Civic Engagement Project - Little Tokyo

Phase 1: The site 

    I chose a mural of MLB star Shohei Ohtani, titled “LA Rising” located in Little Tokyo which represents the growth and diversity of Los Angeles. Since he plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers, it feels connected to the community in Los Angeles. Also, this mural is about these three ambassadors of Japan who came to Los Angeles and shared their culture with our city to bridge unity which is considered to bring people around the world together. As the author calls a “cultural bridge” between two nations. 

   I chose this site because it caught my attention every time I went to Little Tokyo. The colors and design make it stand out, and I think it looks powerful and inspiring. It is very interesting to me since I figured out the features of an interactive QR code that activates an augmented reality (AR) experience. 

 



Phase 2: Field Work 

   I documented the MLB star Shohei Ohtani, who is the subject of a large 150-foot-tall mural, which was unveiled in March 2024 on the Miyako Hotel in Little Tokyo. It is a large public mural that stands out because of its bright colors and detailed design with an interactive QR code which makes the mural more interesting. 

   The mural is located in Little Tokyo in the Los Angeles area, painted by artist Robert Vargas. He is a freehand artist known for painting directly on the surface without sketches. Showing Ohtani in his Dodger uniform and focusing on his pitcher and batter. It includes a QR code for viewers to feel a realistic interaction with the artwork. In addition, this artwork symbolizes the cultral brigde with between Japan and Los Angeles, and it is called "Team LA". 





Phase 3: Critical Analysis

   For its duality and visual language, the mural depicts Ohtani both pitching and batting which emphasizes his rare two-way ability. This dual image composition is effective but also like somewhat literal. It communicates his uniqueness clearly, yet lacks abstraction or deeper symbolic layering you might expect in more conceptually ambitious public art. It visualizes the duality of offense/defense, Japan/U.S., and individuality/teamwork within the mural. 


   The mural of Shohei Ohtani in Little Tokyo has a layered impact on the local community, bringing both benefits and tensions into it. On the positive side, it boosts visibility, tourism, and economic activity, drawing visitors who support nearby shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces. It also serves as a point of pride in reinforcing Japanese and Japanese American identity by celebrating a globally recognized figure who represents the cultural connection between Japan and Los Angeles. 


   At the same time, the increased attention can contribute to rising rents and commercial pressure which may threaten long-standing small businesses and residents. In that sense the mural functions not just as public art but as a catalyst, strengthening cultural visibility while also accelerating changes that the community must actively navigate.

Phase 4: Proposal

  One thing I like about this mural is how it connects two countries and represents the Japanese community in Los Angeles. The image of Shohei Ohtani shows how Japanese became an important figure in the U.S. which reflects the diversity of the city and makes the community feel more inclusive. 


   The mural of Shohei Ohtani in Little Tokyo should be leveraged not just as a tourist attraction but as a platform for sustained community benefit. This proposal recommends developing a structured program that connects the mural to local culture, history, and economic support. 


   However, I think more community artwork should include everyday people, not just celebrities. While murals of celebrities are inspiring, the neighborhood should also be represented to better reflect its culture and identity.  I would recommend adding more murals that show local residents, different cultures, and share experiences. 

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