Rocky had saved $10,000 from various jobs including selling ice cream in a Mister Softee ice cream truck in Harlem, borrowed the rest and opened his first four table “teppan –yaki” restaurant on New York’s 56th street in May 1964. GREAT NEWS! At the time, Japanese restaurants in America mostly catered to Japanese people, while Americans didn't seek out Japanese restaurants. Ten years later, there were 50 Benihana locations. It traveled a record 5,768 miles (9,283 km). In 1973, Aoki launched Genesis, a softcore pornographic men's magazine. Rocky’s parents met at Yunosuke’s dance class where he taught tap. Rocky, who was married three times,[6] once said that he had "three kids from three different women at exactly the same time. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Rocky Aoki was born as Hiroaki Aoki. Japanese food was rare in the US at the time, so Rocky Aoki kept his menu simple. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Aoki excelled at track and field, karate, and wrestling. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Benihana was voted the most popular restaurant in America by Restaurant & Institutions Magazine in 1985, 1988 and 1989. Try again later. After graduating in 1963 with an associate’s degree in restaurant management, he followed in the footsteps of the family business. Why? His grave is at the cemetery attached to Joshin temple in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. He grew up around his parents restaurant business and in 1964 opened his first Benihana Japanese Steakhouse in New York City. On other side, I see my girlfriend… I say, ‘ohhh… shiiiiit!’”, By 1983, Rocky Aoki was ready to push the ‘hana to the limit. There was a fear that Japanese Americans were loyal to Japan and would somehow try to sabotage American war efforts resulting in the internment camps. All playboy entrepreneurs with egos the size of Texas, an instinct to go big, and, of course, an obsession with cold, hard cash. Jeannie Means: And his thinking was that Americans would love the traditional proteins, shrimp, chicken, fish, steak, but cooked on a steel grill, which is called teppanyaki, and it is a unique cooking style to Japan. [5], In New York, Aoki worked seven days a week in an ice cream truck that he rented in Harlem while studying restaurant management at New York City Community College. [5] His hepatitis was reportedly the result of a blood transfusion after a 1979 speedboat crash under the Golden Gate Bridge.[2]. Yunosuke taught himself to tap dance watching Fred Astaire movies. To be fair, it's exactly what he did. Fearing Keiko’s future rule, Benihana Inc’s board (then run by his son, Kevin) issued new stock, reducing the Aoki family stake from 50.9% to 36.5% in 2004. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Instead, Aoki focused on making the menu as American as possible, offering American-friendly entrees like steak and chicken that were done grilled with Japanese-style sauces. In a New York Magazine interview, he recalled, “I’m completely naked, tube in my penis. And that’s why we built Trends — to show you up-and-coming market opportunities about to explode. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. He won the maiden Moscow-to-Milan car rally, raced a stretch Rolls Royce across America, and set a 34-year record in 1981 for piloting the longest hot air balloon flight ever — a 5,208 mile trek across the Pacific — eventually crash-landing in the mountains of Northern California. In 1944 the Japanese internment camps were marked unlawful by the Supreme Court. The title changed hands several times, eventually becoming an explicit publication long after Aoki's period of ownership. To suggest a change to a cemetery page, visit the Cemetery Corrections forum. For Edits select Suggest Edits on the memorial page. The owner of an unsuccessful Chinese restaurant offered Rocky his midtown Manhattan location for a nominal rental fee. Rocky knew the odds were stacked against him in a, He deliberately banned any foods that might seem slippery, slimy or fishy, which were stereotypes Americans harbored about. We’ve updated the security on the site. His down to earth and friendly nature made everyone feel at ease. He would later explain, "I play bass. Rocky Aoki famously said that "the minute I forgot I was Japanese, success began." Rocky knew he couldn’t continue racing with his injuries so he adventured into Ballooning. Look, you came to this site because you saw something cool. "[2], Aoki attended Keio University, where he competed in track and field, karate, and wrestling before being expelled for fighting. [1] Aoki and some friends started a rock and roll band called Rowdy Sounds, though Aoki eventually abandoned music for athletics. Aoki and some friends started a rock and roll band called Rowdy Sounds, though Aoki eventually abandoned music for athletics. Narrator: Rocky Aoki continued expanding his empire, opening new restaurants around America. