Rocky Aoki, a Japanese-American businessman who lived from 1938 to 2008, is most renowned for starting the Benihana restaurant chain, which made teppanyaki cuisine popular in the United States. In the 1950s, Aoki, who was born in Tokyo, came to the United States on a wrestling scholarship. In New York City, he established the first Benihana in 1964, providing a distinctive eating experience where chefs prepared food on hibachi grills in front of patrons. The idea was so successful that it spread throughout the world. Along with being an adventurous thrill-seeker, Aoki also enjoyed ballooning and speedboat racing. Among his seven children are DJ Steve Aoki and model Devon Aoki. He has been married three times.
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Quick Facts
| Name | Hiroaki Aoki |
| Famous as | Rocky Aoki |
| Gender | Male |
| Birthdate | October 9, 1938 |
| Age | 69 years |
| Birthplace | Tokyo, Japan |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.60 m) |
| Zodiac sign | Libra |
| Profession | Restaurateur, Powerboat, Racer |
| Nationality | Japanese-American |
| Net Worth | $40 Million |
| Spouse | Keiko Ono, Pamela Hilberger, Chizuru Kobayashi |
| Children | Devon Aoki, Steve Aoki, Kana Grace Nootenboom, Kevin Aoki, Jenifer Crumb, Echo V. Aoki, Kyle N. Aoki |
| Parents | Yunosuke Aoki (father), Katsu (mother) |
| Siblings | Yumi Nu (granddaughter) |
| Grandchildren | Eleanor Talitha Bailey, James Hunter Bailey, Jr. |
| Education | New York City College of Technology, Keio University |
| Marital status | Married |
| Died | July 10, 2008, New York, USA |
Rocky Aoki Net Worth
When Benihana’s creator, Rocky Aoki, passed away in 2008, his estimated net worth was $40 million. Aoki’s lucrative chain of Japanese steakhouses, which are renowned for their distinctive teppanyaki-style dining, helped him amass his wealth. Aoki’s public image and riches were influenced by his accomplishments as a businessman, former wrestler, and thrill-seeker in addition to his restaurant empire.
How tall is Rocky Aoki?
Rocky Aoki was approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. Known primarily for founding the Benihana restaurant chain, Aoki had an athletic background as a wrestler, which contributed to his physical fitness. His height was average, but his larger-than-life personality and business acumen made him a standout figure. Aoki’s dynamic presence was felt not only in the culinary world but also in his adventurous pursuits, including speedboat racing and ballooning.
Rocky Aoki Education
Rocky Aoki left Japan to pursue higher education in the United States. After receiving a wrestling scholarship at Springfield College in Massachusetts, he transferred to CW Post College (now LIU Post) in New York and graduated with a degree in restaurant management. His schooling, athletic background, and cross-cultural exposure all greatly influenced his idea of Benihana, which combines traditional Japanese food with American dining.
Who is the father of Rocky Aoki?
Rocky Aoki’s father was Yokosuka Aoki, a restaurant owner and businessman from Japan. “Benihana,” which Yokosuka named after a red safflower, is a coffee cafe in Tokyo. The renowned restaurant chain of the same name in Rocky was inspired by this little enterprise. Yokosuka had a significant impact on Rocky by instilling in him his work ethic and spirit of entrepreneurship. Rocky’s success as the originator of the renowned Benihana teppanyaki-style restaurants was made possible by his modest beginnings in the restaurant business.
Rocky Aoki Son
Steve Aoki is the well-known DJ, music producer, and businessman son of Rocky Aoki. One of the most well-known electronic dance music (EDM) performers in the world, he is renowned for his energetic live performances and successful joint ventures with BTS, Linkin Park, and Louis Tomlinson. Steve established Dim Mak Records, a prosperous label that helped a number of musicians start their careers. He has developed a diverse career outside his father’s legacy by working in fashion, technology, and philanthropy in addition to music.
Rocky Aoki Daughter
Actress and model Devon Aoki is the daughter of Rocky Aoki. She worked with luxury fashion labels like Chanel, Versace, and Balenciaga, which helped her become well-known in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In addition, Devon starred in movies like Sin City and 2 Fast 2 Furious. Distinguished by her unique appearance, she rose to prominence in the entertainment and fashion sectors, establishing a prosperous career apart from her father’s influence.
Rocky Aoki Spouse
There were three marriages for Rocky Aoki. Steve and Devon Aoki were among the three children he had with Chizuru Kobayashi, his first wife. He had two additional children with Pamela Hilburger, his second wife. Ultimately, in 2002, he wed Keiko Aoki, and the two stayed together until his passing in 2008. His personal life was impacted by each marriage, as was his increasing commercial success.
Early Life
On October 9, 1938, Rocky was born in Tokyo, Japan, into a family of Japanese restaurateurs. He grew up in a multicultural setting, which shaped his desire to become a chef. At the age of 18, Aoki traveled to the US on a wrestling scholarship to continue his studies. He transferred to CW Post College in New York after attending Springfield College in Massachusetts. Early life traits such as wrestling discipline, his family’s entrepreneurial zeal, and his ability to adjust to American society all contributed to Aoki’s success in the restaurant business with Benihana.
Career
Motivated by his family’s history, Rocky started his career in the restaurant business. In 1964, he brought teppanyaki eating to the American public by opening the first Benihana restaurant in New York City. The restaurant’s novel idea immediately became well-liked, which fueled its speedy growth both domestically and abroad. In addition, Aoki operated a nightclub and a profitable import-export company, among other commercial endeavors. He was a well-known personality in both adventure and enterprise because of his passion of adventure, which carried over into speedboat racing and ballooning.
Rocky Aoki Cause of Death
Rocky Aoki passed away from complications associated to pneumonia on July 10, 2008, at the age of 69. He had been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in 2000, which was caused by hepatitis C, and this had contributed to his declining health for a number of years. The virus had infected Aoki after a speedboat accident in 1979 and he received a blood transfusion. Notwithstanding these health problems, Aoki continued to be involved in business and charitable endeavors until his latter years, leaving Benihana and his family as a lasting legacy.