Akira Hayama, a 92nd-generation student at Totsuki Culinary Institute, serves as assistant to Jun Shiomi, a former professor who took him in after his parents’ death. Later adopted as the godson of Professor Hayama, his prodigious talent centers on an extraordinary sense of smell—a trait likened to Erina Nakiri’s “God’s Tongue”—which fuels his mastery of spices and aromatic complexity. Introduced as a rival to Soma Yukihira and Ryo Kurokiba, Akira’s early prominence stems from his distinct focus on Indian-inspired cuisine. His victory in the Autumn Elections showcases dishes crafted to envelop diners in layered scents and balanced flavors, cementing his reputation as a culinary individualist. Though outwardly calm and self-assured, his competitive intensity sparks clashes with peers who challenge his perceived superiority. When Azami Nakiri seizes control of Totsuki, Akira aligns with Central to safeguard Jun’s research, ascending to the Elite Ten’s 9th and later 4th seat. This choice fractures his identity, as he discards his signature flair for a sterile, science-driven approach shaped by Alice Nakiri and Ryo. The shift drains his passion, culminating in a pivotal shokugeki against Soma centered on taming bear meat’s aggressive flavors. Defeat exposes his dishes’ lack of heartfelt authenticity, a stark contrast to Soma’s emotionally charged cooking, forcing Akira to reckon with his divergence from his roots. Rebuilding his craft, Akira joins Polar Star Dormitory, embracing collaboration and humility. His post-defeat evolution blends technical rigor with renewed emotional depth, reconciling his aromatic genius with Soma’s belief in cooking as a communal experience. Signature creations like Genievre berry-infused dishes transition from scent-centric showcases to balanced expressions of personal growth. The manga’s epilogue notes Akira’s marriage, a quiet testament to his journey from solitary prodigy to a figure rooted in connection—both culinary and personal.