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1995. Rocky Aoki worked there as a child, learning the restaurant ropes from his father. He qualified for the 1960 Summer Olympics for wrestling in Rome, but did not compete. [citation needed], Japanese-American wrestler and restaurateur, "A Flower in the Debris: The Legacy of Benihana, Rocky Aoki's All-American Empire", "Rocky Aoki, Who Created Benihana Chain, Is Dead at 69", Benihana founder's third wife loses bid for fortune March 31, 2016, "Benihana's Ex-Chief Executive Officer Is Indicted in an Insider-Trading Case", "Rocky Aoki's Family Horror Show - The Money Guide -- New York Magazine - Nymag", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hiroaki_Aoki&oldid=979831529, American businesspeople of Japanese descent, Infectious disease deaths in New York (state), People with acquired American citizenship, Disease-related deaths in New York (state), Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing Japanese-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from February 2018, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 23 September 2020, at 01:35. He was 69. He suffered a ruptured aorta, a lacerated liver and left leg and right arm were each broken in four places. You can still file a request but no one will be notified. He authored 11 Japanese business motivational books and 2 books in English, ‘Making it in America’ and ‘Sake, Water from Heaven’.He was a firm believer in the value of cultural exchange, co-sponsoring the Japanese Folk Festival at Carnegie Hall where more than 500 musicians, dancers and singers from Japan performed. Enter a valid email address and a feedback message. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Privacy policy. Please note: You are asking volunteers to find and take a photo of the headstone. There was a strong demand for sweets and Yunosuke knew how to seize the moment. Rocky began mellowing with age and turned his attention to philanthropy. Food was prepared right at the table on a steel grill with chefs providing the entertainment. Rocky’s parents met at Yunosuke’s dance class where he taught tap. Try again later. [8], After injuries suffered in a 1982 accident, the Tenafly, New Jersey resident told sportswriters that he was leaving the sport. His family continues to keep his extraordinary legacy of Benihana and the memory of its founder Rocky Aoki alive. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1995. He gave from his heart and loved many. × The Double Eagle V launched from Nagashima, Japan on November 10, 1981, and landed in Mendocino National Forest in California 84 hours and 31 minutes later. [6] This incident was mentioned briefly in the 2013 Scorsese film "The Wolf of Wall Street". Share this memorial using social media sites or email. They merely borrowed from one of the original tycoon bad boys; a man one part Chuck Norris legend, and two parts jheri curl. [14] That stock rose 46% the day that this hiring was publicized.[15]. Everyone from Muhammad Ali to the Beatles ate at Benihana of Tokyo on West 56 Street. In 1973, he launched a soft-core porn men’s magazine by the same name (and another great “Benihana-style gimmick: two centerfolds for the price of one!”). [4], He moved to New York City, going on to win the United States flyweight title in 1962, 1963 and 1964. What you might not think of, however, is how much Benihana transformed America. Then, he got ‘found’: A rave review from the New York Herald Tribune eventually brought in crowds and regulars of the likes of Muhammed Ali, and Sean Connery. He would later explain, "I play bass. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. He was an avid backgammon player for the rest of his life. Hiroaki Aoki was born in Tokyo, the son of Katsu and Yunosuke Aoki. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Yunosuke met a talented chef, Fujisake, who inspired him to open a full service restaurant. GREAT NEWS! Ad Presenter: If you think our Benihana chef is good, wait till you taste the food. Today, Benihana is a household name. All of them; a real Branson before Branson. Rocky Aoki took his celebrity by air, land, and sea — slapping Benihana branding across all of his vehicles — literally. Rocky and his three brothers all learned the restaurant business from the ground up through their mentor, their father. He barred any fish items other than shrimp — an early Benihana tagline was “no slithery, fishy things.”