AAPI Proud in Torrance: Welcoming Dodgers Ohtani and Yamamoto
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) roots are strong in Torrance, CA dating back to before WWII. In fact, Torrance has the second largest population of ethnic Japanese in the US. It shows heavily in our city and our strong connection with the Japanese community is one of the many reasons why we are so immensely proud of the new Japanese Dodgers – Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium is just 22.6 miles away from Torrance, making Torrance a great home base to come support the newest players. Torrance offers 15 excellent hotels, including several Japanese options, along with deliciously authentic restaurants and rich Japanese culture. Here’s what you need to know:
All About Ohtani
Ohtani recently signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers making him the world’s highest paid athlete. He is being called the next Babe Ruth thanks to his phenomenal 2-way playing status as a leading pitcher and a designated hitter. He’s the first MLB player to win MVP by unanimous vote twice, the first Japanese-born player to win a major league home run title and the first Japanese player to have the most popular Major League Baseball jersey sales.
Get to Know Yamamoto
The Los Angeles Dodgers also recently signed Yamamoto, another Japanese pitcher, to a 12-year, $325 million contract. In September 2023, he became the first Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) pitcher to throw no-hitters in consecutive seasons. He was also on the Japanese baseball team that won gold in the 2020 Summer Olympics, beating Team USA in the gold-medal game.
Ready to catch a game? The Dodger Stadium Express is a FREE shuttle to and from Dodgers stadium on game days. Board and return at the Harbor Gateway Transit Center for service in the South Bay. The shuttle starts two hours before game time and departs anytime between the end of the 7th inning and 45 minutes after the game.
JAPANESE HOTELS
Miyako Hybrid Hotel
The Miyako is rich in Japanese elegance with suites and single rooms, some with Japanese soaking tubs. Ise-Shima, their traditional Japanese restaurant, is just downstairs, as is their Spa Relaken, where you can get a hot stone Ganban-yoku waterless bedrock bath after your massage.
Redac Gateway Hotel
The Redac offers both spacious suites and cozy single rooms. They have a buffet-style breakfast with both Japanese and American options and you can even request a rice cooker for use in your room. There’s also a Starbucks on-site, a separate café and a bar serving traditional Japanese Sake and other cocktails.
JAPANESE RESTAURANTS
Hakata Ikkousha Ramen
Fresh ramen is a Torrance specialty. It’s home to the Ramen Trail and Hakata Ikkousha Ramen is one of the best. You create your own bowl with their custom ordering sheet, choosing from a host of fresh ingredients. We recommend the Mentaiko or God Fire with crisp fried chicken and the Goodness Gyozas. Check out all your incredible dining options in Torrance.
Mitsuwa Market
Head to Mitsuwa Market for your fill of Japanese culture. Located at the Del Amo Fashion Center, one of the ten largest malls in America, Mitsuwa is the spot for Japanese packaged goods, cosmetics, fresh meat and produce. There are also several food vendors offering ramen, sushi, sake and more.
Irifune
Gozen is a uniquely Japanese cuisine and Irifune is a prime place to experience it. You’ll dine on a main dish, rice, soup and multiple side dishes. You may also have the chance to meet with Tomoko, a female sushi chef, who works there, and learn all about how to make sushi.
Torrance Japanese Markets
Torrance is also home to a number of Japanese markets including:
Mitsuwa Marketplace
3525 W. Carson St. – located at Del Amo Fashion Center
Torrance, CA 90503
Nijiya Market
2121 W. 182nd St.
Torrance, CA 90504
Seiwa Market
21815 Hawthorne Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90503
Tokyo Central
3832 W. Sepulveda Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90505
Daiso
3842 Sepulveda Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90505
JAPANESE CULTURE
Pine Wind Japanese Garden
Get your zen on in between games at Torrance’s own peaceful Japanese garden. The Pine Wind is part of the Torrance Cultural Arts Center and was designed by National Landscape Award winner Takeo Uesugi. Often used for weddings and photo sessions, it features two small waterfalls, a koi pond and beautiful stone pathways. Visitors are always welcome.
American Honda Center & Museum
Did you know that the American Honda Center is located right here in Torrance? It’s true. The Honda Center is home to a new museum that opened a little over a year ago. Come explore their impressive collection of historic cars, race cars, motorcycles and even things like lawnmowers and weed whackers the company has built in years past.
Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival – April
Spring brings baseball and the Cherry Blossom Festival in Torrance and in Japan. Last year featured 40+ food, craft and community vendors along with performances from Pan-Asian dancers and Taiko Drummers.
Bunka-Sai Festival – April
This 2-day weekend festival is a feast of Japanese culture as we honor Torrance’s sister-city relationship with Kashiwa, Japan, a relationship that celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Torrance also has many friendship cities throughout Taiwan and South Korea.
This festival is your chance to immerse yourself in authentic dance and music performances, along with flower arranging, bonsai, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, martial arts, storytelling, origami and so much more. You can count on lots of food vendors as well. Every day they’ll have a $300 grand prize for visitors.
LET US PLAN YOUR GETAWAY
If you’d like personal suggestions for your stay, stop by the California Welcome Center Torrance at the Del Amo Fashion Center at the main entrance on level 1. They can help you plan out your whole vacation on their interactive kiosks. Book your stay and discover everything unbelievable but true in Torrance.