The name comes from an Ainu word meaning "Eternal" or "unchanging".

On October 11, 2005, Akan, along with the town of Onbetsu (from Shiranuka District), was merged into the expanded city of Kushiro.

On January 8, 2017, the township of Akan hosted the first national championship in bandy,[1] although the size of the field was a smaller version than the official rules for a bandy field.

In 1887, the main town hall for Akan District was established.

On October 11, 2005, Akan was merged into the expanded Kushiro City.