Hiroaki Aoki
| Hiroaki Aoki | |
|---|---|
| Born |
October 9, 1938 Tokyo, Japan |
| Died | July 10, 2008 (aged 69) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Pneumonia |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Rocky Aoki |
| Citizenship | United States at time of death |
| Alma mater |
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| Spouse(s) |
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| Children | Seven, including model Devon Aoki and DJ/producer Steve Aoki |
Hiroaki Aoki (青木 廣彰 Aoki Hiroaki?, October 9, 1938 – July 10, 2008), known in the United States by the Anglicized name Rocky Aoki, was a Japanese-born American wrestler and restaurateur who founded popular Japanese cuisine restaurant chain Benihana.
Aoki was born in Tokyo, the son of Katsu and Yunosuke Aoki. Aoki 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 was offered wrestling scholarships from several different American colleges. He attended Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts and later transferred to CW Post College on Long Island.
He moved to New York City, going on to win the United States flyweight title in 1962, 1963 and 1964. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1995.
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