Learn taiko drumming with Pittsburgh Taiko!On Sunday mornings starting February 2, 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.
Free and open to the public, all are welcome to join us for CMU's Chinese New Year's Eve Social.It runs from 12:30 to 3:30 pm in the Rangos Ballroom on the second floor of the Cohon University Center (map).
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live, the groundbreaking 2.5D musical, is bringing the iconic “Sailor Moon” world to life across North America like never before. This stunning stage adaptation—based on the legendary manga and anime—transports audiences into a dazzling world of magic, friendship and justice with its electrifying performances, unforgettable choreography and show-stopping music.The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust provides more detail:
Producers Makoto Matsuda (appare) and Kumiko Yoshii (Gorgeous Entertainment) announced that following its sensational month-long engagement in London, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live, the world-wide smash hit 2.5D musical sensation based on the wildly popular manga (comic book), will launch a North American tour this March with technical rehearsals and previews held in Pittsburgh, PA and an official opening on March 15 in Austin, TX and in partnership with SXSW (South by SouthWest). www.sailormoonsuperlive.com. With book, lyrics and direction by Kaori Miura (Musical: The Prince of Tennis, Tokyo Revengers The Musical), choreography by Satomi Toma, and music by Go Sakabe and KYOHEI, the visually stunning show follows the stories of Usagi Tsukino, a teenage girl who transforms into the heroic Sailor Moon. Together, with her fellow Sailor Guardians, she battles many dark forces to protect the Earth from evil.It will play at the Byham Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map) and tickets will go on sale January 31 at 10:00 am EST.
With a mix of action, heartfelt moments, and iconic music, this production sees the manga characters brought to life on stage, in an epic story-telling live show experience guaranteed to wow audiences night after night, creating an unforgettable experience for fans and newcomers alike. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live will be performed in Japanese with English subtitles.
“At its very basic, ‘Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon’ is about 5 girlfriends banding together to fight for what they believe in... that’s timely,” said writer and director Kaori Miura. “Sailor Moon and her fellow guardians are equipped with powers that help them defeat evil and the characters are imbued with the self-determination to have agency and make their own confident decisions. In short, they are the ultimate example of ‘girl power.’”
Totsuko is a high school student with the ability to see the ‘colors’ of others. Colors of bliss, excitement, and serenity, plus a color she treasures as her favorite. Kimi, a classmate at her school, gives off the most beautiful color of all. Although she doesn’t play an instrument, Totsuko forms a band with Kimi and Rui, a quiet music enthusiast they meet at a used bookstore in a far corner of town. As they practice at an old church on a remote island, music brings them together, forming friendships and stirring affections. Will they discover their true 'colors'?It is scheduled to play locally at the Cinemark theater in Robinson through the 29th, and tickets for shows dubbed in English and in Japanese with English subtitles are available online.
Lunar New Year is the most important holiday celebrated by many international communities around the world. This year, the Pittsburgh Chinese Culture Center (PCCC) is once again partnering with the Pittsburgh Playhouse to present the annual Greater Pittsburgh Lunar New Year Gala, celebrating the Year of the Snake.Tickets are available online. PNC Theater is the performing arts venue of Point Park University, located at 350 Forbes Ave. downtown (map).
For the first time, the Gala will feature an exciting new theme, “CivilizASIAN”, highlighting a remarkable fusion of Eastern and Western artistic elements. The event promises a spectacular gathering of top-tier talent, thanks to the visionary direction of Mr. Xiang Gao, a renowned large-scale arts event planner and producer, who has been appointed as the chief planner and director of the 2025 Lunar New Year Gala.
PCCC’s own Performing Arts Group, together with Yanlai Dance Academy, Xiaobo Waist Drum Dance Group, School of Oom Yung Doe, Carnegie Mellon University and Pittsburgh Chinese School will share the stage at the Gala as well.
Join us for FREE cultural activities starting at 1 pm, featuring street food samples, games, cultural demonstrations, and much more!
Helmed by visionary director Wuershan, Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force continues the epic Fengshen Trilogy adapted from the classic 16th-century Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods. Jiang Ziya and Ji Fa, aided by the Kunlun immortals, lead Xiqi’s defense against the Shang Dynasty’s dark forces. As the battle for the Fengshen Bang intensifies, alliances shift, and secrets emerge in this stunning clash of mortals, gods, and monsters.Currently only ticket information for the January 29 screening at the AMC Loews Waterfront is available, but more times are likely to follow.
Celebrate the Year of the Snake! Fun Activities & Delicious Snacks. Come join us and bring in the Lunar New Yeat with joy and excitement!It runs from 12:00 to 1:30 pm in the Global Hub on the first floor of Posvar Hall (map), and is free and open to the Pitt community.
