Little Tokyo, a thriving district in Los Angeles, has witnessed changes through the year - from the implementation of the new Metro Regional Connector to the unprecedented events of the pandemic - as existing businesses and the community faced the challenges of the times, including potential evictions and financial issues to keep their doors open. Yet Little Tokyo has adapted to the changes and fought back to preserve the Japanese culture that has kept visitors coming back to learn and adapt to the traditions present since the birth of the district in 1885. Through historic moments, the small district has kept its identity through the years as the community shares their culture with everyone who comes to learn. Now, with the arrival of Shohei Ohtani to the Los Angeles Dodgers, more Japanese tourists have visited the community for the first time in years, as the community celebrates someone that represents their culture and heritage. Little Tokyo continues to thrive for another day, and somewhere in the future, the community will continue to face changes and adapt to preserve what’s left of the historic district’s identity.
Joseph Ma won the best Shohei Ohtani lookalike as Ma is being interviewed by a reporter expressing his joy.
