Given the amount of energy the shugenja expends attempting to stay in the background, Kitsu Akio does a horrible job at not being noticed.

Some observers might note that its his hair that draws attention; kept lightened into a golden color and long (almost shaggy) to honor the ancestors of the Lion.

Others might note that its his sheer size; while only slightly above average in height, he looks larger as he is at least half-again as wide as a typical samurai.  While his strength is visible buried beneath a formal kimono it becomes obvious in casual travel clothing where he prefers sleeveless attire.  His arms shame all but the largest Crab.

Those less attuned to his physicality might note his gaze; Akio can often seem not only attuned to the world around him, but also to the world that isn't.  To those who first meet him, this can translate into an impression of distance.