Akira Muto was born in Japan in 1883. He joined the Japanese Army and in 1913 he joined the General High Staff. He also served under Fumimaro Kondoye as head of the Military Affairs Bureau. Promoted to major general Muto worked as a military adviser to Hideki Tojo.

In June 1943 Muto became commander of the 2nd Imperial Guards Division in Sumatra. He was transferred to the Philippines in October where he was appointed chief of staff to General Tomoyuki Yamashita.

After the Second World War Muto was arrested and charged with war crimes.

Akira Muto was executed on 23rd December 1948.