DISCOVER THE TOP 5 AAPI CULTURE IN LOS ANGELES

Shohei Ohtani Mural

Los Angeles is home to some of the largest Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) enclaves outside of their native countries. Generations of AAPI immigrants and Asian Americans have helped make LA one of the most diverse cities in the country. From cultural institutions to landmark buildings, World War II monuments and more, explore the rich cultures and vital histories of the AAPI community in Los Angeles.

1) SHOHEI OHTANI MURAL - MIYAKO HOTEL

328 E. First St., Los Angeles 90012
213-617-2000
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On the eve of the Dodgers' home opener in March 2024, Boyle Heights artist Robert Vargas unveiled a 150-foot mural of superstar Shohei Ohtani on the side of the Miyako Hotel in Little Tokyo. The mural depicts Ohtani and his once-in-a-generation skills as a two-way player.

In his Instagram post, Vargas said: "The inspiration for this mural really comes down to #unity, bridging cultures, and representation. This mural is meant to speak to the greater Los Angeles area where everyone feels like they’re a part of this mural. I’m really looking forward to seeing how people who are from all different parts of the city come here to look at this mural and feel a sense of city pride. Much luv to everyone who came by while I painted this and #GoDodgers"
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2) DODGER STADIUM

1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles 90012
323-224-1469
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Starting on Opening Day in March 2024, a historic Japanese stone lantern that was gifted to the Dodgers in 1965 is now displayed in a more prominent location, on the Top Deck of Dodger Stadium.

The eight-foot tall, 3,921-pound Kasuga-style stone lantern was presented to the Dodgers organization by Japanese sports columnist Sotaro Suzuki, who is also a member of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. Suzuki, who worked with team president Walter O’Malley on the Brooklyn Dodgers’ 1956 Goodwill Tour to Japan, wanted to give the Dodgers and O’Malley a gift for inviting him and his wife, Toku, as guests to the Grand Opening of Dodger Stadium on April 9, 1962.

The Dodgers have a longstanding legacy with Japanese baseball, from goodwill exchanges to Japan-born stars like 1995 Rookie of the Year Hideo Nomo and the team's new signees, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
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3) CHINATOWN CENTRAL PLAZA

950 N Broadway, Los Angeles 90012

Bruce Lee statue in Chinatown's Central Plaza
Photo: @yagoddamnright, Instagram

Chinatown's bustling Central Plaza is home to must-see AAPI monuments like the 7-foot statue of Bruce Lee. The legendary martial arts star owned a studio a short walk from the statue, at 628 W. College St. A plaque commemorates Peter SooHoo Sr, the co-founder of Chinatown and the first Chinese American employee of the Department of Water and Power. (Peter's grandson is Jon SooHoo, the Dodgers' official photographer.) Nearby is the Chinese Celestial Dragon mural painted in 1941 by Tyrus Wong, who is renowned as the lead artist on Walt Disney's Bambi and for his work on numerous classic films.
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4) THE CHINESE AMERICAN MUSEUM

425 N Los Angeles St, Los Angeles 90012
213-485-8567
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Located near Chinatown at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, the Chinese American Museum (CAM) is the first museum in Southern California that's dedicated to the Chinese American experience and history in this region. Spanning more than 150 years of history, the museum's permanent exhibitions include Origins: The Birth and Rise of Chinese American Communities in Los Angeles; Journeys, and the Sun Wing Wo General Store and Herb Shop installation. CAM is housed in the Garnier Building, the last surviving structure of LA’s original Chinatown.
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5) DUKE'S MALIBU

21150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu 90265
310-317-0777
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The legendary "Father of Surfing," Duke Kahanamoku was a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming. He was also an alternate on the U.S. water polo team at the 1932 Summer Olympics in LA. Thanks to his striking good looks, Duke appeared in numerous films as a character actor, which helped him popularize surfing in SoCal. Duke was a member of the Los Angeles Athletic Club in Downtown LA, where he was a lifeguard and competed on the swimming and water polo teams.

In the late 1920s, Duke frequently surfed at Malibu Point, now known as Surfrider Beach. Located off Pacific Coast Highway, Surfrider Beach was dedicated as the first World Surfing Reserve in October 2010. A short drive from Surfrider Beach, Duke's Malibu features a statue of Duke Kahanamoku that was unveiled for the restaurant's 20th anniversary in August 2016.
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