. Rocky’s fundraising efforts have benefited various organizations including Juvenile Diabetes, the Leukemia Society and the National Foundation for Cancer Research. [10][11] Before his death, he became a United States citizen. So, at just 25, Rocky asked his veteran chefs to throw in the bells and whistles — prepare meals over an iron griddle, crack jokes (and eggs) with customers, and set onion volcanoes ablaze. But yes, we're the original, the first, the only national Japanese restaurant chain in the country. However, Aoki has also been criticized for watering down Japanese cuisine and culture for commercial success. Cocaine, boats, and backgammon: The insane life of Rocky Aoki, Benihana’s founder, Rocky’s iconic chain of theatrical, teppanyaki-style restaurants allowed him to live a lavish life of wild suits, adventure sports, cocaine — and, Rocky capitalized on time in the spotlight, opening new restaurants in Chicago, Honolulu, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Food was flipped through the air and jokes were served up with every entree. He was dismissed from Post after getting in trouble for fighting. Oops, something didn't work. Rocky famously wrestled for Japan in the 1960 Olympics, before moving to America where he would become a world champion until 1962. The restaurant became well known for its mouth watering sauces. In 2010, she appointed herself CEO of Benihana of Tokyo. His third wife was Keiko Aoki, a businesswoman that he married in 2002. Watch the video above to learn how Benihana became a multi-million dollar restaurant chain. [4], He moved to New York City, going on to win the United States flyweight title in 1962, 1963 and 1964. Benihana continued to expand and its popularity soared. Rocky’s parents met at Yunosuke’s dance class where he taught tap. Thanks for your help! [3], After he received his associate degree in management in 1963,[4] he used the $10,000 he had saved from the ice cream business to convince his father to co-invest in the first Benihana, a four-table teppanyaki restaurant on West 56th Street. Hiroaki Aoki was born in Tokyo, the son of Katsu and Yunosuke Aoki. Growing up, Rocky’s wrestling talent earned him a spot on Japan’s 1960 Olympic team and a scholarship to wrestle in the States at Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. Rocky Aoki, Actor: Joshi daisei: Nikutai hoshû ryokô. On June 9, 1998, Aoki was charged with insider trading and profiting by more than $590,000 from it. Despite not enjoying the mainstream popularity of rivals Playboy and Penthouse, the magazine remained in activity for nearly 40 years. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? [9] Or maybe DJ Steve Aoki, son of Benihana founder, Rocky Aoki. Plese check the I'm not a robot checkbox.'. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. [7] The Double Eagle V's four-man crew consisted of Rocky Aoki with Albuquerque balloonists Ben Abruzzo, Larry Newman, and Ron Clark. Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki was born on October 9, 1938 in Tokyo, Japan. By 1972, Benihana had nearly 20 restaurants profiting, In 1970, he opened a 6-story “in-crowd” nightclub called Genesis, which became his personal playground to hookup with lots of women, and binge on cocaine and backgammon. He was an offshore powerboat racer along with the 1986 APBA world champion Powerboat throttleman Errol Lanier, a former Fort Lauderdale, Florida fireman who saved his life in a near fatal powerboat crash in 1979 under the Golden Gate Bridge.[5]. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. We were unable to submit your feedback at this time. This account has been disabled. Later that summer, Rocky was seriously injured in a boating accident in the San Francisco Bay when his boat lost its trim, dived into a wave and disintegrated. Oops, we were unable to send the email. An avid speedboat racer, he created the Benihana Grand Prix, which he himself won in 1979, sailing a 38-foot catamaran. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. After graduating from College, Rocky was presented with the opportunity to realize his dream by opening a restaurant in America. A system error has occurred. Failed to delete memorial. In 1999, Aoki pleaded guilty to insider trading charges and was fined $500,000 and given three years' probation. So again I think, to think that all things Japanese would be interesting to Americans in that day and time was pretty bold on his part. Despite not enjoying the mainstream popularity of rivals Playboy and Penthouse, the magazine remained in activity for nearly 40 years. Add to your scrapbook. Currently there are over ninety company owned or licensed restaurants bearing this name. He was the first born son of Yunosuke Aoki, a samurai descendant and his wife Katsu Aoki. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. The Double Eagle V launched from Nagashima, Japan on November 10, 1981, and landed in Mendocino National Forest in California 84 hours and 31 minutes later. It also launched a bitter legal battle against 6 of his 7 children, that left them without a dime from the Benihana fortune. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to feedback@findagrave.com and include a link to the page and details about the problem. He qualified for the 1960 Summer Olympics for wrestling in Rome, but did not compete. