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Friday, June 28, 2024

2023 documentary Kim's Video in Pittsburgh, July 19 - 23.


The 2023 documentary Kim's Video will play in Pittsburgh from July 19 through 23.
An elegiac tribute to a vanished New York and endangered video store culture, part-documentary and part-heist drama, Redmon and Sabin’s film tells the story of the rise and fall of Korean immigrant Youngman Kim’s fabled video store empire—and that’s just the beginning. An investigation into the fate of the massive Kim’s collection, shipped to a village in Sicily following the last rental store’s closure and a deal with a shady politician, inspires a plot by the filmmakers to bring thousands of discs and VHS tapes back home, pulled off in a manner that must be seen to be believed.
It plays at the Harris Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map), and tickets are available online.

Comedian Ronny Chieng comes to Pittsburgh as part of The Love To Hate It Tour, November 30.


Comedian Ronny Chieng will perform in Pittsburgh on November 30.
Ronny Chieng is a stand up comedian, actor and Correspondent on "The Daily Show". In addition to two Netflix stand-up comedy specials, Ronny has starred in "Crazy Rich Asians", Marvel's "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings", "M3GAN", "American Born Chinese", "Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.", "Vacation Friends 2", "Joy Ride" and will star in the upcoming Hulu series "Interior Chinatown".
Tickets go on sale 10:00 am EST today, June 28. The show will be held at the Byham Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map) at 7:00 pm.

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Japanese rock band Boris (ボリス) returns to Pittsburgh, October 18, performing entirety of Amplifier Worship.


The Japanese rock band Boris (ボリス) will return to Pittsburgh on October 18 to perform "Amplifier Worship" in its entirety.
In 2024, Boris will undergo a tour performing all the songs off their first album. We have already reached a quarter-century since the release of that 1st album, “Amplifier Worship”. Boris has been in constant pursuit of their own ideal “heavy” since their formation in 1992. From the outset they became like a chimera, evolving at a rapid pace, establishing a unique style with extreme downtuning and megavolume. Their broad sense of “Heavy Rock” swelled grotesquely, as it engulfed powerviolence, ambient and drone, with a trance component of krautrock and so on.

Japanese rock band BURNOUT SYNDROMES in Pittsburgh, August 24.


The Japanese rock band BURNOUT SYNDROMES will play in Pittsburgh on August 24. Tickets for the show at Mr. Smalls Theater in Millvale will go on sale tomorrow, June 28.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan performing in Pittsburgh, November 16.


The Cloud Gate Dance Theater of Taiwan will perform in Pittsburgh on November 16.
Claimed as “Asia’s leading contemporary dance theater” (The Times), Cloud Gate has set out to engage with local history, culture, and subject matter through classical, folk, and modern dance for over 50 years. Cloud Gate combines their practices in Qi Gong, martial artist, modern dance, street dance, and ballet—transforming ancient aesthetics into a thrilling celebration of motion.

Cloud Gate shares 13 Tongues by artistic director CHENG Tsung-lung, a work based on Bangka/Wanhua, the oldest district of Taipei, and legendary 1960s street artist “Thirteen Tongues”. Through imagination and storytelling recalling childhood memories and visual art, 13 Tongues evokes centuries of human endeavor, behavior, and belief.
The performance will be held at the Byham Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map). Group tickets are available for purchase now, but individual tickets will go on sale August 16.

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka in Pittsburgh, November 2.


Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka will perform in Pittsburgh on November 2.
Atsuko is growner than ever, having figured everything out from doing laundry to charcuterie platters to her relationship with her father. No notes or tweaks needed, she's a perfect human!!

