Created by internationally acclaimed artist Gajin Fujita to commemorate Central 100, this artwork blends Japanese mythology with the vibrant energy of Los Angeles graffiti culture.

Kintaro, the legendary “Golden Boy” celebrated for bravery, stands before two golden orbs as a platinum “100” bursts like fireworks, evoking Central Library’s enduring “Light of Learning.” Carrying rope-bound books from Fujita’s childhood memories, Kintaro raises a bat inspired by Freddie Freeman’s 2024 World Series walk-off grand slam celebration. Rendered in bold LA graffiti style, “LAPL” celebrates the Library as open to all and rooted in the city’s culture, artistic innovation, and love of storytelling.

In 2019, the Los Angeles Public Library teamed with LA artist Gajin Fujita to create a limited-edition library card featuring a detail of his painting, Guardian Angel.

As a child, Gajin Fujita dreamed in the aisles of his local branch of the Los Angeles Public Library in Boyle Heights, reading about the Japanese folkloric heroes and legends that would later play across his celebrated paintings. 

Reverence for Japanese art history and pride for his identity as an LA native assert equal importance in Fujita's work. His paintings incorporate graffiti language, traditional iconography drawn from Japanese woodblock prints, and symbols that murmur insider's reference to West Coast Culture.