Kato Akiko is a miko – a shrine maiden - under the charge of the local priestess Maewara. Although she's only been living in Iwano for a year, she has become an easily recognisable face in the village, partly from her tendency to talk to anyone; Akiko shows every sign of enjoying life in the village, happily and humbly chatting to those who cross her path when they visit the shrine.
The other part comes from her not looking much like a local, being thin, pale, blue-eyed and dark-haired. And she'll happily confirm this, making no secret that she originally comes from the port-city of Kimotawa, in the kingdom of Oukoku. Whenever she does so, it's always with more than a trace of longing; despite being raised in a port-city, though, Akiko certainly displays no great love of water.
The last part of her ready identifiability is her slightly exasperating habit of humming. Although not a musician herself, displaying no apitiude for any instruments nor a singing voice of any note, Akiko is very fond of music, often hanging nearby the village tea-house and taking any overheard music away with her. This hum - something she is careful never to do at the shrine, but often indulges anywhere else - serves as a sort of announcement of her presence. Her appreciation for music stretches to dance, and anyone present whenever she performs any of the ritual dances at the shrine will note that it is clearly her favourite part of being a miko.
These quirks aside, Akiko's reputation is that of a dedicated and consciencious girl, usually found either sweeping the village shrine's grounds, wandering through the village on the Priestess's errands, or occasionally trying to practice her archery on the village's outskirts - often to the amusement of any casual watchers.
Even though the word 'girl' is usually used in regards to the young miko - especially by Maewara - it's fairly obvious that Akiko is approaching womanhood, looking to be around sixteen years old or so. Regardless, she still maintains a little of the quiet enthusiasm and innocence of youth in her outlook and dealings with others, which most agree is a fine quality in a shrine-maiden.
Kato Akiko is a miko – a shrine maiden - under the charge of the local priestess Maewara. Although she's only been living in Iwano for a year, she has become an easily recognisable face in the village, partly from her tendency to talk to anyone; Akiko shows every sign of enjoying life in the village, happily and humbly chatting to those who cross her path when they visit the shrine. 