ATSUKO OKATSUKA is a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer based in LA. Atsuko was born in Taiwan and spent her childhood in Japan. Her debut standup special, THE INTRUDER – directed by Tig Notaro premiered on HBO, December 2022 and was named the "Best Debut Special of 2022" by the New York Times and one of the "Best Specials of 2022" by Vulture and Variety. She won the 2023 Gracie Award for "Best Special" and Atsuko was nominated for "Best Comedian" by the Wowie Awards. She was named one of Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch for 2022, and when she made her late-night stand-up debut on THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH JAMES CORDEN, Vulture proclaimed she “won late-night.” She has performed to sold-out crowds all over North America on her 2023 theater tour, FULL GROWN, which she will be taking to Europe, Asia and Australia/NZ in 2024.

Atsuko is currently developing a half hour comedy series based on her life with FX. Her on-screen credits include HISTORY OF THE WORLD PT. II (Hulu), ROOM 104 (HBO), and THE SHOW NEXT DOOR WITH RANDALL PARK (ROKU+). Atsuko was recently featured on THIS AMERICAN LIFE with Ira Glass and told the story of how she got to the USA. She was raised by her grandmother, and they created the #DropChallenge together which has amassed more than 10 million views. Her unique upbringing brings an artfully-offbeat resilient persona which is perfectly embodied in her blunt bangs and bowl cut.
The performance is at the Byham Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map) and tickets for the 7:00 pm show are available online.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Sushi Atarashi, Wushiland Boba to open in East End's Meridian development next spring.


Sushi Atarashi, a small chain of sushi restaurants in Pittsburgh, and national bubble tea chain Wushiland Boba are confirmed as tenants for the East End Meridian development in Shadyside set to open next spring, according to restaurant ownership and a June 25 Pittsburgh Business Times article.

Sushi Atarashi is the rebranded outcome of Sushi Fuku, as the two split back in 2015 with the S. Craig St. location in Oakland retaining the original name. Sushi Atarashi---atarashi means "new" in Japanese---has several locations around the Pittsburgh area in addition to the original Oakland Avenue location, and is aiming to open a revolving sushi restaurant in Robinson later this summer. Restaurant ownership confirms revolving sushi will be part of this new Meridian location as well. Wushiland Boba is a growing chain that opened its first Pittsburgh location in January. Sushi Atarashi and Wushiland Boba will join Market District, Shake Shack, and Barnes & Noble at The Meridian, which is replacing a small strip mall in Shadyside.

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Spice Island Tea House holding its final take-out offer through 3 pm today, June 25.


Spice Island Tea House, the longtime Oakland restaurant that closed its doors on September 30, will hold its final take-out event through 3:00 pm today, June 25. The restaurant has been holding occasional pop-up events since the fall. Supplies and quantities are limited, but orders may be placed via their Squarespace site.

2024 Japanese animated film Blue Lock: Episode Nagi (劇場版ブルーロック -EPISODE 凪) in Pittsburgh, from June 27.


The 2024 Japanese animated film Blue Lock: Episode Nagi (劇場版ブルーロック -EPISODE 凪) will play in Pittsburgh from June 27.
"That's a hassle." That was second-year high schooler Nagi Seishiro's favorite phrase as he lived his dull life. Until Mikage Reo, a classmate who dreamed of winning the World Cup, discovered Nagi's hidden skill, inspiring him to play soccer and share his outstanding talent. One day, he receives an invitation to the mysterious BLUE LOCK Project. What awaits him there is an encounter with the finest strikers assembled from across the country. Nagi's dream of becoming the best, alongside Reo, will take this prodigy to a world he's never known. A prodigy can only be shaped when someone discovers him... now, striker Nagi Seishiro's incredible talent and persona will set the soccer world ablaze.
The movie is the 13th-highest grossing film this year in Japan, where it was released in April. It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Saturday, June 22, 2024

