MEET THE AKIMOTOs

1. What does being a father mean to you? It’s hard to describe being a father, but I tried to be as prepared before becoming one and that mentality inspires my life and as a fighter. As a father, I make it a mission to always do good.
2. What’s the toughest part of fatherhood? I don’t find it tough. I really love what I do and my family supports me. Having that support from my family and living my life doing what I love, and this includes being a father, I’m living my life to the fullest that is filled with joy and fun.
3. What is one word to describe being a father? Responsibility.
4. What is your biggest accomplishment as a father? Rather than saying this is my biggest accomplishment, I would say the happiest moment for me as a father is receiving a cheerful “Papa, Ganbatte*!” before I go to my training every day. It drives me. In the past, my fight style was to access situations first before I attack. My mindset has changed since. I am now more prepared and determined.
5. What values does ONE teach you to be a better father? RESPECT.
   I want to push myself harder until my family can feel the respect I have for what I do. I would be more than happy if my family can feel something special from my hard work. I’m not sure if Yuzu understands what is the true meaning of being a world champion but she says to me all the time that “Papa is champion!”
   
   *Translates to ”Do your best, Dad!”