Akira Toya
Akira Toya (塔矢 アキラ Tōya Akira) is a character in Hikaru no Go.
Akira appeared first in Game 2.
Already at that point a pro-strength player, Akira lost to Hikaru Shindo (Fujiwara-no-Sai was actually playing). In a rematch 2 weeks later, Hikaru (with Sai actually playing) won again, which led to Akira's chasing Hikaru, including joining the Kaio Middle School Go Club. Akira is the son of Toya Meijin (real name Koyo Toya), a Go professional.
After Hikaru messed up their game in the middle school matches, Akira was offended enough to finally take the Pro Exam, which he went through with 1 loss (a forfeit when he skipped Day 1 for the internet match with Sai).
He quickly rose through the ranks to 3-dan. He was to have Hikaru in his first Pro Game, but when Toya Meijin collapsed, he forfeited.
Later in the story,when they finally play in the Meijin title's frst qualifying round, Akira has the realisation that he and Hikaru are destined to be rivals,and a friendship ensues.
Akira did make the Hon'inbo League once,though dropped out of it (known games were defeating Ichiryu, and losing to Serizawa, Ogata and Zama). He was first board for the Japan/China Hokuto Cup match,and second board for Japan/Korea.
Importance to Hikaru no Go Immeasureable,as he is one of the three major characters (with Hikaru and Sai). The series would never have been as good without his intesity to Go,and his position as rival and later friend to Hikaru.