I would pronounce it "ah-yah-kah" because I speak some Japanese and have also known a few Ayakas. One went by
Aya "ah-ya" because it was easier for non-Japanese to remember and pronounce. People who don't know Japanese do tend to call her "eye-ya".
I would have to say
Ayaka because Ayeka because looking at Ayeka I wouldn't have a clue how ot pronounce it.
My brain is trying to tell me to say "AY-kah".
MN suggestions:
Naomi even though Eglish
Naomi and Japanese
Naomi are not related
Lisa as Japanese doesn't have 'l'
Lisa and Riisa is the same
Akemi "A-keh-mee"
Emi (kind of like
Emmy)
Hana (kind of like
Hannah)
Mai and
Mei (kind of like
May)
Midori (in Australia it's an alcoholic drink)
Miki (kind of like
Mikki)
Noa (kind of like Noa1)
Nana (kind of like nana in banana)
Rei (kind of like
Rae)
Rio (kind of like Rio1 with a short 'o')
Sakura (the well-known cherry blossom)
Sora Maki (kind of like the word 'mucky')
Yuri (kind of like Yuri1)
Akaya is an ok name, but it isn't my favourite Japanese name.