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. People were fascinated by this concept of a chef cooking food right at your table. For the first 6 months, Rocky slept on the floor of the restaurant’s bathroom, losing money on the joint. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. [3] However, he later toured the United States and was undefeated in the wrestling 112-pound flyweight class. He reportedly lost. The paranoia and propaganda against Japanese Americans cultivated a hostile and racist environment for anyone associated with Japan. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional, No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Select a place on the map to place the pin. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. He decided to attend Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts and later transferred to CW Post College in Long Island. The creator of Benihana: Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki. He later toured with the team to the United States. Also an additional volunteer within fifty miles. MIAMI (AP) - Rocky Aoki, who sought to offer diners a sense of magic and entertainment at his Japanese steakhouse Benihana, has died after complications from cancer. He loved power boat racing and won five US offshore races. Try again. To suggest a correction or addition, visit the memorial page and click Suggest Edits. He touched down under the Golden Gate Bridge with a broken arm, a shattered leg, a torn aorta, and his liver split in two. Hiroaki Aoki … In 1979, he won the race there in a 38foot cougar catamaran. Rocky’s iconic chain of theatrical, teppanyaki-style restaurants allowed him to live a lavish life of wild suits, adventure sports, cocaine — and lots of s-e-x. [16], Aoki died of pneumonia in New York City. While attending college, Aoki worked odd jobs and scooped ice cream until he was able to rent out a restaurant space in mid-town Manhattan. Businessman. At one point, the man had 3 kids from 3 different women at the exact same time. Narrator: When you think of Benihana, you probably think of their spatula-flipping chefs and flaming onion volcanoes. Resend Activation Email. That summer, he saved $10k from driving an ice cream truck in Harlem and used it to persuade his father to co-invest in a 4-table Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. In 1982, he piloted a 35foot active marine racer in the Kiekhafer St. Augustine Classic in Florida and suffered more injuries to his leg when his boat hit a swell and shattered. Rocky capitalized on time in the spotlight, opening new restaurants in Chicago, Honolulu, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. And in 1964, in Midtown Manhattan, Benihana was born. But make no mistake, these men are no trailblazers. He crossed the Pacific Ocean in a hot air balloon and also raced offshore powerboats until he was seriously injured in an accident. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. If you have questions, please contact support@findagrave.com. In 2005, he sued four of his children (Grace, Kevin, Kyle, and Echo) for an alleged attempt to take control of the companies he founded, which, at the time, had an estimated value between US$60–100 million. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. On June 9, 1998, Aoki was charged with insider trading and profiting by more than $590,000 from it. "[2], Aoki attended Keio University, where he competed in track and field, karate, and wrestling before being expelled for fighting. [5] These included musician Steve Aoki and model Devon Aoki. [16], Aoki died of pneumonia in New York City. You need a Find a Grave account to add things to this site. Please reset your password. Subscriber But I tell you why I change to wrestling: No good on tempo." He remained an avid hot air balloonist flying and racing Benihana Balloons at many festivals. We have 2 volunteers within ten miles of your requested photo location. In 1999, Aoki pleaded guilty to insider trading charges and was fined $500,000 and given three years' probation. Overshadowed by the concurrent Space Shuttle mission STS-2, the Double Eagle V failed to attract the same degree of media attention as the earlier Double Eagle flights. "Benihana", taken from the Japanese name for safflower, was suggested by Aoki's father. Yunosuke changed the theme of the coffee shop to a sweet shop specializing in desserts during the war. According to family legend, Aoki's father was walking through the bombed-out ruins of post-war Tokyo when he happened across a single red safflower growing in the rubble.[5][3]. