This is Akio Tanabe (田辺昭夫). He is the representative and master frame builder of the company Kalavinka. Kalavinka is a company which specialises in making NJS certified track bikes for kierin racers. Akio started racing as a student, in 1974 he made it through to the World Championships. He retired and began making frames, he was taught by a mentor by the name of Mr. Kajiwara.
Now, his company Kalavinka make some of the highest quality standard of NJS certified kierin frames in the world. He uses Columbus, Reynolds or Japanese makes of tubing to build his frame with. His wife hand paints the head badges as a finishing touch to their frames. Overall, Akio has been involved with bicycles for over 40 years.
