Shohei Ohtani helps revitalize Little Tokyo in Los Angeles – NBC Los Angeles

After Shohei Ohtani signed with the Dodgers last December, Little Tokyo is experiencing a resurgence for many small businesses.

Don Tahara, who owns Far Bar in Little Tokyo, said business has gotten busier, especially after he decided to give away free sake bombs for every home run Ohtani hit.

He said when Ohtani hit three home runs in a game against the Miami Marlins on Sept. 19, they almost ran out of sake.

“The people in Little Tokyo are obviously very proud that Shohei is doing well, and a lot of our customers who aren’t Dodger fans are now Dodger fans, and so it’s good for the Dodgers, it’s good for Little Tokyo,” Tahara said.

Directly across from the bar, the huge 150-foot-tall mural of Dodger superstar Robert Vargas has also helped revitalize the area.

“(Businesses) have been hit so hard during COVID,” Vargas said. “It was also part of the intention to contribute to trade in the region. It’s an incredible thing to watch.”

Tahara also said that after the mural is completed, more people will visit Little Tokyo, which means Far Bar guests will come.

Vargas said the mural also seemed to create a sense of renewal in the community.

“This is Dodger Town now. I brought this project to the Miyako Hotel to create unity and connect cultures here in Little Tokyo,” said Vargas, a Boyle Heights native who grew up across the bridge from Little Tokyo.

On Monday, he will begin painting a mural of former Dodger player Fernando Valenzuela in Boyle Heights, to be unveiled Nov. 1.