It’s known as the “Ohtani effect” here in the Little Tokyo area of Los Angeles.
With his name printed on supporter jerseys and a 150-foot (45-meter) mural, Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ top player, loomed enormous over the ancient neighborhood.
Despite being referred to as “America’s pastime,” baseball’s biggest star is Japanese. The footballer inked a record-breaking deal to play this season, worth an incredible $700 million (£540 million) over ten years, and the excitement surrounding him has only increased, drawing in new multicultural customs and admirers.
Here, business has flourished. Visitors arrive from all around the world, including the star’s native nation.
After an incredible comeback, the Dodgers win the World Series.
Three Dodgers jersey-wearing fans applaud at a table inside a pub.
The Little Tokyo neighborhood in Los Angeles has been the focal point of Ohtani celebrations due to tourists and Asian Americans.
Don Tahara, who owns Far Bar, where Dodgers games are shown on dozens of TVs, adds, “When Shohei comes to bat, they know if he hits the home run we start pouring sake shots.” For hundreds of supporters, home runs typically translate into complimentary rice wine.
A lot of sake, that is. Ohtani has blasted 54 home runs so far this season, but none in the World Series, which the Dodgers won on Wednesday.
