Akihiro (秋広) of Province is, together with Hiromitsu, one of the two great pillars representing the tradition in the period. Within workmanship of that era, the smiths who stand next after Sadamune — both in chronology and in technical achievement — are Hiromitsu and Akihiro. Akihiro is variously transmitted as Hiromitsu's son, his younger brother, or a disciple of Sadamune; however, when considered in light of their respective dated works, it is certain that he belongs to a later generation than Hiromitsu. Among extant dated works, the earliest is from Enbun 2 (1357) and the latest extends to Meitoku 3 (1392). His signature is typically cut as the five-character inscription " ju Akihiro" (相州住秋広). As for dating practices, works from the Enbun era follow the standard manner without omitting month and day; from Joji onward examples appear in which the date is abbreviated; and from Eiwa onward it becomes the rule, without exception, to omit month and day. While Hiromitsu produced many exceeding one in length, Akihiro's works tend instead toward pieces of eight to nine — a contrast understood as reflecting the chronological transition in prevailing .
Akihiro's forging characteristically shows mixed with , with a tendency toward standing grain (); forms thickly, enters abundantly, and stands out. His is typically mixed with and , forming a flamboyant and varied with well-entering and . Through the intermingling of , , and , the temper develops into the fully hardened style — precisely the bold, innovative tempering that he and Hiromitsu brought to prominence. The adheres thickly, and run frequently, and the is bright. The further notes a -based aspect in certain works that suggests a continuation of Sadamune's manner — a lineage of style that Hiromitsu does not show, indicating that Akihiro alone carried forward this particular working range. Compared with Hiromitsu, the elements in Akihiro's work are generally less conspicuous and the overall hardened pattern somewhat finer in scale, though exceptional pieces display the round-headed dango-choji more commonly associated with Hiromitsu, resulting in a workmanship of remarkable flamboyance.
The repeatedly characterizes Akihiro's finest works as possessing and that are (sound and well-preserved), with construction and condition of forceful presence. His blades are praised for "an outstanding level of workmanship throughout" and for the brilliance () of the cutting edge. The tempering that flourished in the period was, in the 's consistent formulation, "precisely the area in which both smiths excelled most," and Akihiro's productions at their highest rank are described as "representative superior works" within his oeuvre. Beyond his own achievement, the executed on certain pieces are noted as precursors to carvings seen on works by Masahiro and Hiromasa, indicating influence upon smiths down to the late period. Distinguished provenance further attests to the esteem in which his work has been held: surviving pieces are recorded as having been transmitted in the O-Shimazu family of Satsuma, the Date family of Uwajima in Iyo Province, and the Kuroda family of .