Francesco Akira Begnini is an Italian professional wrestler better known by his ring name Francesco Akira, who currently works for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he is currently part of the United Empire stable. Akira was trained by ICW Academy Bergamo in Bergamo, Italy where he would make his professional wrestling debut. He would work extensively across Europe for promotions such as Italian Championship Wrestling, Milan Wrestling Federation, Union Of European Wrestling Alliances and Attack! Pro Wrestling. In 2019, he joined the All Japan Pro Wrestling dojo and signed for the promotion full-time, before becoming the first European wrestler to win the World Junior Heavyweight Championship and the Jr. Battle of Glory.