Rocky Aoki: The Racing Legend and Benihana Founder
Rocky Aoki, the thrill-seeking founder of Benihana and a champion powerboat racer.
Everyone has a memory of Benihana’s sizzling hibachi grills and lively chefs. Behind this iconic restaurant chain was a man whose life was as dynamic as the dining experience he created. Hiroaki "Rocky" Aoki was more than a restaurateur. He was a thrill-seeker, a champion wrestler, and a powerboat racing icon. Born in Tokyo on October 9, 1938, Aoki’s life was a whirlwind of bold ventures and remarkable achievements. This article dives into his racing career and other accomplishments, showcasing why he’s a true legend.
Early Life and Athletic Roots
Rocky Aoki grew up in a samurai-descended family. His parents ran a jazz coffee shop in Tokyo. As a teen, he played bass in a rock band, Rowdy Sounds. Music didn’t stick, so he turned to sports. At Keio University, he excelled in wrestling, karate, and track. Aoki earned a spot as an alternate on Japan’s 1960 Olympic wrestling team. In 1959, he moved to the U.S. on a wrestling scholarship. He won three U.S. national wrestling championships (1962–1964) and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1995.
Building the Benihana Empire
Aoki’s entrepreneurial spirit shone early. While studying restaurant management in New York, he drove an ice cream truck in Harlem. He saved $10,000 and convinced his father to co-invest in a small teppanyaki restaurant. In 1964, Benihana opened its doors on West 56th Street. The name, meaning "safflower" in Japanese, came from a flower his father saw in post-war Tokyo’s rubble. Benihana’s theatrical dining experience—chefs cooking on hibachi grills—became a hit. By 1982, the chain had 52 U.S. locations and 24 in Japan.
Powerboat Racing: A Need for Speed
Aoki’s love for adventure led him to offshore powerboat racing in the 1970s. He wasn’t just a sponsor; he was a competitor. Racing 38-foot catamarans, he pushed limits at speeds up to 94 mph. His racing career kicked off in 1974 after a ride with champion Bob Magoon. Aoki entered his first race in 1975, winning a Miami-to-Nassau run against top racers. He went on to win five U.S. offshore races.
Benihana Grand Prix Victories
Aoki sponsored and raced in the Benihana Grand Prix in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. He won the event twice, in 1979 and 1982. The 1979 victory ended a string of 12 unfinished races. His 1982 win was a comeback after a near-fatal crash. Aoki’s boat, often paired with throttleman Errol Lanier, became a symbol of his grit.
Surviving the 1979 Crash
In 1979, Aoki’s boat crashed under the Golden Gate Bridge. The accident ruptured his aorta and lacerated his liver. Doctors gave him a 10% chance of survival. Yet, Aoki recovered and returned to racing. His resilience inspired fans and racers alike. After another crash in 1982, he retired from the sport, leaving a lasting legacy.
Other Daring Ventures
Aoki’s thirst for adventure extended beyond racing. In 1981, he co-funded and crewed the Double Eagle V, the first balloon to cross the Pacific Ocean. The 5,768-mile journey from Japan to California set a record. Aoki also competed in cross-country auto rallies, winning a Milan-to-Moscow road rally in 1987. His backgammon skills earned him recognition as a champion player.
Cultural and Philanthropic Impact
Aoki’s influence went beyond sports and business. He launched Genesis, a softcore men’s magazine, in 1973. He authored 11 Japanese business books and two in English. Aoki supported cultural exchanges, organizing the Japanese-American Sister Cities Program. His Rocky H. Aoki Foundation raised funds for Juvenile Diabetes, the Leukemia Society, and cancer research. He also sponsored art exhibits and the Japanese Folk Festival at Carnegie Hall.
Controversies and Personal Life
Aoki’s life wasn’t without challenges. In 1998, he faced insider trading charges, pleading guilty in 1999. He paid a $500,000 fine and received probation. Family disputes over his business empire emerged in 2005. Married three times, Aoki had seven children, including DJ Steve Aoki and actress Devon Aoki. His colorful personal life often made headlines.
A Lasting Legacy
Rocky Aoki passed away on July 10, 2008, from pneumonia. His net worth was estimated at $40 million. Benihana remains a global name, and his racing legacy lives on. Steve Aoki continues his father’s passion, leading a team in the UIM E1 World Championship. Rocky’s story—of daring, innovation, and resilience—inspires entrepreneurs and adventurers today.
