Rocky Aoki facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rocky Aoki
|
|
|---|---|
| 青木 廣彰 | |
Aoki, c. 1981
|
|
| Born |
Hiroaki Aoki
October 9, 1938 Tokyo, Japan
|
| Died | July 10, 2008 (aged 69) New York City, New York, U.S.
|
| Resting place | Kuhombutsu Joshin-ji, Setagaya ward, Tokyo, Japan |
| Alma mater |
|
| Occupation |
|
| Known for | Founding Benihana, Double Eagle V |
| Spouse(s) |
|
| Children | 7, including Steve and Devon |
| Relatives | Yumi Nu (granddaughter) |
Hiroaki Aoki (青木 廣彰, Aoki Hiroaki; October 9, 1938 – July 10, 2008), better known as Rocky Aoki, was a Japanese-born American businessman. He was famous for starting the Japanese cuisine restaurant chain called Benihana.
Rocky Aoki was also a professional powerboat racer and an amateur wrestler. He was the father of the well-known musician Steve Aoki and the model and actress Devon Aoki.
Contents
Rocky Aoki's Early Life
Hiroaki Aoki was born in Tokyo, Japan. His parents were Yunosuke and Katsu Aoki. His family came from a long line of samurai warriors in Wakayama Prefecture.
When he was younger, Aoki and his friends formed a rock and roll band called Rowdy Sounds. However, Aoki soon decided to focus on sports instead of music. He once joked that he wasn't good at keeping time with the music, which is why he switched to wrestling!
Aoki went to Keio University in Japan. There, he took part in track and field, karate, and wrestling. He was a very talented wrestler. Some people thought he competed for Japan in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, but he had actually moved to New York City before those games.
Wrestling Success
Rocky Aoki received offers for wrestling scholarships from several colleges in America. He attended Springfield College and later CW Post College. He became a champion, winning the United States flyweight wrestling title three times: in 1962, 1963, and 1964.
While living in New York City, Aoki worked hard. He rented an ice cream truck in Harlem and worked seven days a week. At the same time, he studied restaurant management at New York City Community College. He later became a citizen of the United States.
Benihana Restaurants
After earning his degree in management in 1963, Aoki had saved $10,000 from his ice cream business. He used this money to convince his father to help him open the very first Benihana restaurant. It was a small place with only four tables on West 56th Street in New York City.
Benihana is a type of teppanyaki restaurant. This means chefs cook food right in front of the customers on a hot grill. Aoki's father suggested the name "Benihana," which is Japanese for "safflower." A family story says that Aoki's father saw a single red safflower growing in the ruins of Tokyo after World War II, and it gave him hope.
Exciting Sports Activities
Crossing the Pacific in a Balloon
Rocky Aoki helped fund and was part of the crew for the Double Eagle V balloon. This balloon made history by being the first to successfully cross the entire Pacific Ocean!
The Double Eagle V took off from Nagashima, Japan, on November 10, 1981. It landed in California 84 hours and 31 minutes later. The balloon traveled an amazing 5,768 miles (9,283 km), setting a new record. The four-person crew included Rocky Aoki and three experienced balloonists from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Powerboat Racing Adventures
Aoki also competed as a professional powerboat racer. He raced with Errol Lanier, who was a world champion powerboat throttleman. Lanier even saved Aoki's life during a serious powerboat crash in 1979 near the Golden Gate Bridge.
Rocky Aoki was quite successful in powerboat racing, even though he had several crashes and mechanical problems. He won many races, including the Benihana Grand Prix twice. This race was sponsored by his own company! His second win there was in 1982. After getting hurt in another accident later that year, Aoki decided to stop racing.
Awards and Recognition
Rocky Aoki received the Award of Excellence from The International Center in New York. In 1995, he was honored by being added to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Rocky Aoki's Passing
Rocky Aoki passed away on July 10, 2008, in New York City after an illness. At the time of his death, he had seven children and was married to his third wife, Keiko. His children include the famous musician Steve Aoki and the model and actress Devon Aoki. His granddaughter is the model and singer-songwriter Yumi Nu. Rocky Aoki is buried in a cemetery in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, Japan.
