Thursday, October 30, 2025

More theaters announced for KPop Demon Hunters A Sing-Along Event in Pittsburgh, October 31 - November 2.


The feature-length film KPop Demon Hunters A Sing-Along Event will return to Pittsburgh from October 31, with many more theaters added to the original listings.
We're goin' up, up, up — and now it's YOUR moment! Back by popular demand on Halloween weekend, seal the Honmoon and sing your favorite "KPop Demon Hunters" songs with HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys in this full-length, sing-along version of the Netflix hit film.
It played here previously in August. It is scheduled to play locally at most local theaters, including the Manor Theater in Squirrel Hill, the AMC Loews Waterfront, AMC Classic Mt. Lebanon, AMC Classic South Hills, Waterworks Cinema, GQT Pittsburgh Mills, Chartiers Valley Luxury 14, and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and McCandless. Tickets are available online.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編) stays in Pittsburgh area through (at least) November 5.


The 2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編), which opened in Pittsburgh-area theaters on September 11, will stay here through (at least) November 5.
The Demon Slayer Corps plunge into Infinity Castle to defeat Muzan. However, the remaining Hashiras and the Demon Slayers who survived Tanjiro's Final Selection are pitted against the remaining members of the Twelve Kizuki first.
It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Classic South Hills, and tickets are available online.

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

2025 Japanese animated movie Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc (劇場版 チェンソーマン レゼ篇) stays in Pittsburgh through (at least) November 6.


The 2025 Japanese animated movie Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc (劇場版 チェンソーマン レゼ篇) which opened in Pittsburgh on October 23, will remain here through (at least ) November 6.
For the first time, Chainsaw Man slashes his way onto the big screen in an epic, action-fueled adventure that continues the hugely popular anime series. Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed. As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules.
It plays locally at many Pittsburgh-area theaters, including the AMC Loews Waterfront, the AMC Classic South Hills Village, the AMC Classic Mt. Lebanon, the Chartiers Valley Luxury 14, and the Cinemark theater in Monroeville, Tickets are available online.

Monday, October 27, 2025

Paris Baguette aims for November opening of its Shadyside location.


The Shadyside Paris Baguette is aiming for a November opening, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
[Owner] Zafar said customers can can expect larger menu from the new Shadyside location.

”Whether it be some personal favorites from the community … anything the community wants from us will actually happily make for them we just need to test that on the market,” he said.

Some of the special items Zafar has on the menu include: Asian sweet rice doughnuts, mango coconut cake and potato bread. Zafar aims to have eight bakers on his staff, who will make this items fresh each morning.

The inside of the building will have a glass dome display case to show off the baked goods, penny tile and an exposed wooden ceiling, he said.
It was first announced for Walnut Street in January 2024, back before the region's first Paris Baguette opened in the Norh Hills. The Shadyside location will be located at 5514 Walnut St., in what was William Sonoma until January 2022. In 2024, the year both locations were set to open in Pittsburgh, the franchisee announced plans to open five Paris Baguette cafes in the area.

Paris Baguette is a chain of bakeries ubiquitous throughout South Korea that has over 250 locations across the United States. The menu boasts a wide variety of cakes, baked goods, sandwiches, juices, and coffees, in addition its eponymous French bread.

Sunday, October 26, 2025

2004 Miyazaki film Howl's Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城) at The Oaks Theater in Oakmont, November 20.


The 2004 Miyazaki film Howl's Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城) will play at The Oaks Theater in Oakmont on November 20.
When an unconfident young woman is cursed with an old body by a spiteful witch, her only chance of breaking the spell lies with a self-indulgent yet insecure young wizard and his companions in his legged, walking castle.
Doors open at 7, the movie starts at 8, and tickets are available online. The Oaks Theater is located at 310 Allegheny River Blvd. (map).

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

2025 Amy Wang film Slanted at Three Rivers Film Festival, November 12.


The 2025 Amy Wang film Slanted will play in Pittsburgh on November 12, part of this year's Three Rivers Film Festival.

Slanted follows Joan Huang, a Chinese-American teen in the 2010s South, as she battles racism and cultural clashes. As an 8-year-old, she’s bullied for her differences. At 17, obsessed with popularity, she pursues prom queen and undergoes extreme changes, including dyeing her hair and considering racial modification surgery, to achieve a “white” ideal. Her quest alienates her from family and friends, satirizing assimilation and white worship while focusing on her tragicomic struggle for self-worth.


If you loved The Substance and Mean Girls, this one’s for you!

It plays at the Harris Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map), and tickets are available online. 

"Thinking Like A Journalist, In the Classroom and Beyond, with NPR's Emily Kwong," October 31 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will host NPR's Emily Kwong for "Thinking Like A Journalist, In the Classroom and Beyond" on October 31.
The rigor to assess fact from fiction. The courage to connect across differences. The power of a good question over a hot take. How can we incorporate the core principles of journalism into the 21st century classroom? NPR's Emily Kwong (host of Short Wave and Inheriting) offers insights from her 15-year career in public media, and reflects upon how academic spaces are strongholds for the free press.