2004 Japanese animated film Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (イノセンス) in Pittsburgh, June 23, 24, 26.


The 2024 Japanese animated film Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (イノセンス) will play in Pittsburgh on June 23, 24, and 26.
In the year 2032, the line between humans and machines has been blurred almost beyond distinction. A string of murders perpetrated by a prototype android model has drawn the attention of Public Security Section 9, a unit specializing in counter cyber-terrorism. With none of the victims' families pressing charges, suspicions arise regarding the nature of the androids and their production company. In the course of the investigation, the almost entirely cyber-bodied agent Batou, and his still human partner Togusa embark on a journey through a technological dystopia, taking on ferocious Yakuza thugs, devious hackers, government bureaucrats, and corporate criminals to uncover the shocking truth behind the crime. Acclaimed director Mamoru Oshii pushes further into the world and concepts first developed in his groundbreaking film Ghost in the Shell, considered one of the most important and iconic anime films ever made. With its thought-provoking speculations on artificial intelligence, which have only become more relevant in our present world, GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: INNOCENCE celebrates its 20th anniversary returning to cinemas in a lustrous new 4K restoration.
It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and Robinson. Tickets are available online; some shows are dubbed in English while others are in Japanese with English subtitles.

Friday, June 21, 2024

Signage up at Shadyside's Paris Baguette.


Temporary window signage is up at 5514 Walnut St. (map), where a Paris Baguette is coming soon. It is one of two Pittsburgh-area locations for the Korean bakery chain, though the franchisee aims to open five throughout the region.

Paris Baguette will be the second international Korean bakery chain to open in Pittsburgh, following Tous Les Jours in March 2024. The bakeries are part of a recent wave of national and international chains finally opening locations in Pittsburgh after ignoring the area for years; these chains include Mango Mango, Tiger Sugar, Kpot, Kyuramen, Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ, and Wushiland Boba, among others. In my view these chains are a healthy, welcome complement to local restaurants and cafes, a sign that Pittsburgh is able and very willing to support the franchises we see in many larger or similarly-sized cities.

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Bellevue's Thai Tamarind to open second location in Glenshaw.


A second Thai Tamarind location is coming soon to Glenshaw. It will be located at 2909 Mt. Royal Blvd. (map) in what is currently Le Thai Cafe. Expansion was foreshadowed by a new Thai Tamarind Noodle & Rice LLC created last month. Updates will be posted on its newly-created Instagram page.

1954 Akira Kurosawa film Seven Samurai (七人の侍) at Row House Lawrenceville, from July 12.


The 1954 Akira Kurosawa film Seven Samurai (七人の侍) will play at Row House Lawrenceville from July 12, part of the theater's Samurai Remix series.
We are thrilled to show the brand new 4k restoration of Akira Kurosawa’s thrilling, two-part masterpiece set in 16th century Japan that is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made. When a village is invaded by bandits, they turn to seven samurai warriors for protection.
Showtimes and tickets are available online. The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler Street in Lawrenceville (map).

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Japanese rock group ASH DA HERO performing in Pittsburgh this July at Tekko.


Japanese rock group ASH DA HERO will perform in Pittsburgh this July at Tekko, Pittsburgh's largest anime convention with special attention to Japanese animation, fashion, music, and entertainment. Their US talent agency describes the group:
ormed in September 2021 with 5 members: ASH (Vo.), Narukaze (Gt.), Sato (Ba.), WANI (Dr.), and Dhalsim (DJ).

ASH DA HERO is a new-age mixture rock band where the five talents met by fate.

With an ever-changing musical style, the band’s music has its roots in rock, punk, and hip hop. ASH’s vocal power and the band’s overwhelming live performance makes this band a must-see.
Tekko runs July 18 through 21 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center downtown (map), and tickets are available online. More specific show time and information will be posted later.

2024 Hong Kong film Crisis Negotiators (談判專家) in Pittsburgh from June 21.


The 2024 Hong Kong film Crisis Negotiators (談判專家), starring Sean Lau and Francis Ng, will play in Pittsburgh from June 21.
Senior Negotiator Cheuk Man Wai accidentally becomes the number one suspect in a murder case. He is forced to occupy the police station and take the police hostage. He also appoints former negotiator Tse Ka Chun to talk to him.
It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and tickets are available online.