“Now, are you ready to have some real fun?” The unforgettable energy of the 2024 (G)I-DLE WORLD TOUR [iDOL], which mesmerized fans across 14 cities, is coming to the big screen! Experience the magic of their Seoul concert, the grand kickoff to this electrifying tour. Experience iconic performances of hits like Super Lady, LATATA, Queencard, and TOMBOY, paired with a perfectly curated setlist and breathtaking visuals. Starting January 2025, immerse yourself in the dreamlike excitement with one of the biggest K-POP stars!It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.
This collaborative event, hosted by ULS and the Alliance of Queer and Underrepresented Asians in Recognition of Intersectionality to Uphold Solidarity (AQUARIUS), brings together a diverse community to engage in meaningful conversation and reflection.The event runs from 4:30 to 6:00 pm on the first floor of Hillman Library (map).
4:30–5:00 PM:
Join our student representative for a book club session, featuring a group reading followed by a discussion. Faculty members and a librarian will facilitate the conversation, offering insights and fostering dialogue around the themes of the book.
5:00–6:00 PM:
Book Talk: A Conversation with Laura Gao
Engage in an intimate roundtable discussion with Laura Gao, moderated by faculty, students, and librarians. The conversation will explore crucial topics such as queer identity, Asian American experiences, and the intersectionality of these themes in contemporary society.
Come to celebrate Chinese New Years with the Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics! Free and open to the public, this event will feature many fun activities with rich Chinese cultural aspects including performances, snacks, games and raffles.It runs from 7:30 to 9:30 pm in the Rangos Ballroom on the second floor of the Cohon University Center (map).
This celebration is co-hosted by LCAL's Chinese Studies program and CMU's Chinese Students Association.
Reflecting on the global success of Squid Game (Hwang Dong-hyuk, 2021) and its reinvention of the death game genre, this talk explores both the opportunities and challenges presented by new media systems, particularly global video streaming platforms, for local creators.The talk runs from 6:00 to 7:15 pm in
Netflix, renowned for decentralized approaches and departure from corporate-driven and center-to-local strategies in traditional media, allows for greater financial and creative freedom for local creators. However, concerns have arisen over Netflix’s dominance in local media landscapes and the overreliance of local creators on the platform giant, which would eventually lead to the demise of local media.
In exploring the rise of Netflix as the leading global platform, with a particular focus on its success in Korea, this talk thus aims first to articulate the double-edged nature of platform economy. In the latter part of the talk, attention shifts towards Squid Game itself, focusing on how it creatively adapted to the platform culture and how it questions contemporary capitalism through an innovative investment in the trope of survival game, where participants voluntarily enter the death game, rendering values such as free will empty promises.
Highlighting the show’s own dilemma between its anti-capitalist ethos and its success on Netflix, this talk also addresses the broader irony of resistance within the logic of platform economy that local production faces as the platform ecosystem continues to expand.
Join us to hear directly from curator Runxiao Zhu, Head of the East Asian Library at the University of Pittsburgh Library System (ULS), about the exhibit "Beyond the Page: Exploring East Asian Book Culture and Printing Technology"!The talk runs from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the 3rd Floor Exhibit Cases of Hillman Library (map).
In this exhibit, discover the intricate artistry and cultural significance behind historical texts from China and Japan, spanning from the 12th to the 20th century. From the scholar's desk to the printer's workshop, explore the innovative techniques and materials that shaped the way knowledge was preserved and shared. Learn about the symbolism and artistry of woodblock prints, the elegance of thread-bound books, and the unique formats of scrolls and accordion books.
As we usher in a new lunar year, let's celebrate the rich cultural heritage and technological advancements that continue to inspire and influence our world today!
All items on display are part of Archives & Special Collections and other ULS collections.
“The world needs music and art to help solve some global issues more than ever. If leaders and people are looking for happiness, sustainability, justice and hope, they shall look to music and art.” - Sean Gao
For 30 years, Sean Gao has been a global engagement professional and an environmental artist who is an advocate for the sustainability of performing art, quality education and environmental justice and policy.
Humans have always been a musical species from the beginning of time, and Sean believes music is from the people and for the people. This student-centered and audience-centered musical conversation will feature instrumental and vocal music from the East and West to inspire teachers and students about teaching and learning Asian content. The guest artists include members of his world traveling 6-WIRE trio and others.
Promoting Asian American music and art has been a shared artistic goal since Sean’s first day of college (U of Delaware) teaching career at 9am ET on September 11, 2001.
Are you a local artist or maker with a small business that you’d like to promote in 2025? If so, join us on Saturday, February 1 for a special Lunar New Year edition of the markets at Novo. We’re hosting a special celebration all day long to ring in the new year and we want YOU to be a part of it! 🧧🎊🏮🎇
To participate, just send an email to kaitlinnovo at gmail.com with a little info about yourself and your business or concept, and we'll get back to you!
