Hiroaki Aoki (青木 広彰, Aoki Hiroaki, October 9, 1938 – July 10, 2008), known in the United States by the Anglicized name Rocky Aoki, was a founder of the Benihana chain of "Japanese Steakhouse" restaurants, wrestler, thrillseeker, and entrepreneur.
Born in Tokyo, Aoki was a rebellious youth, admitting to selling girlie magazines in school, as well as being suspended for pushing another student down a staircase. He and some friends started a rock an...
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Hiroaki Aoki (青木 広彰, Aoki Hiroaki, October 9, 1938 – July 10, 2008), known in the United States by the Anglicized name Rocky Aoki, was a founder of the Benihana chain of "Japanese Steakhouse" restaurants, wrestler, thrillseeker, and entrepreneur.
Born in Tokyo, Aoki was a rebellious youth, admitting to selling girlie magazines in school, as well as being suspended for pushing another student down a staircase. He and some friends started a rock and roll band called Rowdy Sounds, though Aoki eventually abandoned music for athletics. He would later explain, "I play bass. But I tell you why I change to wrestling: No good on tempo." Aoki attended Keio University, where he competed in track and field, karate and wrestling before being expelled for fighting. He qualified for the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, but did not compete. However, he later toured the United States and was undefeated in the wrestling 112-pound flyweight class. Aoki moved to New York City, going on to win the United...
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