As the Dodgers gear up for the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees, the impact of superstar Shohei Ohtani is palpable in Little Tokyo. Local business owner Don Tahara has brought a unique twist to game day celebrations at his gastropub, Far Bar, where he’s been giving out nearly 100 free bottles of sake to honor Ohtani’s impressive performance. Tahara, a lifelong Dodgers fan, has made it a tradition to treat every customer to a “Shohei sake shot” whenever Ohtani hits a home run, and he believes the investment is worth every penny.
“Watching Ohtani at the Far Bar has turned into a family affair, especially when the Dodgers play at home,” Tahara shared, noting the influx of new faces, including women and seniors who previously might not have stepped foot in the bar. “On game days, we’ve seen business spike by about 30-40%. People who typically wouldn’t come here for sports are now flocking in for Shohei.”
The playoffs have drawn not just locals but a surge of visitors, notably from Japan, to Little Tokyo, which is becoming an unofficial “Dodger Town.” Business owners have quickly capitalized on the Ohtani phenomenon, introducing menu specials inspired by the two-way sensation. A striking mural of Ohtani at the Miyako Hotel has transformed into a must-see attraction, inviting more shoppers and diners into this historically rich area, which faces threats of gentrification.
“The impact of Ohtani’s signing with the Dodgers has been massive,” said Adam Burke, the president and CEO of the Los Angeles tourism board, predicting Japanese tourist numbers could reach 400,000 this year—a number nearly double that of 2023. The general manager of the Miyako Hotel confirmed that on game days, nearly all its guests are Ohtani fans.
Mariko Lochridge, small-business coordinator at the Little Tokyo Service Center, remarked on Ohtani’s influence on the broader cultural landscape. “Ohtani has not only boosted tourism; he has enhanced the visibility of Japanese culture and language in the U.S.,” she observed. “We hope this surge will lead people to discover and fall in love with our neighborhood.”
Throughout the historic four streets of Little Tokyo, culinary spots have embraced the Ohtani trend, with establishments like Fugetsu-Do introducing the “Sho-mochi,” a special mochi treat, and Okayama Kobo bakery offering Dodgers’ helmet-shaped pastries. Tahara credits local artist Robert Vargas for the mural that has attracted numerous tourists, many of whom stop by Far Bar for a drink after snapping photos.
The excitement even extends to family-owned businesses like Mr. Ramen, the last remaining ramen shop on First Street, where co-owner Ryusei Yamamoto reports a boost in sales and interest from visitors eager to explore Japanese cuisine. “We’re seeing many more people curious about the Japanese community. Ohtani has certainly opened doors for us,” he said, noting that his restaurant took a hit during the pandemic but has started to recover.
However, the future of Little Tokyo remains uncertain amidst rising development pressures. With significant projects on the horizon, longtime residents and businesses continue to feel the strain. Kristin Fukushima, managing director of the Little Tokyo Community Council, noted that more than half of the legacy businesses in the area have closed in the past 15 years due to increasing rents and development demands.
“We need to ensure that as tourism grows from events like the World Series, the focus remains on supporting our legacy businesses,” Fukushima emphasized. “While we’re excited for the Dodgers and the potential for change, we want to preserve the character of our community that has thrived for 140 years.”
The 2028 Olympics loom on the horizon, adding further urgency to this conversation about balancing growth with cultural preservation. “We’re not against progress, but we want to make sure it doesn’t come at the expense of our historic neighborhood,” she concluded.
