This is a very lovely name. I've spent hours searching for good sounding Japanese names and Akemi probably is one of the best that I have found. A great aspect of this name is that even though it's Japanese it doesn't really step out of the normal by sounding really foreign in America. This is a name that would seem to be more acceptable than Michiko or Katsuhito in a classroom full of first graders. Although that really all depends. Also, Akemi could be a good substitute for Kimberly. They sound alike but mean totally different things. I would for sure consider naming my daughter Akemi. =)