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). "[2] He found out about the seventh with the third woman when he was sued for paternity. [citation needed], Japanese-American wrestler and restaurateur, "A Flower in the Debris: The Legacy of Benihana, Rocky Aoki's All-American Empire", "Rocky Aoki, Who Created Benihana Chain, Is Dead at 69", Benihana founder's third wife loses bid for fortune March 31, 2016, "Benihana's Ex-Chief Executive Officer Is Indicted in an Insider-Trading Case", "Rocky Aoki's Family Horror Show - The Money Guide -- New York Magazine - Nymag", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hiroaki_Aoki&oldid=979831529, American businesspeople of Japanese descent, Infectious disease deaths in New York (state), People with acquired American citizenship, Disease-related deaths in New York (state), Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing Japanese-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from February 2018, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 23 September 2020, at 01:35. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. By 1972, there were nearly 20 Benihana restaurants in America bringing in 12 million dollars a year. According to family legend, Aoki's father was walking through the bombed-out ruins of post-war Tokyo when he happened across a single red safflower growing in the rubble.[5][3]. Aoki decided to move to the America where he went on to win the World Champion AAU Flyweight title in 1960 through 1962. Yunosuke taught them the importance of a clean kitchen, using the freshest ingredients and showmanship. Failed to remove flower. The government is going after Big Tech — and ‘Medium Tech’ is bracing for impact, Here’s what elections of yesteryear would look like on Twitter, America’s postal workers did an insane amount of work for the election, How to avoid burnout by working less and doing more, The company that has a monopoly on ice cream truck music, How a tiny peanut butter company grew to $500k per month in sales. We have a volunteer within fifty miles of your requested photo location. We have a volunteer within ten miles of your requested photo location. And yet, it did. Interested? He is an actor, known for Joshi daisei: Nikutai hoshû ryokô (1991), Strawberry Road (1991) and … Rocky attended Keio University where he excelled in athletics competing in track and field, karate and wrestling. Rocky Aoki’s ambition could not be contained by the cooktop. But just because the Japanese Americans were free to return home didn't mean they'd have a warm reception. Yunosuke named his restaurant Benihana after a red safflower flower he saw in the rubble of war torn Tokyo. His third wife was Keiko Aoki, a businesswoman that he married in 2002. But I tell you why I change to wrestling: No good on tempo. Rocky uniquely combined his love of adventure with his love for his restaurants. At the time of his death he had been suffering from diabetes, Hepatitis C, and cirrhosis of the liver. [3] However, he later toured the United States and was undefeated in the wrestling 112-pound flyweight class. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Account active They married and opened a Jazz coffee shop, which they named Ellington after their favorite jazz musician Duke Ellington. ). But soon after signing, Rocky grew angry at his children, insisting that they tricked him into signing an agreement he didn’t understand. His grave is at the cemetery attached to Joshin temple in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. [1] Aoki and some friends started a rock and roll band called Rowdy Sounds, though Aoki eventually abandoned music for athletics. Narrator: Simplifying Japanese dishes and playing on theatrics, might not have been the most culturally prudent route, but it was successful. He added live entertainment by chefs to make the meal even more appealing. He would change his will 4 times, each revision relinquishing more and more control to Keiko Ono Aoki. Verify and try again. He grew up around his parents restaurant business and in 1964 opened his first Benihana Japanese Steakhouse in New York City. "Benihana", taken from the Japanese name for safflower, was suggested by Aoki's father. The review ushered in locals, tourists, and even celebrities. Rocky crossed the Pacific Ocean in a helium balloon with the Double Eagle V crew on a record setting flight from Japan to California in 1981. If a new volunteer signs up in your requested photo location, they may see your existing request and take the photo. Please try again later. His father Yonosuke was famously descended from Samurai, and was the one who came up with the name Benihana, named after the red flower he found while walking through the rubble of war-torn Tokyo. So as a Japanese restaurant looking to cater to Americans, Benihana didn't really fit into any existing equations. Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki was born on October 9, 1938, in Tokyo. And Aoki soon opened a second location a few blocks away to handle all of the demand. Branson, Musk, Trump, Hefner. