As coach Kenji Akashi (明石 健志, Akashi Kenji, born January 9, 1986) is a former Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball infielder, and current second squad hitting coach for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

In 2005 - 2006 season, Akashi was unable to compete in the Pacific League due to an injury in 2004 and surgery on his right shoulder in 2005.

In 2008 season, Akashi was playing as a shortstop Starter in place of Munenori Kawasaki, who participated in the Japan national baseball team at the Beijing Olympics, but on August 27, he received a hit by pitch in and broke his right hand.

[3] In 2011 season, Akashi's return to the team was delayed in June due to the effects of surgical ankle rehabilitation.

[3] Akashi finished the regular season in 58 games with a batting average of .278, a one home runs, a RBI of 15, and a 5 stolen bases.

[7][8] On July 7, 2012, Akashi made an Equal NPB Record by choosing walk with 19 pitches per turn at bat.

[14] On March 28, 2016, Akashi left the team for treatment without recovering his right shoulder, which he had injured in spring training.

[17] Akashi finished the regular season in 103 games with a batting average of .279, a one home runs, a RBI of 23, and a 5 stolen bases.

[24] In the match against Saitama Seibu Lions on October 31, Akashi recorded 4 hits per game for the first time in 3 years.