• English / United States: A.J.
• Japanese / Japan: アキラ
• Japanese (Romanized) / Japan: Akira
• Japanese (TL) / Japan: Akira
• French / France: Albert

Akira runs an unofficial Pokémon gym. He owns many Pokémon, but favors his Sandshrew. He won 98 consecutive wins and was undefeated. Ash challenged him to a battle, but was defeated, ultimately making him A.J.’s 99th victory. After discovering A.J.’s vigorous training routine, Ash Ketchum criticized A.J.’s methods. Brock and Misty, however, were impressed with the strength of his Pokémon.

When A.J.'s Sandshrew was stolen by Team Rocket, A.J. and the others went looking for it. After finding Team Rocket, he challenged them to a battle where he earned his 100th win. With this victory, A.J. felt ready to finally start travelling in attempts to becoming a Pokémon master.