Emily Kwong (she/her) is an NPR audio journalist working at the crossroads of sociopolitical history, family memory, and science. Since 2021, Emily has also been the co-host of Short Wave, NPR's flagship science show sharing new discoveries, everyday mysteries, and the science behind the headlines. Short Wave met a crucial need for science-based information during the Coronavirus pandemic and won the 2021 Ambie Award for Best Knowledge, Science or Tech Podcast. She is also the host and co-creator of Inheriting, a show about Asian American and Pacific Islander families. The first season won the 2025 Ambie Award for Best Society and Culture Podcast, the Silver Signal Award for Best History Podcast, and the 2025 RFK Journalism Award in Radio. Emily got her start as a youth media instructor at WNYC’s Radio Rookies and a daily reporter at the community radio station KCAW in Sitka, Alaska. For four years, she chased stories up fishing boats and onto volcanoes, broadcasting to an island community.
It runs from 2:30 to 4:30 pm in 501 Cathedral of Learning.

Concert film G-Dragon in Cinema: Übermensch in Pittsburgh, from October 29.


The upcoming G-Drago concert film G-Dragon in Cinema: Übermensch will play in Pittsburgh from October 29.
After eight years, the icon of a generation roars back with an epic world tour – UBERMENSCH. Every beat, every breath, every moment that will redefine his legacy bursts onto the big screen. From the anthems that shook the world – “Crooked”, “POWER,” “HEARTBREAKER” – to an epic setlist spanning his most iconic hits, joined by an all-star guest lineup including TAEYANG, DAESUNG, CL, and more. Feel the raw energy, the fire, the unrepeatable magic – captured live and unleashed through SCREENX, 4DX and IMAX.
It is scheduled to play locally, on certain days, at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville, North Hills, Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編) stays in Pittsburgh area through (at least) October 29.


The 2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編), which opened in Pittsburgh-area theaters on September 11, will stay here through (at least) October 29.
The Demon Slayer Corps plunge into Infinity Castle to defeat Muzan. However, the remaining Hashiras and the Demon Slayers who survived Tanjiro's Final Selection are pitted against the remaining members of the Twelve Kizuki first.
It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC theaters in Waterfront, AMC Classic South Hills, and AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, tickets are available online.

Sunday, October 19, 2025

2025 French-Belgian animated film Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (Amélie et la métaphysique des tubes), set in Japan, plays in Pittsburgh from November 6.


The 2025 French-Belgian animated film Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (Amélie et la métaphysique des tubes) will play in Pittsburgh from November 6.
The world is a perplexing, peaceful mystery to Amélie until a miraculous encounter with chocolate ignites her wild sense of curiosity. As she develops a deep attachment to her family’s housekeeper, Nishio-san, Amélie discovers the wonders of nature as well as the emotional truths hidden beneath the surface of her family’s idyllic life as foreigners in post-war Japan. Adapted from the autobiographical novel by Amélie Nothomb and brought to life in the completely original animated style of directors Mailys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han, LITTLE AMÉLIE OR THE CHARACTER OF RAIN tells a tender, poignant and visually stunning story about the healing power of human connection.
It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the Cinemark theater in the North Hills, and tickets are available online.

Saturday, October 18, 2025

"Crossing Boundaries," on significance of Japanese prints on Frank Lloyd Wright, October 21 at Pitt.


The Department of History of Art and Architecture at the University of Pittsburgh will host Kevin Nute and his talk "Crossing Boundaries" on October 21.

Kevin Nute will examine how Frank Lloyd Wright’s exposure to Japanese prints, rather than buildings, radically changed his approach to the indoor/outdoor interface.

About the speaker: Dr. Kevin Nute, Professor of Architecture at the University of Hawai'i, Manoa, is the author of Place, Time and Being in Japanese Architecture (2004), Naturally Animated Architecture (2018), and Frank Lloyd Wright and Japan Revisited (2025), and he is currently the 2025 scholar in residence at the Fallingwater Institute.

The talk starts at 4:00 pm in 125 Frick Fine Arts (map) and is free and open to the public.

Friday, October 17, 2025

1990 Zhang Yimou film Ju Dou (菊豆) in Pittsburgh, November 10 and 11.


The 1990 Zhang Yimou film Ju Dou (菊豆) will play in Pittsburgh on November 10 and 11, part of the Harris Theater's occasional International Art House Classics series.
The film that put director Zhang Yimou and star Gong Li on the international cinema map follows beautiful young Ju Dou as she is married off to an egregiously cruel, and also impotent, owner of a dye mill in the Chinese countryside in the early 20th century. When the boss’ nephew arrives on the scene they fall for each other with lustful abandon. Their impassioned affair soon leads to a son. After the clandestine couple convinces the despotic husband that he is the father, the boy is raised as his long-awaited heir. However the myriad complications of infidelity lead to a visceral and psychological melee between the lovers and their ruler with explosively dramatic turns. With its stunning mise en scène and sumptuous use of color, Ju Dou was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards® and has earned a reputation as one of the greatest Chinese films ever made.

Restoration effected at Hiventy Laboratory (Paris) by IMPEX Films with the support of ARTE, France.
Tickets are available online. The Harris Theater is located in downtown's Cultural District (map).

