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 standout player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, loomed enormous over the ancient neighborhood.
Despite being referred to as “America’s pastime,” baseball’s biggest star is Japanese. The player agreed to a record-breaking $700 million (£540 million) ten-year contract to play this season, and the excitement surrounding him has only increased, drawing in new supporters.
Here, business has flourished. Visitors arrive from all around the world, including the star’s native nation.
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.
