[5] She was the vice-president of the student council in middle school and was active in the home economics and cooking clubs.

However, Akimoto's career goals at the time were closer towards being a television presenter or actress and she was not actively interested in becoming an idol.

[8][9] However, due to her studies and obligations, she was not active with the rest of the members until she graduated from high school in April 2012.

[10][11] Akimoto enrolled in university, but against her parents' wishes she returned to Nogizaka46, training to prepare for her debut.

She is also active as a television personality, with numerous appearances on variety shows as a panelist, guest and assistant MC.

[23][24] Within Nogizaka46, she is close [and still remains] friends with Ikuta Erika,[25] Shiraishi Mai,[26] Asuka Saitō,[27] Nishino Nanase, Reika Sakurai, Sayuri Matsumura, and Rena Matsui.