2025 Philippine film Meet, Greet, & Bye in Pittsburgh, from November 13.


The 2025 Philippine film Meet, Greet, & Bye will play in Pittsburgh from November 13.
Meet, Greet and Bye is an upcoming Philippine family drama film directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana and produced by Star Cinema. The film stars Maricel Soriano as the family matriarch, with Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, and Juan Karlos Labajo playing her children.
It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the Cinemark theater in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

2025 Japanese animated movie Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc (劇場版 チェンソーマン レゼ篇) in Pittsburgh, from October 23.


The 2025 Japanese animated movie Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc (劇場版 チェンソーマン レゼ篇) will play in the Pittsburgh area, from October 23.
For the first time, Chainsaw Man slashes his way onto the big screen in an epic, action-fueled adventure that continues the hugely popular anime series. Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed. As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules.
It plays locally at the AMC Classic South Hills Village, the AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson. Tickets are available online.

Thursday, October 16, 2025

KPop Demon Hunters A Sing-Along Event in Pittsburgh, October 31 - November 2.


The feature-length film KPop Demon Hunters A Sing-Along Event will return to Pittsburgh from October 31.
We're goin' up, up, up — and now it's YOUR moment! Back by popular demand on Halloween weekend, seal the Honmoon and sing your favorite "KPop Demon Hunters" songs with HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys in this full-length, sing-along version of the Netflix hit film.
It played here previously in August. It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and Monaca, and tickets are available online. The Cinemark website also indicates shows in McCandless, with tickets for those available here.

2025 Japanese animated movie Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved (小林さんちのメイドラゴン さみしがりやの竜 in Pittsburgh, October 20.


The 2025 Japanese animated movie Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved (小林さんちのメイドラゴン さみしがりやの竜 will play in Pittsburgh on October 20.
Miss Kobayashi, Tohru, Kanna, and Iruru's peaceful lives are shattered when Kanna’s father, Kamun Kamui, leader of the Chaos Forces, arrives and forces her to return to the Dragon World to fix a past mistake. With a war brewing between Chaos and Harmony, Kanna must find a way to unite the two worlds, but is torn between her loyalty to her friends and her father's demands. Miss Kobayashi, however, refuses to let her go and tries to mend Kanna and Kamui’s broken bond. As dragons clash, Iruru uncovers a hidden force manipulating the war. Can they stop the war before it consumes both worlds?
It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

"Acts of Remembrance: Moving, Writing, Making" with Maree ReMalia, November 4.


The CMU Center for New Work Development & Kelly Strayhorn Theater will present "Acts of Remembrance: Moving, Writing, Making," with Maree ReMalia, on November 4.
Join choreographer Maree ReMalia and collaborators for an interdisciplinary dance workshop. The workshop will begin with a guided movement warm-up, shifting through meditative gestures, full-bodied expressions, and playful, game-like interactions in ways that honor the richness of our diverse physicalities and lived experiences. Following the warm-up, the group will explore themes of remembrance through experimentation with movement, writing, vocalization, collage, and altar creation. This workshop is inspired by ReMalia’s forthcoming work WITH OURSELVES, WITH EACH OTHER, a solo that invites us to collectively grieve and celebrate against all odds. No prior experience is necessary! Please wear clothing comfortable for movement and bring a special memory object, photograph, or token to contribute to the shared altar (all personal belongings will be returned; this is also optional). Attendees are encouraged to also bring a water bottle, journal, and sneakers.

Maree ReMalia (creator/performer/co-director) is a dance-maker, performer, and teaching artist. An adoptee born in South Korea and raised in Ohio, she uses her artistic practice to foster connection while welcoming and honoring diverse bodies, expressions, and lived experiences. Her projects have been presented at venues including La MaMa, Gibney, and Dance Place. She has performed with slowdanger and STAYCEE PEARL dance project and taught at Bates, Brown, and CMU.
The event starts at 7:00 pm and is held at Three Stories in downtown's Cultural District (map). Tickets are available online.

2001 Hayao Miyazaki film Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し) in Pittsburgh, from October 17.

The 2001 film Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し) will play in Pittsburgh-area theaters from October 17, the next installment of Studio Ghibli Fest 2025.
On a long car ride to their new home, young Chihiro and her parents stop by an abandoned park that turns out to be a gateway to the spirit world. Chihiro’s parents become cursed, and she is put to work in a bathhouse frequented by creatures both adorable and grotesque. Stripped even of her true name, Chihiro must cling tightly to her slipping memories to reconnect with her mother and father and break free from this bizarre and dreamlike realm. Spirited Away earned Studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki their first Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, and remains heralded not only as a landmark of animation, but as one of the greatest films of all time.
It plays on the 17th at Moraine Point Cinemas in Butler, then from the 18th at many Pittsburgh-area theaters including Waterworks Cinema, AMC Loews Waterfront, Chartiers Valley Luxury 14, and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson. Tickets are available online; please note, some screenings are in Japanese with English subtitles while others are dubbed in English.

You Had to Be There Kpop Night coming to Pittsburgh, March 21.