2024 Japanese animated film Haikyu! The Dumpster Battle (劇場版ハイキュー!! ゴミ捨て場の決戦) continues in Pittsburgh for two more days, June 21 and 22.


The 2024 Japanese animated film Haikyu! The Dumpster Battle (劇場版ハイキュー!! ゴミ捨て場の決戦) will continue here through June 19 and for two additional days, June 21 and 22.
Shoyo Hinata joins Karasuno High's volleyball club to be like his idol, a former Karasuno player known as the "Little Giant." But, Hinata soon finds that he must team up with his middle school nemesis, Tobio Kageyama. Their clashing styles turn into a surprising weapon, but can they beat their rival Nekoma High in the highly anticipated "Dumpster Battle," the long awaited ultimate showdown between two opposing underdog teams?
It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and tickets are available online; please note, some shows are dubbed in English while others are in Japanese with English subtitles.

Monday, June 17, 2024

Pittsburgh Kyūsha and Senpai Party present Japanese Car and Cosplay Night, June 22 (and July 20, August 24) at Voodoo Brewing West Pike.


Pittsburgh Kyūsha and Senpai Party will present Japanese Car and Cosplay Night on June 20 at Voodoo Brewing in Houston, PA (between Pittsburgh and Washington, PA) from 6:00 to 10:00 pm.
No matter what side of the car you drive on or what make you love, come show off your rides, feel free to wear your favorite cosplay, and join us!

June 22nd, July 20th, and August 24th 6pm-10PM

As always, please be respectful of our gracious hosts and their lot. See you there!
Additional Japanese Car and Cosplay Night events will be held on July 20 and August 24. Voodoo Brewing West Pike is located at 23 W. Pike St. in Houston (map).

Friday, June 14, 2024

Taiwanese bubble tea chain Gong cha's first Pittsburgh location to open June 15.


Pittsburgh's first Gong cha is set to open on the South Side on June 15. It will be located at 1303 E. Carson St. (map). Its official site tells the story of the chain, which has locations around the world:
Founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Gong Cha, which translates to “tribute tea for the emperor” opened its doors to the bubble tea market. Gong cha’s success in Taiwan launched our stores all over the globe with customers loving our premium quality tea, products & services:
  • Fresh Tea brewed throughout the day 
  • Pearls (bubbles) freshly prepared to perfection continuously through the day 
  • Tea sourced from the finest tea estates in Taiwan 
  • Strict quality controls for all ingredients 
Gong cha is known across the world for its signature Milk Foam. Its creamy, sweet and savory flavor balance and whipped texture make it the perfect complement to our freshly brewed teas. Our delicious milk foam is hand-crafted for each customer and made from the freshest milk and highest quality, signature ingredients.
There are obviously dozens upon dozens of bubble tea places around Pittsburgh, but recently these have started to include national and international chains like Tsaocaa, Wushiland, Tiger Sugar, Chatime (since rebranded), and now Gong cha.

Registration for Yanlai Dance Academy Chinese Culture Summer Camp in August.


Registration is open for the Yanlai Dance Academy Chinese Culture Summer Camp which will run two sessions on August 12 - 16 and August 19 - 21.
Partnering with Pittsburgh Academy of Chinese culture and Language, this camp included traditional Chinese folk dance, Chinese paper arts and crafts, and other cultural activities.
The cost is $250 for the first week or $150 for the shorter second session. Those interested should contact PACCL.edu [at] gmail.com.

Yanlai Dance Academy is a dance school in the North Hills specializing in traditional and contemporary Chinese dances for all ages, as well hosting as Kpop sessions and adult dance troupes. It is located at 2260 Babcock Blvd. (map).

