Muralist Robert Vargas to paint Dodgers' Japanese stars in Torrance

Robert Vargas will paint a 130-foot by 50-foot mural titled "Samurai of the Diamond" on the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance, beginning March 1 with an unveiling planned for March 24.

Plans for a mural celebrating Torrance's Japanese American heritage and three Los Angeles Dodgers players were unveiled at a Feb. 27 press conference. Artist Robert Vargas will install the work on the south-facing wall of the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance and will begin painting on March 1. The mural is titled "Samurai of the Diamond" and will feature Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki. Torrance has longstanding friendship-city ties with Kashiwa and recent links with Oshu and Bizen, and the work is described by Vargas as a cultural bridge between Los Angeles and Japan. Key details: - Location: south-facing wall of the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance, 21333 Hawthorne Blvd. - Size: about 130 feet tall and 50 feet wide. - Dates: Vargas will start painting March 1 and the official unveiling is set for March 24. - Subjects: The mural, called "Samurai of the Diamond," features Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki. - Community and approvals: Torrance City Council approved the project unanimously on Feb. 10 and Councilmember Jon Kaji helped bring Vargas to the city. - Technique and features: Vargas said he will paint the mural freehand without grids or projections, the corrugated wall presents a challenge, and the installation will include placards and an augmented reality component. Summary: The mural is intended to celebrate local Japanese American heritage and highlight connections between Torrance and Japanese cities associated with the featured players. Painting begins March 1, with a public unveiling on March 24. Vargas has said he welcomes visitors while he works and the installation will include placards and an augmented reality feature.