Photos: Dodgers Japanese interpreter Kenji Nimura

Interpreter Kenji Nimura, left, who tries to blend in when he’s on the job, is just a few feet away from pitcher Hiroki Kuroda during an interview at Dodger Stadium.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

When Dodgers starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, who speaks and understands limited English, is on the move, Kenji Nimura is never far behind as the two head into the clubhouse at Dodger Stadium.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Dodgers interpreter Kenji Nimura stays close to pitcher Hiroki Kuroda as he loosens up in the outfield at Dodger Stadium. Nimura moved to Los Angeles from Japan as a boy and began to comprehend English as he listened to Vin Scully broadcast Dodgers games.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Kenji Nimura, 37, looks down at the field at Dodger Stadium, where he plies his trade as an interpreter of English, Spanish and Japanese for players and media.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Kenji Nimura has spent plenty of time in the Dodgers’ bullpen. Before he became an interpreter for the team, Nimura would attend games with his father and watch Hiroki Kuroda warm up before a game.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)