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

2024 Japanese animated film Haikyu! The Dumpster Battle (劇場版ハイキュー!! ゴミ捨て場の決戦) continues in Pittsburgh through June 19.


The 2024 Japanese animated film Haikyu! The Dumpster Battle (劇場版ハイキュー!! ゴミ捨て場の決戦) will continue here through at least June 19.
Shoyo Hinata joins Karasuno High's volleyball club to be like his idol, a former Karasuno player known as the "Little Giant." But, Hinata soon finds that he must team up with his middle school nemesis, Tobio Kageyama. Their clashing styles turn into a surprising weapon, but can they beat their rival Nekoma High in the highly anticipated "Dumpster Battle," the long awaited ultimate showdown between two opposing underdog teams?
It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and, through the 12th only, at the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson. Tickets are available online; please note, some shows are dubbed in English while others are in Japanese with English subtitles.

Many More Asian Market to have limited soft opening at its new location, June 15.

Many More Asian Market announced this afternoon that it will have a limited soft opening at its new location on Saturday, June 15.
Guess what??? bad news… Our refrigeration line exploded!!! 😂 but thankfully, it happened outside and no one was hurt. We'll have to redo the entire process, meaning no cooler/frozen items can be added, and the food court will remain closed...also more bad news… someone took down the new cherry blossom tree we just planted!! (What did our baby tree ever done to deserve this ? They are so small and just started to meet this world…😭 )
Despite this and that, some good news!! we're still excited to announce our soft opening this Saturday at our new, bigger, and better location! It is not what we are hoping for, not 100% ready, but we still are excited to just be able to open the door and see you guys! lots of items to buy and check out! So comeeeeeee~~~ 😆 We are hoping to have our grand opening next month, complete with lion dance and an opening ceremony! Woo! Thank you!! See you guys!
New location:
2767 liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh , Pa 15222
Date:
Saturday, June 15, 2024

The new location has been beset by challenges since plans were first announced back in October 2022, troubles that delays and theft of equipment and appliances. The new location remains one of the most anticipated openings due to its expanded footprint and its food court, as it will the first large Asian grocery in the Pittsburgh area to incorporate one.

Monday, June 10, 2024

Miniso opens store in Greensburg's Westmoreland Mall.

Chinese retailer Miniso opened a store on June 1 somewhat locally in Greensburg's Westmoreland Mall. It is part of a US expansion that includes 13 new stores around the country in 2024. As to why it opened in Greensburg ahead of Pittsburgh, the reason may be due to agreements with CBL Properties, which manages scores of indoor and outdoor malls around the country, with the nearest being in Monroeville.
MINISO is based on three core principles. Affordable high quality: guides our decisions from design to materials. Joy: the response our customers experience while in our stores. Lighthearted: the relaxed and happy feeling when encountering the large variety of goods available.
MINISO has collaborated with world-famous brands including Coca Cola, Marvel, Hello Kitty, Sesame Street, Mickey and Minnie, Pink Panther, We Bare Bears and Beijing’s Palace Museum, releasing playful crossover products that have been hugely popular with our young shoppers.
Miniso has been described as a "Japanese Hot Topic" or a "Chinese Five Below" and seems to specialize in kawaii products, plushies, Japanese snacks, and various Disney and Sanrio branded products.

Newest big plans for the Kbox site.


For almost as long as Kbox has been in operation as an Asian karaoke place in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood there have been plans to redevelop the site. Recently, the latest designs under review have called for replacement of its wood building with a two-story structure and a rehabilitation of the formerly residential structure behind it into apartment bulidings. Mike Wu, whose family owns a number of restaurants in the area and who is leading the redevelopment, said during a meeting this spring that the restaurant will play with three concepts, including an Asian restaurant and possibly a bakery. No further details were made available, though Wu reiterated that the space will not be occupied by chain restaurants, which would be a welcome development for the neighborhood.

A business formerly in Wu's portfolio is Pink Box Bakery, and the earliest plans for redevelopment 10 years ago involved a Pink Box that would be four times the size of the Squirrel Hill location. The first logos of Pink Box, which opened in Squirrel Hill in 2014, featured addresses for both Oakland and Squirrel Hill. The idea was to open the second location in late-2014 or 2015, but this never came to pass.

