Home Football A famous artist will honor Shohei Ohtani with a huge painting called ‘LA Rising’ in Los Angeles’s Little Tokyo

A famous artist will honor Shohei Ohtani with a huge painting called ‘LA Rising’ in Los Angeles’s Little Tokyo

Football — 03/10/2024

When he played for the LA Angels, Shohei Ohtani was a huge star. But since he joined their crosstown enemies, the LA Dodgers, he has become one of the most famous athletes in the world. His $700 million contract set the stage for many off-season stories, and his legendary skill and humble personality have made him a truly beloved figure.

Renowned Artist Honors Shohei Ohtani with 'LA Rising' Mural in Little Tokyo

In Japan, Ohtani is thought to be bigger than Michael Jordan was in the US when he was at his best. In Los Angeles, you could make the same case. In LA’s Little Tokyo District, the Miyako Hotel is going to paint a painting of Shohei Ohtani on the outside wall to show how famous he is.

shobae 大谷翔平 ¹⁷ Ohtani Shohei ¹⁷ 🧘‍♀️ (@shoheisaveus) / X

Well-known artist Robert Vargas began painting the tribute to Ohtani on March 8. He will keep working on his masterpiece until March 27, when the 150-by-60-foot mural will be revealed. The Dodgers play on Opening Day tomorrow. This seems like a great way to get people even more excited, since things are almost at a fever pitch already.

With the mural’s name, “LA Rising,” fans will be hoping that it marks the start of a dynasty and the Dodgers’ return to the World Series.

Ⓕⓡⓐⓝⓒⓔⓢⓒⓐ☆ (@DecoOhtani117) / X

Vargas made a statement that read:

When baseball fans get together in Little Tokyo, they will be able to show their pride in their city and their love for the Dodgers. There is no better place for this honor to Ohtani and the Dodgers. I’m grateful to The Miyako Hotel for letting me show it to the world.

Mural celebrating Shohei Ohtani's move to Dodgers pops up in Hermosa Beach

In Spring Training, Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers played against the Angels.The LA Dodgers played their foes, the LA Angels, on Wednesday, and Shohei Ohtani was the center of attention. Ohtani didn’t get a hit after he got into a fight with former partner Mike Trout. The Angels won the game 4-0.

“A lot of the boys were here today,” Ohtani told reporters after the game. It sounds like there are no bad feelings between the players. I was able to catch up with most of them. It wasn’t too strange or uncomfortable because it is what it is. When I played at the Angels’ house, things might have been different.The Dodgers will want to get off to a fast start as Opening Day gets closer. In 2024, it will be interesting to see if Shohei Ohtani and his team can live up to the hype.