Very advance notice for You Had To Be There's Kpop Night in Pittsburgh, March 21 at City Winery in the Strip District.
Dance to your favorite KPOP songs all night long! Party all night to your favorite hits from BTS, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, TWICE, NCT, NewJeans, and more! Local dance cover groups will also be taking the stage throughout the night.
Tickets are not yet available.

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Sushi Tomo opening second location in South Side, grand opening October 18.


Sushi Tomo will open its second location on October 18, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review<. It currenty operates on McKnight Road in the North Hills but will open its new restaurant at 2122 E. Carson St, in what was formerly Little Tokyo Bistro. The public grand opening is scheduled for 5:00 pm on the 18th.

4K restoration of 1985 Japanese animated film Angel's Egg (天使のたまご) in Pittsburgh, November 12.


A 4K restoration of 1985 Japanese animated film Angel's Egg (天使のたまご) will play in Pittsburgh on November 12. A synopsis, from the distributor:
In an underwater city, a young girl takes care of a large egg she holds carefully in her arms – a treasure that she believes is an angel’s egg. A boy with a gun arrives in search of a bird he saw in his dream. At first it seems as if feelings of sympathy are developing between the two. Then, one night, the boy crushes her precious egg.
Forty years after the film’s original release, GKIDS is proud to present an all-new 4K restoration of the film, which is being supervised by director Oshii, in cinemas nationwide for the first time[.]
First released directly to home video in 1985, the film is a creative collaboration between internationally acclaimed director Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell), who wrote and directed the feature, and revered artist Yoshitaka Amano (Final Fantasy, Vampire Hunter D). The film beautifully intertwines Oshii’s thematic reflections on philosophy and theology, with Amano’s distinctive ink painting style, culminating in an arrestingly beautiful hand-drawn allegorical fantasy.
It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.

2025 concert film j-hope Tour 'HOPE ON THE STAGE' THE MOVIE in Pittsburgh, November 12 and 15.


The 2025 concert film j-hope Tour 'HOPE ON THE STAGE' THE MOVIE will play in Pittsburgh-area theaters on November 12 and 15.
“I won’t forget this. Since this is my Safety Zone.” Spanning 16 cities and 33 performances with 524,000 ARMY worldwide, j-hope’s first solo world tour “HOPE ON THE STAGE” celebrates its grand finale. Experience the spectacular two-night encore from Goyang - now in cinemas! Witness the full spectrum of j-hope's artistry, from the iconic tracks of his solo album “Jack In The Box” and special album “HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1” to the world premiere of “Killin’ It Girl.” Experience his spectacular live performances on the big screen, complete with exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and special stages featuring Jin, Jung Kook, and Crush. Relive the unforgettable, sparkling moment between j-hope and ARMY - j-hope’s true “Safety Zone”- and experience the final stage of his first solo world tour in HOPE ON THE STAGE THE MOVIE.
It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

“Teaching East Asian Languages in the Era of AI," October 29 at Pitt.


The University of Pittsburgh's Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures and the Robert Henderson Language Media Center will present “Teaching East Asian Languages in the Era of AI” on October 29.
How are instructors reshaping East Asian language classes with technology-enhanced pedagogy—from GenAI and video journals to collaborative tools like Padlet? This special EALL colloquium also showcases how East Asian languages are taught at Pitt including our classroom practices, tools, and design choices across Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. Open to students, grad students, and language teachers.

The schedule includes opening remarks from Department Chair Elizabeth Oyler at 2:00 pm, followed by: 

  • Fan Fan - "Integrating AI and Creativity in Chinese Language Learning" (2:10 - 2:30)
  • Bei Cheng - "Using AI as a Tutor for Chinese: Enhancing Student Writing through GenAI-Assisted Error Correction" (2:30 - 2:50)
  • Hyunju Ha and Shun Maruyama - "Out of the Box, On Camera: Reimagining Speaking Practice through Video Journals in Korean and Japanese Classrooms" (2:50 - 3:20)
  • Wanching Hsieh-Meyers - "Showcasing Learning with Padlet" (3:20 - 3:40)
The event concludes with closing remarks from Na-Rae Han, Director of the Robert Henderson Language Media Center.

The event is free and open to the public. The Robert Henderson Language Media Center is located on the ground floor of the Cathedral of Learning.

2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編) stays in Pittsburgh area through (at least) October 22.


The 2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編), which opened in Pittsburgh-area theaters on September 11, will stay here through (at least) October 22.
The Demon Slayer Corps plunge into Infinity Castle to defeat Muzan. However, the remaining Hashiras and the Demon Slayers who survived Tanjiro's Final Selection are pitted against the remaining members of the Twelve Kizuki first.
It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC theaters in Waterfront, AMC Classic South Hills, and AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, tickets are available online.

Monday, October 13, 2025

TWICE documentary ONE IN A MILL10N in Pittsburgh area, from October 20.


