Hiroaki Aoki

, better known as Rocky Aoki, was a Japanese-American restaurateur, professional offshore powerboat racer and amateur wrestler. He was the founder of the Japanese cuisine restaurant chain Benihana, and Genesis magazine. He was also the father of musician Steve Aoki and model and actress Devon Aoki. Personal life Hiroaki Aoki was born in Tokyo, the son of Yunosuke Aoki and his wife, Katsu. His family were descended from a samurai clan from Wakayama Prefecture, which served in the Kishū Domain. 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."