Yukio Cho (Japanese: 張 由紀夫, Hepburn: Chō Yukio, born 1969), known professionally as Akira the Hustler (ハスラーアキラ, Hasurā Akira), is a Japanese artist, writer, actor, activist, and former sex worker.
[1] As a university student, Cho became involved with campaigns to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in Japan, and to reduce stigma against those with the disease.
[5] In 2003, he helped found the Akta Community Centre, a sexual health clinic and counseling center in Shinjuku Ni-chōme.
[2][7] Akira the Hustler works in multiple mediums, including performance, photography, video, sculpture, and painting.
[8] His works often deal with themes of self-identity and social issues, such as LGBT rights, HIV/AIDS, and racism,[9] typically using outwardly bright and cheerful imagery to convey a more serious message.