The 2025 documentary on Korean group TWICE, ONE IN A MILL10N, plays in the Pittsburgh area from October 20.
In 2015, with the greeting “One in a million, TWICE!”, a new K - pop group stepped on to the world stage. From chart - topping anthems like “CHEER UP,” “TT,” “What is Love?,” "FANCY,” and “Feel Special”, TWICE captured hearts far beyond Korea, becoming a global phenomenon. This documentary follows their decade - long journey — countless hours of dedication, the dazzling spotlight of worldwide tours, and candid reflections on their growth, friendship, and even their dreams for the future. For ten years, brighter than any stage light, ‘ONCE’ has been at the very heart of their story. Through never - before - seen interviews and the heartfelt process of preparing a 10th anniversary celebration, the film reveals what TWICE has truly meant to one another — and to the fans who have walked beside them. On their 10th anniversary, 〈 ONE IN A MILLI0N 〉 comes to the screen, revealing the true reason behind the existence of TWICE — a group like no other.
It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Sunday, October 12, 2025

"LitFest 2025: Bringing Chinese Literature to America with Editor Han Zhang (Riverhead Books) & Translator Jeremy Tiang," October 19 with City of Asylum.


City of Asylum will present "Bringing Chinese Literature to America with Editor Han Zhang (Riverhead Books) & Translator Jeremy Tiang" on October 19, part of LitFest 2025.

Publishers, book clubs, and bookstores alike are abuzz with rave reviews for one of the season’s hottest books: Yueran Zhang’s Women, Seated. The riveting story shines a spotlight on a powerful Chinese family’s fall from grace, detailing a world of luxury, wealth, and around-the-clock service, with secrets hidden in every shadow. Full of drama and intrigue most American audiences are chomping at the bit for, one could almost forget that this bestseller likely wouldn’t have made it to a front-of-store display without the work of editor Han Zhang and translator Jeremy Tiang

Friday, October 10, 2025

Fourth River Public Music Industry Seminars: Record Labels, with Melanie Sheehan and Joyce Lim, October 18 at Wood Street Galleries.


Fourth River will present "Fourth River Public Music Industry Seminars: Record Label," with guest speakers Melanie Sheehan and Joyce Lim, on October 18 at the Wood Street Galleries.
What is the role of a label in 2025? How do you get on their radars to get signed? What are the pros and cons of big, major labels and small, indie labels? How do you start your own? This session will cover the world of music labels in the present day and help musicians engage with them with agency. Guest speakers: Melanie Sheehan (US General Manager, Rough Trade Records) and Joyce Lim (1432r).

Fourth River, a collaboration between Honcho PGH and The Rising Artist Foundation, is proud to present our FREE Public Music Industry Seminars, every Saturday from Oct. 11 to Nov. 15 at Wood Street Galleries. Named in homage to the city's underground, essential aquifer, this program will help artists nourish and navigate their creative careers with clarity. Each week, we'll present different topics with leading guest speakers to help demystify the music industry for rising music makers.
The event runs from 2:00 to 3:00 pm and is free and open to the public, though online RSVP is required. Wood Street Galleries are located at 601 Wood St. downtown (map).

Studio Ghibli Week returns to Row House Lawrenceville, November 7 through 13.



The Row House Lawrenceville will show four films as part of its annual Studio Ghibli Week, running this year from November 7 through 13. Porco Rosso (紅の豚), Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ), Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫), and My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ) comprise this year's programming. Tickets and movie information is available online; please note, some screenings are in Japanese with English subtitles while some are dubbed in English. The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler St. (map).

Pittsburgh Taiko Beginner Classes, four Sundays starting October 19.


Pittsburgh Taiko is resuming a series of Beginner Classes starting October 19 and running for four Sundays. through November 9.

Learn taiko drumming with Pittsburgh Taiko!

On Sunday mornings starting October 19, Pittsburgh Taiko will hold a four-week introductory class. This class is for people who are interested in joining our performing group or anyone who wants to just give taiko a try.

Taiko combines energetic hits with calm focus, balances group unity with individual expression, and requires both power and subtlety.  

Each class is from 10 to 11:30 AM at our studio in Bellevue. 

Dates for the four-week course:

  • Class 1: Sunday, October 19
  • Class 2: Sunday, October 26
  • Class 3: Sunday, November 2
  • Class 4: Sunday, November 9

No experience is necessary! If you recently took one of our workshops, this will be a more in-depth study of some of the topics we introduced there.

These classes are designed for adults and older kids (high school or older). Discounted rates are available for full-time students and JASP members.

Note that our studio is a masked space, and unfortunately it is not accessible to folks who can't climb stairs.

Please read the FAQ information at pittsburghtaiko.com/classes before registering.

Sessions are $50 for the general public and $40 for JASP members and students. Registration may be completed online. The studio is located at 2 N. Balph Ave., second floor in Bellevue (map).

Thursday, October 9, 2025

2002 Japanese horror film Ju-on: The Grudge (呪怨) at Rangos Giant Cinema, October 17.


The 2002 Japanese horror film Ju-on: The Grudge (呪怨) will play at the Rangos Giant Cinema on October 17.
“Ju-on: The Grudge” brought worldwide attention to the Japanese horror film industry with its terrifying blend of unique storytelling and unforgettably frightening visuals. Rangos Giant Cinema’s immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound adds another layer to the nightmare, making this screening an experience that will be sure to haunt you. Join us on Fri., Oct. 17 at 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are available online; tickets for the cinema are separate from tickets fro the Kamin Science Center. The newly-renamed Kamin Science Center, formerly known as the Carnegie Science Center, is located at 1 Allegheny Ave. on the North Shore (map).