Please come out to join us to celebrate the 2025 Lunar New Year with a parade starting at Phillips and Murray (Streets closed Phillips to Forbes on Murray Ave from 9 - 12 pm)The relatively new annual tradition returns after taking 2024 off. The parade starts at 10:00 am, moving up Murray Ave. from Phillips Ave. to Forbes Ave. (map).
Pittsburgh-based film organization Reel Q presents screenings of films from all over the world—Argentina, Iran, Pakistan, Taiwan, and many more—that center queer voices and perspectives. This February, Reel Q enters its 11th year of collaboration with City of Asylum with the whimsical rom-com Made on the Rooftop, directed by Kim Jho Gwang-soo.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Seoul, Made on the Rooftop is a romantic journey through heartbreak, friendship, and rediscovery. After his breakup with the reserved and closeted Jeong-min, Ha-neul is left heartbroken and homeless, forced to leave not only his lover but also their beloved cat, Ari. Finding refuge with his flamboyant and supportive best friend, Bongsik, Ha-neul tries to mend his heart while navigating life on a rooftop where love, laughter, and second chances are always in the air.
With its candy-colored visuals, witty humor, and heartfelt moments, Made on the Rooftop is an ode to young love and the courage to start over. Perfect for Valentine’s Week, this rom-com reminds us that love, whether romantic or platonic, always has a way of finding us when we need it most.
Before the screening, join us for our very first Reel Connections, a social speed-friending happy hour! From 6–7 PM, we’ll partake in a lively and fun-filled hour of games, drinks, and snacks, and the chance to meet new friends…or perhaps even something more. Whether you’re coming solo, with your partner, or a group of friends, this is the perfect way to mingle and set the tone for a romantic and joyful Valentine’s Week celebration.
Contemporary Craft Announces Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space in Between
PITTSBURGH, PA (January 2025) – Contemporary Craft is excited to announce its upcoming exhibition, Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space Between, on view February 7 – May 3, 2025. The exhibition features a comprehensive survey of California-based artist Keiko Fukazawa’s 40-year career, showcasing new works and archival materials. The opening reception will take place on Friday, February 7, 5:30 – 8:00 PM.
Influenced by her Japanese heritage and American environment, Fukazawa explores Asian pop culture and social issues through conceptual interpretations of traditional forms. Featuring 30 pieces, the exhibition is organized into three themes: “Culture Clash,” “ARTivism,” and “In Betweenness,” reflecting stages of Fukazawa’s creative evolution as an immigrant artist navigating cultural identities.
Through her use of porcelain, Fukazawa highlights ceramic artistry, process, and history advocating for the medium’s importance in the contemporary world. Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective offers a compelling narrative of artistic journey and cultural dialogue, showcasing Fukazawa’s enduring commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the intersection of tradition, innovation and materiality with her practice.
“Keiko Fukazawa's work is eclectic, poignant and thought-provoking, exploring themes through distinctive material choices and symbolic representation. This retrospective spans 40 years of her creative evolution, weaving together her Japanese heritage and American environment through conceptual exploration”, said Yu-San Cheng, CC Director of Exhibitions and Operations. “The exhibition invites the audience on an emotional experience, evoking contemplation and insight as they engage with each piece. I hope these selections move you and inspire reflection."
Opening Weekend Events
Opening Reception: Friday, February 7, 5:30 – 8:00 PM. Free and open to the public. Join us as we celebrate the opening of Keiko Fukazawa Retrospective: The Space Between. Light refreshments will be served.
Artist Talk: Saturday, February 8, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Free, registration required. Keiko Fukazawa will be in the gallery discussing her work and answering questions from visitors.
Totsuko is a high school student with the ability to see the ‘colors’ of others. Colors of bliss, excitement, and serenity, plus a color she treasures as her favorite. Kimi, a classmate at her school, gives off the most beautiful color of all. Although she doesn’t play an instrument, Totsuko forms a band with Kimi and Rui, a quiet music enthusiast they meet at a used bookstore in a far corner of town. As they practice at an old church on a remote island, music brings them together, forming friendships and stirring affections. Will they discover their true 'colors'?It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the Cinemark theater in Robinson through the 29th, though more locations are likely to be announced later. Tickets for the English-dubbed shows are available online now, with shows in Japanese with English subtitles likely to follow.
Inspired by the Year of the Snake, the 28th Greater Pittsburgh Lunar New Year Celebration heralds the new year with a resplendent celebration of change and rebirth. Presented by the CASTP Organization, with support from Carnegie Museum of Art, this multicultural festival harmonizes ancient Lunar New Year traditions with global customs. Guests will embark on a mesmerizing journey through spiraling rhythms and evolving melodies, where the snake’s wisdom and symbolism come alive in spectacular performances and hands-on activities. This immersive experience invites attendees to shed the old and embrace the new, fostering a joyous chorus of global unity and growth as we step into the promising dawn of a new year.
The fair will be from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 2:30 p.m.
