Born in Tokyo, Japan in 1971, Akiko's earlies influence was
from the nature around her in the town of Kiyose where she grew up.
At that time, even near Tokyo, there were a lot of fields and woods around
her home. She was also always reading children's books, particularly those
made by her uncle and aunt. The first time she visited their studio,
full of paintings and brushes, it had a powerful impact on her,
and she realized that she wanted to go that road as well.

After graduating art school in 1992, she lived in Florence, Italy from 1995-1997.
From 1999, she has lived in Boston, U.S., where she lives today
with her husband and two children.