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Opal Buffet & Bar coming to the Waterfront, bringing all-you-can-eat sushi, Brazilian steak, and pan-Asian cuisine.


Open Buffet & Bar, from the team behind Pittsburgh's Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, has announced on social media it will be opening in the former Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery spot (map). The menu will feature all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse, sushi, and pan-Asian cuisine for $43. More details will be emerging soon.

Screening of 15-minute documentary We Were the Scenery and Cathy Linh Che talk, November 6 at Pitt.


The University of Pittsburgh's Department of English will host a screening of the documentary We Were the Secenery and a talk with writer/producer Cathy Linh Che on November 6. A synopsis, from the documentary's official site:
In 1975, Hoa Thi Lê and Hue Nguyen Che fled from Vietnam by boat and docked in the Philippines, where they were utilized as background extras during the filming of Apocalypse Now. This documentary short film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2025 and won the Short Film Jury Prize: Nonfiction, the Special Jury Prize for Short Documentary Film at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, Best International Short Documentary Film at Galway Film Fleadh, Best International Short Dox at DokuFest, and the Excellence in Short Filmmaking Documentary and Audience Award at the Asian American International Film Festival.
The event runs from 2:00 to 3:00 pm in 501 Cathedral of Learning and is free and open to the public.

2025 Japanese animated movie Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved (小林さんちのメイドラゴン さみしがりやの竜 in Pittsburgh, October 20.


The 2025 Japanese animated movie Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved (小林さんちのメイドラゴン さみしがりやの竜 will play in Pittsburgh on October 20.
Miss Kobayashi, Tohru, Kanna, and Iruru's peaceful lives are shattered when Kanna’s father, Kamun Kamui, leader of the Chaos Forces, arrives and forces her to return to the Dragon World to fix a past mistake. With a war brewing between Chaos and Harmony, Kanna must find a way to unite the two worlds, but is torn between her loyalty to her friends and her father's demands. Miss Kobayashi, however, refuses to let her go and tries to mend Kanna and Kamui’s broken bond. As dragons clash, Iruru uncovers a hidden force manipulating the war. Can they stop the war before it consumes both worlds?
It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編) stays in Pittsburgh area through (at least) October 15.


The 2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編), which opened in Pittsburgh-area theaters on September 11, will stay here through (at least) October 15.
The Demon Slayer Corps plunge into Infinity Castle to defeat Muzan. However, the remaining Hashiras and the Demon Slayers who survived Tanjiro's Final Selection are pitted against the remaining members of the Twelve Kizuki first.
It is scheduled to play locally at several local theaters, including the AMC theaters in Waterfront and South Hills, the Cinemark theater in Monroeville, and Moraine Pointe Cinemas in Butler. Tickets are available online.

Monday, October 6, 2025

Opal Buffet & Bar coming to _____.


Open Buffet & Bar, from the team behind Pittsburgh's Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, will be opening somewhere in Pittsburgh. Details haven't been announced because they are running a "guess where?" promotion on Instagram. The restaurant is eyeing a 2026 opening.

Sunday, October 5, 2025

2000 Japanese film Battle Royale (バトル・ロワイアル) in Pittsburgh-area theater, October 12, to mark 25th anniversary.


The 2000 Japanese film Battle Royale (バトル・ロワイアル) will play in Pittsburgh on October 12 to mark the movie's 25th anniversary.
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of visionary director Kinji Fukasaku’s Battle Royale with a new theatrical release in partnership with Iconic Events. This special screening is presented in 4K along with a new interview with the screenwriter — Kinji’s son Kenta — sharing an intimate look at the forces that shaped his father and how they inspired his final film. Battle Royale is an intense and brutal story about Japanese high school students who are sent off by their government with three days to kill each other — until only one remains. With its blend of social commentary and high-stakes action, Battle Royale continues to influence modern dystopian storytelling and has inspired countless television shows, video games, and films, including the acclaimed The Hunger Games franchise. (Interview in Japanese with English subtitles)
It is scheduled to play locally at the Cinemark theater in Robinson and the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.

Saturday, October 4, 2025

5 more classic Hong Kong films continue through the weekend, part of series at Harris Theater.


Five more classic Hong Kong films will play at the Harris Theater at various times this week, part of a Hong Kong Cinema Classics series of films from the 1980s and 1990s.

Tickets and showtime information is available online. The Harris Theater is located in downtown's Cultural District (map). 

2025 Japanese movie 100 Meters (ひゃくえむ) in Pittsburgh, October 12 - 14.


The upcoming Japanese film 100 Meters (ひゃくえむ), to be released in Japan on September 19, will play in Pittsburgh October 12 through 14. A synopsis, from the distributor GKids:
100 METERS follows Togashi, a track star who is born to run. As a kid, he is naturally gifted and wins every 100-meter race without effort. But in sixth grade, he meets Komiya, a transfer student who is full of determination but lacks technique. In teaching him, Togashi gives Komiya a new purpose: to win no matter what. Years pass by, and Togashi and Komiya meet again as rivals on the track and reveal their true selves
It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and Robinson, and tickets are available online. THe October 12 and 14 shows are in Japanese with English subtitles while the October 13 shows are dubbed in English.