The next concept came in 2019, when Wu and Fisher ARCHitecture imagined a five-story structure replacing both buildings. More information about the design is available from Fisher ARCHitecture.

The project will be discussed at a Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on June 13. Those interested in learning more about the project, including a video walkthrough of the proposal and architectural designs for the space, can do so online via the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation.

Sunday, June 9, 2024

2024 Japanese animated film Blue Lock: Episode Nagi (劇場版ブルーロック -EPISODE 凪) in Pittsburgh, from June 27.


The 2024 Japanese animated film Blue Lock: Episode Nagi (劇場版ブルーロック -EPISODE 凪) will play in Pittsburgh from June 27.
"That's a hassle." That was second-year high schooler Nagi Seishiro's favorite phrase as he lived his dull life. Until Mikage Reo, a classmate who dreamed of winning the World Cup, discovered Nagi's hidden skill, inspiring him to play soccer and share his outstanding talent. One day, he receives an invitation to the mysterious BLUE LOCK Project. What awaits him there is an encounter with the finest strikers assembled from across the country. Nagi's dream of becoming the best, alongside Reo, will take this prodigy to a world he's never known. A prodigy can only be shaped when someone discovers him... now, striker Nagi Seishiro's incredible talent and persona will set the soccer world ablaze.
The movie is the 13th-highest grossing film this year in Japan, where it was released in April. It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

2004 Japanese animated film Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (イノセンス) in Pittsburgh, June 23, 24, 26.


The 2024 Japanese animated film Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (イノセンス) will play in Pittsburgh on June 23, 24, and 26.
In the year 2032, the line between humans and machines has been blurred almost beyond distinction. A string of murders perpetrated by a prototype android model has drawn the attention of Public Security Section 9, a unit specializing in counter cyber-terrorism. With none of the victims' families pressing charges, suspicions arise regarding the nature of the androids and their production company. In the course of the investigation, the almost entirely cyber-bodied agent Batou, and his still human partner Togusa embark on a journey through a technological dystopia, taking on ferocious Yakuza thugs, devious hackers, government bureaucrats, and corporate criminals to uncover the shocking truth behind the crime. Acclaimed director Mamoru Oshii pushes further into the world and concepts first developed in his groundbreaking film Ghost in the Shell, considered one of the most important and iconic anime films ever made. With its thought-provoking speculations on artificial intelligence, which have only become more relevant in our present world, GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: INNOCENCE celebrates its 20th anniversary returning to cinemas in a lustrous new 4K restoration.
It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and Robinson. Tickets are available online; some shows are dubbed in English while others are in Japanese with English subtitles.

Korean rock band The Volunteers (더 발룬티어스) in Pittsburgh, July 17.


Korean rock band The Volunteers (더 발룬티어스) will play in Pittsburgh on July 17. They will also play at the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Cente on July 18. Their Pittsburgh show is at the Roxian Theatre (map). Tickets are available online.

Saturday, June 8, 2024

2013 Studio Ghibli film The Tale of Princess Kaguya (かぐや姫の物語) at Row House Lawrenceville, June 16.


The 2013 Studio Ghibli film The Tale of Princess Kaguya (かぐや姫の物語) will play at Row House Lawrenceville on June 16, part of Row House's 10th Birthday Princess Party Extravaganza.
Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo by an old bamboo cutter and his wife, a tiny girl grows rapidly into an exquisite young lady. The mysterious young princess enthrals all who encounter her. But, ultimately, she must confront her fate.
It plays in Japanese with English subtitles, and tickets for the 7:05 show are available online. The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler St. (map).

