Yasushi Akimoto is an award-winning lyricist, producer and director. His career began in 1983, when he wrote the lyrics for Hibari Misora’s Kawa no Nagare no Youni. Mr. Akimoto went on to write other big hits like Mika Nakashima’s Will, Exile’s Exit and JERO’s Umiyuki. Mr. Akimoto also created the all-female musical group, AKB48, which has enjoyed much success and increased popularity over the years.

He has also produced many well-known TV shows, including The Best Ten, Oshare-ism, Utaban and Tonnels no Minasan no Okagedeshita. In 1991, he ventured into the world of movies, directing Keiko Matsuzaka in Goodbye Mama. In addition, Mr. Akimoto participated in producing Chakushin Ari (One Missed Call) and Densen Uta.

In 2005, Yasushi Akimoto was chosen as a professor at the Kyoto University of Art and Design and became the chancellor of the university soon after. Mr. Akimoto also hosts his own radio show, Yasushi Akimoto’s Mature Style, on Tokyo FM.