In a vibrant display of sports enthusiasm, devoted baseball fans converged upon a historic neighborhood in Los Angeles ahead of the Dodgers’ thrilling victory over the New York Yankees in the highly anticipated 2024 World Series. Many of these fans traveled from around the globe, drawn by the magnetic allure of a single player.
Little Tokyo, a culturally rich enclave nestled in downtown LA, has affectionately dubbed this phenomenon the “Ohtani effect.”
Star player Shohei Ohtani, an integral part of the Dodgers’ roster, casts a grand presence over the neighborhood, notably celebrated in an awe-inspiring 150ft (45m) mural. Fans proudly don jerseys with his name emblazoned across their backs, showcasing their allegiance to the exceptional athlete.
Baseball is often referred to as “America’s pastime,” yet the spotlight shines on this Japanese sensation. Ohtani recently signed a groundbreaking contract valued at a staggering $700 million (£540 million) for ten years, elevating interest and excitement in multicultural Los Angeles and pulling in new fans with diverse traditions.
Business has surged in the area due to this tremendous interest, with tourists flocking in and many coming directly from Ohtani’s home country.
“When Shohei comes to bat – they know if he hits the home run we start pouring sake shots,” noted Don Tahara, the owner of Far Bar, where dozens of screens display Dodgers games, transforming the atmosphere into a lively celebration whenever Ohtani hits one out of the park, leading to a chorus of cheers and free rice wine for hundreds of fans.
Ohtani’s incredible performance saw him hit 54 home runs during the regular season. Despite not hitting any during the World Series, the Dodgers triumphed on Wednesday, dramatically coming back from a 5-0 deficit to secure a 7-6 win against the Yankees.
“It’s good for the Dodgers – maybe not so great for my pocketbook. But it’s meaningful; it warms my heart,” Mr. Tahara mused about the joyous atmosphere and its financial implications.
Far Bar buzzed with excitement during the World Series, capturing the spirit of the game as fans united in their support.
In a heartfelt tribute, Mr. Tahara distributed mochi, a traditional Japanese rice cake, adorned with the Dodgers’ logo, alongside complimentary margarita shots to honor Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela, who recently passed away. Valenzuela, a revered figure in baseball, is also being celebrated through a mural that is currently being crafted across the river in Boyle Heights.
Muralist Robert Vargas, splattered with paint from his creative endeavor, paused from his work on the Valenzuela mural to enjoy the series at Far Bar. In Little Tokyo, Vargas’s fame rivals Ohtani’s, especially for his remarkable tribute to the baseball star on the Miyako Hotel’s expansive wall.
“I’ve been a Dodger fan my whole life,” Vargas reflected, expressing his motivation to paint Ohtani “in the spirit of representation,” further cementing the connection between sports and community pride.
The Ohtani mural has become a must-see attraction for tourists from Japan, drawing countless visitors who come to snap photographs in front of the impressive artwork.
Dressed in Dodgers gear and Ohtani jerseys, Takatani Kiuchi flew in from Japan to relish the excitement of game two at Dodger Stadium and watched game three from Far Bar, mingling with fans from both Los Angeles and beyond.
“We are new Dodgers fans. From Tokyo. For us, it’s more about the Yankees versus Dodgers – that means a lot more than the World Series,” he proudly stated, highlighting the cultural connection between the teams.
Excitement swelled as the second game showcased Yoshinobu Yamamoto, another star from Japan, who delivered a stunning performance by pitching six innings and conceding just one hit, all while the Dodgers took on the Yankees.
Having last visited Los Angeles half a century ago, Kiuchi expressed his eagerness to return for another Dodgers experience.
“We came here to see this,” Kiuchi cheered exuberantly as Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman made contact for a home run, igniting applause and jubilation throughout the bar.
The city’s tourism board is equally enthusiastic about the surge in visitors; 2023 saw 230,000 tourists from Japan alone, marking a substantial 91.7 percent increase from the previous year.