2024 Vietnamese film Face Off 7: One Wish (Lật mặt 7: Một điều ước) in Pittsburgh, from June 13.


The 2024 Vietnamese film Face Off 7: One Wish (Lật mặt 7: Một điều ước) will play in Pittsburgh from June 13. A synopsis, from the distributor:
The longest and most successful franchise in Vietnam delivers a rejuvenating twist with its 7th installment, taking audiences on an enlightening journey with Ba Hai, a 73-year-old widow who questions the meaning of family love after an injury forces her to depend on the care of her 5 busy adult children. Written and directed by Ly Hai, produced by Minh Ha, Ly Hai Production, with an exclusive international theatrical release by 3388 Films.
It plays locally at the AMC Classic South Hills Village 10 and tickets are available online.

2023 Japanese film Evil Does Not Exist (悪は存在しない) returns to Pittsburgh, June 14 - June 27.


The 2023 Japanese film Evil Does Not Exist (悪は存在しない) returns to Pittsburgh from June 14 through June 27.
The latest film from the director of the Academy Award-winning film DRIVE MY CAR, Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s EVIL DOES NOT EXIST follows Takumi and his daughter Hana living in Mizubiki Village, close to Tokyo. Like generations before them, they live a modest life according to the cycles and order of nature. One day, the village inhabitants become aware of a plan to build a glamping site near Takumi’s house offering city residents a comfortable “escape” to nature. When two company representatives from Tokyo arrive in the village to hold a meeting, it becomes clear that the project will have a negative impact on the local water supply, causing unrest. The agency’s mismatched intentions endanger both the ecological balance of the plateau and their way of life, with an aftermath that affects Takumi’s life deeply.
The film had a run in Pittsburgh in May. It next plays in Japanese with English subtitles at the Harris Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map) and tickets are available online.

2024 Japanese animated film Haikyu! The Dumpster Battle (劇場版ハイキュー!! ゴミ捨て場の決戦) continues in Pittsburgh through June 12.


The 2024 Japanese animated film Haikyu! The Dumpster Battle (劇場版ハイキュー!! ゴミ捨て場の決戦) will continue in Pittsburgh through June 12.
Shoyo Hinata joins Karasuno High's volleyball club to be like his idol, a former Karasuno player known as the "Little Giant." But, Hinata soon finds that he must team up with his middle school nemesis, Tobio Kageyama. Their clashing styles turn into a surprising weapon, but can they beat their rival Nekoma High in the highly anticipated "Dumpster Battle," the long awaited ultimate showdown between two opposing underdog teams?
It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson. Tickets are available online; please note, some shows are dubbed in English while others are in Japanese with English subtitles.

Friday, June 7, 2024

Taiwanese bubble tea chain Gong cha coming soon to Pittsburgh.


Pittsburgh's first Gong cha is coming soon to the South Side. It will be located at 1303 E. Carson St. (map). Its official site tells the story of the chain, which has locations around the world:

Founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Gong Cha, which translates to “tribute tea for the emperor” opened its doors to the bubble tea market.

Gong cha’s success in Taiwan launched our stores all over the globe with customers loving our premium quality tea, products & services:
  • Fresh Tea brewed throughout the day
  • Pearls (bubbles) freshly prepared to perfection continuously through the day
  • Tea sourced from the finest tea estates in Taiwan
  • Strict quality controls for all ingredients
Gong cha is known across the world for its signature Milk Foam. Its creamy, sweet and savory flavor balance and whipped texture make it the perfect complement to our freshly brewed teas. Our delicious milk foam is hand-crafted for each customer and made from the freshest milk and highest quality, signature ingredients.

There are obviously dozens upon dozens of bubble tea places around Pittsburgh, but recently these have started to include national and international chains like Tsaocaa, Wushiland, Tiger Sugar, Chatime (since rebranded), and now Gong cha.

Grapow Asian Street Food coming soon to Pittsburgh.


Signage went up recently for Grapow Asian Street Food, a new restaurant coming soon to Pittsburgh. It will be located at 411 S. Craig St. in Oakland (map), most recently and for a very brief time the home of Oakland's second Chick'n location, for which the painted chickens on the facade are a temporary reminder. Grapow is the name of a Thai street food dish, but details about the menu are not yet available.