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request. He tried his hand at car rally racing and won the first Milan to Moscow Road Rally in 1987, a grueling road rally challenge across a 1300 mile route driving his vintage Rolls Royce Silver Wraith. Please try again later. According to Rocky, his father, Yunosuke, was a “playboy” with a love for vaudeville and the restaurant biz — an industry he entered right around the time American B-29s bombed Tokyo in 1942, killing close to 100k people. In 1973, Aoki launched Genesis, a softcore pornographic men's magazine. GREAT NEWS! He managed to escape a prison sentence because of his health problems (he acquired hepatitis c during a blood transfusion after his boating accident), but the real damage was already done. [citation needed], Aoki partially funded and crewed the Double Eagle V, the first balloon to successfully cross the Pacific Ocean. In 1999, Rocky pleaded guilty to insider trading after paying $10k for a tip on a stock called Spectrum Information Technologies. Aoki was the recipient of The International Center in New York's Award of Excellence. Aoki also had several run ins with the law. So, if you like what you’re reading, give the email a try. [12] The U.S. Attorney's office in Brooklyn, N.Y. charged Aoki with six counts of insider trading and one count of conspiracy based on trading upon inside information about Spectrum Information Technologies Inc.[13] According to the indictment, Aoki learned through Donald Kessler, a former stock promoter, inside information concerning Spectrum's imminent hiring of John Sculley, then-chairman of Apple Computer Inc., as the chairman of Spectrum, and bought 200,000 shares of Spectrum stock. Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki was born in Tokyo in 1938. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. [7] The Double Eagle V's four-man crew consisted of Rocky Aoki with Albuquerque balloonists Ben Abruzzo, Larry Newman, and Ron Clark. He disinherited the 4 and executed a new will, which left his assets to Keiko and gave her control over the disbursement of 75% of his estate to the remaining 2 Aoki kids after his death: the cake-throwing DJ Steve Aoki, and his youngest daughter, the former face of Versace, Devon Aoki. Rocky Aoki was born as Hiroaki Aoki. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. I see my wife standing over me, on one side. Six years later, the court ruled in the Benihana kids’ favor to regain assets of the $35m trust, but Keiko still owns access to the money until Steve and Devon turn 45 (Devon, turns 45 in 2028). Rocky was also a dedicated environmentalist and was recognized by the United Nations Environmental Program Directorate for sponsoring then New York Times environmental supplement, Imagine. [8], After injuries suffered in a 1982 accident, the Tenafly, New Jersey resident told sportswriters that he was leaving the sport. Aoki was born in Tokyo, Japan and had a birth name of Hiroaki Aoki. Please enter location or other information that may help the volunteer in fulfilling this request. He would later explain, "I play bass. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. When Rocky Aoki died in 2008, Benihana was estimated to be worth over a hundred million dollars. All of them; But his fast-and-loose lifestyle was catching up with him. At the time of his death, Rocky Aoki had seven children and was married to his third wife Keiko. Founder of the Benihana restaurant chain. It traveled a record 5,768 miles (9,283 km). He is an actor, known for Joshi daisei: Nikutai hoshû ryokô (1991), Strawberry Road … Hiroaki Aoki (青木 廣彰, Aoki Hiroaki, October 9, 1938 – July 10, 2008), best known as Rocky Aoki, was a Japanese-American amateur wrestler and restaurateur who founded the popular Japanese cuisine restaurant chain Benihana. Failed to report flower. [6] This incident was mentioned briefly in the 2013 Scorsese film "The Wolf of Wall Street". Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Hiroaki Aoki (青木 廣彰, Aoki Hiroaki, October 9, 1938 – July 10, 2008), best known as Rocky Aoki, was a Japanese-born American wrestler and restaurateur who founded the popular Japanese cuisine restaurant chain Benihana Biography Early life. [5] These included musician Steve Aoki and model Devon Aoki. He sponsored the “Benihana Grand Prix” in Point Pleasant, New Jersey from 1975-1982. Yunosuke taught himself to tap dance watching Fred Astaire movies. At the time of his death he had been suffering from diabetes, Hepatitis C, and cirrhosis of the liver. Before we had the hard cash to buy our own... © 2020, Hustle Con Media, Inc., All Rights Reserved. or don't show this again—I am good at figuring things out. Aoki was the recipient of The International Center in New York's Award of Excellence. In addition to business Aoki was also a sportsman and daredevil. Over the next few decades, he dipped his toe into every market imaginable, from pro sports (attempting to purchase the San Francisco Giants) to Broadway productions. But his fast-and-loose lifestyle was catching up with him. The Double Eagle V crew had planned to go all the way around the world but due to a powerful storm over the Pacific coast (the worst since 1962) and two other bad weather encounters the crew was forced down into a redwood forest.