Akira Toda was born in Japan. He lives in Tokyo.

He graduated from Kunitachi Music College in 1975 and studied at the Tokyo University of Art Graduate School. Akira Toda studied Euphonium under Mr. Kiyoshi Ohishi and conducting under Mr. David Howell. He has been active as a professional Euphonium player since the school days and debuted as a conductor in 1978. Since then, he has been working as a conductor, composer and band director.

The music for band, "Procession to Peace" was adopted as required music of All Japan Band Contest in 2001. "Kago-me Kago-me" was premiered  at Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago in 2007. This composition was also selected as the reqiured music for band competition in Tennessee (USA) in February 2009.

"Sudden Glory” was performed at Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago in 2011. In addition, two songs namely, "A Sketch for Solo Bass Clarinet" and "Concertino for Euphonium” were chosen to be included in the Repertoire of France all Academy in 2012.

Akira Toda has been conferred a cultural prize by the local government of Shichinohe, Aomori Prefecture on March 13, 2005.

Currently, he is the President of the Japan Band Promotion Association, Tokyo Branch.