Oda Akira, born Sano Akira (佐野粲) in Takikawa, Hokkaido, is a former Japanese actor and singer. He graduated from Tokyo Denki University High School (東京電機大学高等学校) and was affiliated with Mifune Production (三船プロダクション) and Actors Promotion (アクターズプロモーション).

Oda moved to Tokyo with his mother in the fifth grade. Despite his initial aspiration to become an engineer, he chose not to pursue a conventional career. Instead, he performed guitar ballads at late-night restaurants in Akasaka and Roppongi. In 1973, he was discovered by Amato Keiko (天路圭子), the wife of film director Saito Koichi (斎藤耕一), and was cast in the leading role of Saito’s film "Tsugaru Jongara-bushi" (津軽じょんがら節), marking his acting debut.

(Source: MyDramaList) Edit Biography