivation stems from his first encounter with Hikaru Shindō. When Hikaru, acting as a vessel for the ghost Sai, defeats Akira easily, Akira becomes obsessed with discovering the secret behind Hikaru's immense and inexplicable strength. This obsession drives him to follow Hikaru, join the Kaio Middle School Go Club, and eventually turn professional earlier than he might have otherwise.

In the story, Akira's role is that of a catalyst for Hikaru's growth and the embodiment of a dedicated, elite player. He is the goal that Hikaru relentlessly strives to reach on his own merits, without Sai's help. Their relationship evolves from one of mystery and frustration to a deep, mutual rivalry and eventual friendship. Akira initially views Hikaru with a mix of disdain and curiosity, particularly when Hikaru's own skills do not match the phantom strength he witnessed. This rivalry is the emotional core of the narrative, pushing both characters to improve. Key relationships include that with his father, Kōyō Tōya, whose approval and shadow he both seeks and struggles under, and with other professional players like Atsushi Kurata, who notes Akira's greatest strength is his tenacity and unyielding will to win.

Throughout the series, Akira undergoes significant development. He begins as a supremely confident, if reserved, young prodigy. His defeats and the puzzling nature of Hikaru's ability humble him and ignite a burning determination. He forgoes his amateur status to join the professional circuit, quickly rising to 3-dan. A pivotal moment in his development is his realization that Hikaru, and not the unseen Sai, is his destined rival. This understanding transforms his obsessive chase into a respectful, lifelong competitive friendship. He learns to acknowledge Hikaru's own hard-won strength, moving from seeing him as a mystery to be solved to a rival to be surpassed through honest competition.

Notable abilities of Akira Tōya are his exceptional strategic insight, powerful reading of the board, and an almost unshakeable composure during matches. His play is characterized as calm and formidable, possessing a sense similar to his father's. His peers and opponents respect his strength, noting that he frequently plays against top professionals and possesses the bearing of a general. However, his most defining ability is not a specific technique but his unparalleled passion and work ethic. As his father states, he loves Go more than anyone else and works harder at it than anyone else. This combination of natural talent and relentless effort makes him one of the most formidable young players in the Japanese Go world.