Friday, October 3, 2025

Lao Sze Chuan aims to soft open its first Pittsburgh-area location in Cranberry later in October.


Ownership has shared new photos of the first Pittsburgh-area Lao Sze Chuan, a chain of Szechuan restaurants set to open locally in Cranberry, announcing it aims to soft open in October.
The very first Lao Sze Chuan opened in 1998 in Chicago’s Chinatown and has since become one of the most beloved Chinese restaurants nationwide. The brainchild of Sichuan-born Chef Tony Hu, Lao Sze Chuan prides itself on providing traditional Sichuan cuisine with high-quality ingredients. In 1999, Lao Sze Chuan was recognized by the Chicago Tribune as “One of the Best,” receiving a “three fork” rating that was considered a prominent accomplishment for Chinese restaurants at that time.

Although Lao Sze Chuan has flourished since humble beginnings, our mission to offer, elevate, and promote gourmet authentic Chinese cuisine and provide exceptional customer service has never wavered. Our Grade A chefs are skillfully trained in Sichuan cuisine to provide the most authentic flavors at all locations. To this day, Lao Sze Chuan lives by the mantra “One Style For One Dish, A Hundred Dishes Have A Hundred Different Tastes,” a saying that keeps our most frequent customers coming back for more.
It will be located at 936 Sheraton Dr. in Mars, in what was most recently Max & Erma's (map). Work began on the spot in November 2024. This location is coming to the area by the restauranteur behind Wild Ninja Asian Grill in Oakland (2021-2022) and Dagu Rice Noodle in Squirrel Hill (2020-2025), in addition to Lao Sze Chuan, KyuRamen, Shinto, and Dagu Rice Noodle locations in Ohio.

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Exhibition Opening: Ting Tong Chang, November 21 at Mattress Factory.


The opening reception for the upcoming Ting Tong Chang (張碩尹) exhibition at the Mattress Factory will be held on November 21.
Discover our artist-in-residence, Ting Tong Chang's latest solo exhibition at Mattress Factory! A new immersive installation will be displayed on the lower floor of our 500 Sampsonia building.

Chang’s satirical gaze leaves no aspect of society untouched. Revelling in the absurd and illogical, he makes a mockery of socio-political subjects ranging from the social and ecological effects of consumerism to the functioning of the art world itself. Working across the distinct practices of immersive installation, video and theatre, his transgressive practice co-opts science, technology and history to dissect the world around him.

Chang was selected for exhibition by a panel of Mattress Factory alumni artists through the 2024 International Open Call. Artists who have worked in residency with Mattress Factory offer perspective unlike any other, one that is deeply familiar with the museum, engaged in many aspects of the contemporary art field, and invested in pushing our exhibitions in new directions.

Please note, parking is limited at our main lot at 505 Jacksonia Street, with additional street parking available in the surrounding neighborhood.

The event runs from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and is free and open to the public, though registration is required. This exhibition will be presented at 500 Sampsonia Way. in the Mexican War Streets neighborhood of the North Side (map).

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

2025 Japanese animated movie Virgin Punk: Clockwork Girl (ヴァージン・パンク) in Pittsburgh, November 11 and 13.


The 2025 Japanese animated movie Virgin Punk: Clockwork Girl (ヴァージン・パンク) will play in the Pittsburgh area on November 11 and 13.
Conditions for Receiving Bounty: Bring the brain of a wanted criminal possessing illegal Somadea to the authorities. Whether the target is alive or dead… is irrelevant. The year 2099. Humanity has overcome all injury and illness with the development of Medical Android Technology “Somadea.” Somadea grants superior physical, but by illegally modifying it, Somadea can be misused for criminal purposes. To handle these crimes, the government established the Bounty Hunter System. Registered civilians can kill wanted criminals and are rewarded with large bounties. In this unforgiving world, Ubu Kamigori hunts criminals as a bounty hunter. But one day, waiting in her home is the man she shares a sordid history with—Mr. Elegance. And so, her destiny begins to unravel. A tale woven by mechanical girls and gunpowder smoke, this suspenseful action begins! Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content from Director Yasuomi Umetsu and SHAFT Animation Studio in theaters only!
It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, AMC Westmoreland, and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Tuvan throat singers Alash Ensemble in Pittsburgh, November 15.


Tuvan throat singers Alash Ensemble will return to Pittsburgh on November 15.
Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing, a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. Masters of traditional Tuvan instruments as well as the art of throat singing, Alash are deeply committed to traditional Tuvan music and culture. At the same time, they are fans of western music. Believing that traditional music must constantly evolve, the musicians subtly infuse their songs with western elements, creating their own unique style that is fresh and new, yet true to their Tuvan musical heritage.
This is a reschedule of its March 7 concert and a day later than originally announced. The group will perform at the First Unitarian Church in Shadyside (map) from 8:00 pm. Tickets are available for purchase in-person at Jerry's Records, Government Center, Vinyl Remains, and Rosie's Records, or online via Brown Paper Tickets (which charges a 12% service fee).

