BIOGRAPHY

American Hiro: The Adventures of Benihana’s Rocky Aoki and How He Built a Legacy

by Jack McCallum
Diversion. May 2022. 240p. ISBN 9781635767698. pap. $18.99. BIOG
COPY ISBN
McCallum, a sports journalist, provides an engaging profile of the life of Hiroaki (Rocky) Aoki, best known as the founder of the multimillion-dollar Benihana empire of Japanese restaurants. In addition to his business success, Aoki was also an amateur wrestler, power speed boat racer, gas balloon pilot, and father of seven children. Previously released in 1985 as Making It in America: The Life and Times of Rocky Aoki, Benihana’s Pioneer, this update adds an additional chapter summarizing the last 23 years of Aoki’s life. Events from this time, such as an insider trading conviction and Aoki suing his own children over business concerns, are skimmed over and not given the detail provided in previous chapters, which makes the book feel somewhat unbalanced.
VERDICT A fun, light, and entertaining read, although readers of contemporary biographies may find some portions dated. Recommended for libraries attempting to improve AAPI representation in their collections as there are so few titles available featuring successful Japanese American entrepreneurs.
Reviewed by Kathaleen McCormick , Apr 02, 2022
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

A Good Bad Boy: Luke Perry and How a Generation Grew Up
by Wappler, Margaret
NONFICTION

American Diva: Extraordinary, Unruly, Fabulous
by Paredez, Deborah
MEDIA

MeatEater’s American History: The Long Hunters (1761–1775)
by Rinella, Steven & Clay Newcomb
MEDIA

Tupac Shakur: The Authorized Biography
by Robinson, Staci
NONFICTION

Small Acts of Courage: A Legacy of Endurance and the Fight for Democracy
by Velshi, Ali
NONFICTION

Leonard Cohen: The Man Who Saw the Angels Fall
by Lebold, Christophe
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?