Asa Akira, born Asa Takigami in 1985 in New York City to Japanese parents, spent part of her childhood in Tokyo attending private schools. Entering the adult industry at 19 as a dominatrix and stripper, she transitioned to films in 2007, appearing in over 689 by 2023. She rose to stardom with her versatility, winning AVN Female Performer of the Year in 2013—the third Asian to do so—and inductions into AVN, XRCO, Urban X, and Brazzers Halls of Fame. Akira debuted as director in 2013 with 'Gangbanged 6' and signed exclusive contracts. She authored memoirs 'Insatiable: Porn—A Love Story' (2014) and 'Dirty Thirty' (2016), hosted awards like Pornhub and AVN, and appeared in mainstream media including Family Guy and The Eric Andre Show. Married to porn actor Toni Ribas from 2012-2017, she identifies as mostly heterosexual and a feminist. Remains active in the industry.