With projections indicating 320,000 visitors by year-end, Bill Karz, the senior vice-president of brand marketing at LA Tourism, scans the horizon, welcoming the increase despite it falling short of pre-pandemic figures.
“The Ohtani effect is real,” Karz affirmed. “It impacts our entire economy, driving demand for hotels, entertainment, and experiences throughout the city.”
The ripple effects of Ohtani’s popularity also include a boost in ticket sales at renowned local attractions such as Universal Studios, alongside increased interest in Japanese language tours offered at iconic Dodger Stadium.
Even dedicated Yankee fans find themselves swept up in the Ohtani phenomenon, donning attire that reflects their admiration for the Japanese star.
In a sea of Dodgers blue, Vince Gonzales sported a black and red “Ohtani” jersey from the Japanese national team, playfully admitting his allegiances. “Shhh, I’m a Yankee fan,” he confided while mingling with tourists enjoying the atmosphere. “But more importantly, I’m an Ohtani fan because I have a passion for Japanese baseball.”
As game three concluded with a thrilling Dodger victory, excitement erupted at Far Bar, accompanied by the sounds of “I love LA” reverberating from the sound system.
Robert Vargas, the muralist, revelled in the moment when a woman from Japan dashed out of the bar to request photos in front of the stunning mural. He eagerly obliged as a crowd gathered, chanting “Let’s Go, Dodgers!” amidst the jubilant celebration.
**Interview with Don Tahara, Owner of Far Bar in Little Tokyo**
*Editor:* Thank you for joining us, Don. It sounds like you’ve been experiencing quite a bit of excitement at Far Bar during this World Series. How would you describe the atmosphere with the Dodgers’ thrilling victory and the “Ohtani effect”?
*Don Tahara:* Thank you for having me! The atmosphere has been electric! It’s like a festive carnival every time Shohei Ohtani comes to bat. The energy is infectious – fans from all over, wearing his jerseys, cheering, and of course, waiting for those sake shots when he hits a home run. The “Ohtani effect” is real, and it’s been fantastic for our neighborhood.
*Editor:* Speaking of the “Ohtani effect,” can you share how it has impacted business at Far Bar?
*Don Tahara:* Absolutely! Since the World Series started, business has surged. We’ve noticed an influx of tourists, especially from Japan. People are coming in not just for the games but also to be part of this incredible community spirit in Little Tokyo. It might not always be great for my pocketbook when I give away drinks for home runs, but the joy it brings warms my heart.
*Editor:* That’s great to hear! You mentioned the mural of Ohtani. How has it contributed to the local culture and tourism?
*Don Tahara:* The Ohtani mural has become a focal point for many fans. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting from Japan. People come to take pictures in front of it, and that overlap between sports and culture is beautiful. It makes people feel connected, not just to the team but to the entire community.
*Editor:* In light of the recent passing of Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela, how have you been honoring his legacy at Far Bar?
*Don Tahara:* It’s important for us to pay tribute to such an icon. We’ve been giving away mochi adorned with the Dodgers’ logo alongside margarita shots in his honor. It’s a small gesture to remember a player who meant so much to so many fans – tying together our traditions with the love of baseball.
*Editor:* As a lifelong Dodger fan yourself, how does it feel to see so much support and excitement around the team this season, especially with players like Ohtani and now Yamamoto?
*Don Tahara:* It’s been surreal! Growing up as a Dodger fan, seeing this new influx of fans, especially those from Japan, is heartwarming. There’s a sense of pride and unity that transcends the game itself. These connections remind us of what baseball is all about – community, celebration, and shared experiences.
*Editor:* Thank you for sharing your insights, Don. It’s clear that the “Ohtani effect” has turned Little Tokyo into a vibrant hub of baseball enthusiasm!
*Don Tahara:* My pleasure! We’re excited to keep the spirit alive as the finals continue. Go Dodgers!