2025 Japanese animated movie Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc (劇場版 チェンソーマン レゼ篇) in Pittsburgh, from October 23.


The 2025 Japanese animated movie Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc (劇場版 チェンソーマン レゼ篇) will play in the Pittsburgh area, from October 23.
For the first time, Chainsaw Man slashes his way onto the big screen in an epic, action-fueled adventure that continues the hugely popular anime series. Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed. As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules.
At this point showtimes and tickets have been announced only for the Cinemark in Monroeville. Shows from the 23rd are in Japanese with English subtitles, while select shows on the 24th, 25th, and 26th are dubbed in English.

4K restoration of 1997 Satoshi Kon film Perfect Blue (パーフェクトブルー) in Pittsburgh area, from October 3.



A new 4K restoration of the 1997 Japanese animated film Perfect Blue (パーフェクトブルー) will play in Pittsburgh from October 3 through October 8.
“Who are...you?” Mima Kirigoe, a former pop idol, makes a bold transition into acting, taking on a role in a drama that includes a disturbing assault scene, and even releasing a provocative nude photo book. Her dramatic reinvention grabs public attention, but also provokes unease among her fans, her manager, and even herself as she struggles with the rapid shift from her days as a pop idol. As a stalker begins to shadow her, a screenwriter and a photographer are murdered one after another. "Did I kill them?" Mima begins to wonder if a split personality is gradually taking over, just like the character that she plays in the drama. Then "the other Mima" the pop idol who was supposed to have "graduated," appears in front of her…
It is scheduled to play locally at the Cinemark theater in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編) stays in Pittsburgh area through (at least) October 9.


The 2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編), which opened in Pittsburgh-area theaters on September 11, will stay here through (at least) October 9.
The Demon Slayer Corps plunge into Infinity Castle to defeat Muzan. However, the remaining Hashiras and the Demon Slayers who survived Tanjiro's Final Selection are pitted against the remaining members of the Twelve Kizuki first.
It is scheduled to play locally at many local theaters, including the Waterworks Cinemas, the AMC theaters in Waterfront and South Hills, and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and North Hills. Tickets, and a real-time listing of theaters, are available online.

Concert film G-Dragon in Cinema: Übermensch in Pittsburgh, from October 29.


The upcoming G-Drago concert film G-Dragon in Cinema: Übermensch will play in Pittsburgh from October 29.
After eight years, the icon of a generation roars back with an epic world tour – UBERMENSCH. Every beat, every breath, every moment that will redefine his legacy bursts onto the big screen. From the anthems that shook the world – “Crooked”, “POWER,” “HEARTBREAKER” – to an epic setlist spanning his most iconic hits, joined by an all-star guest lineup including TAEYANG, DAESUNG, CL, and more. Feel the raw energy, the fire, the unrepeatable magic – captured live and unleashed through SCREENX, 4DX and IMAX.
It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theater in North Hills, and tickets are available online.

Monday, September 29, 2025

"LitFest 2025: Bringing Chinese Literature to America with Editor Han Zhang (Riverhead Books) & Translator Jeremy Tiang," October 19 with City of Asylum.


City of Asylum will present "Bringing Chinese Literature to America with Editor Han Zhang (Riverhead Books) & Translator Jeremy Tiang" on October 19, part of LitFest 2025.

Publishers, book clubs, and bookstores alike are abuzz with rave reviews for one of the season’s hottest books: Yueran Zhang’s Women, Seated. The riveting story shines a spotlight on a powerful Chinese family’s fall from grace, detailing a world of luxury, wealth, and around-the-clock service, with secrets hidden in every shadow. Full of drama and intrigue most American audiences are chomping at the bit for, one could almost forget that this bestseller likely wouldn’t have made it to a front-of-store display without the work of editor Han Zhang and translator Jeremy Tiang

Two remastered BTS concert films, from 2019 and 2021, in Pittsburgh-area theaters this week.


Two remastered BTS concert films will play in Pittsburgh-area theaters this week. BTS 2019 WORLD TOUR ‘LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF’ LONDON Remastered plays October 1 and 5:
A breathtaking expression of true love and the meaning of existence beneath a star-filled sky—A breathtaking expression of true love and the meaning of existence beneath a star-filled sky—. A powerful blend of emotion and energy, brought to life through top-notch production and stunning LED visuals. This historic night marked BTS as the first Korean act to headline London’s Wembley Stadium, and their heartfelt voices that once echoed across the globe now come vividly alive on screen.
BTS 2021 MUSTER SOWOOZOO Remastered plays October 2 and 5.
A one-of-a-kind “FESTA” that transcended time and space, uniting BTS and ARMY as one — A spectacular open-air performance that captured the spirit of a true festival. The warmth and joy of their 8th anniversary celebration return to the screen, as vibrant and unforgettable as ever.
The movies are scheduled to play int the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Most Popular Posts From the Past Year