New York-based chain Nan Xiang coming to SouthSide Works in 2024.

A New York-based chain specializing in Northern Chinese cuisine, Nan Xiang, is coming to SouthSide Works in 2024. A LinkedIn post from CBRE says:

Nan Xiang has signed a lease for the former Sake space at Southside Works! The space is 5,947 SF and will feature authentic Northern Chinese cuisine. Look for Nan Xiang to open in late Q1 2024.

The restaurant's official site describes its offerings:

Xiao Long Bao (also known as Soup Dumpling) originated from Nan Xiang County of Shanghai, China. “Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao” opened its door at the heart of Asian cuisine, Flushing, New York in 2006 and soon gained popularity among food lovers in the Big Apple over the past 16 years. Nan Xiang is the first choice for local Chinese immigrants who are craving for authentic Northern Chinese food, Jiangsu & Zhejiang cuisine. A lot of western diners also visit Nan Xiang to experience our famous dishes recommend by various publications and food bloggers. Welcome to Nan Xiang, we provide the most original flavors from China.

. . .

Our signature dishes are the restaurant’s unrivaled crab and pork soup dumplings, plentiful steamed buns and Shanghainese dim sum. Other popular dishes include pan-fried crispy noodles, fried rice cakes, scallion pancakes with sliced beef, fish fillet & pickled cabbage noodle soup and pan-fried dumplings.

Doraemon Matters: How the Manga Robot Cat from the Future Lives on in Japan Today, September 19 at CMU.

The Carnegie Mellon University Department of Modern Languages presents Dr. Jon Holt and his talk "Doraemon Matters: How the Manga Robot Cat from the Future Lives on in Japan Today" on September 19.

Who is Doraemon? Where did he come from? Why does he still remain popular in Japan and in Asia? Dr. Jon Holt (Portland State University) explores the blue robot cat's multiple manga origins as he went on to become one of Japan's most beloved characters even today. He started in children's manga (comic books) but he was very much from the master mold of gag manga at a time when the Japanese comics industry was far, far too serious with its mature and male-youth manga--the gekiga movement--that dominated the market from the 1960s through the 1970s. Doraemon is more than a pop icon, he is a harbinger of Japan's future from its future.

Jon Holt is Professor of Japanese at Portland State University. His research interests include modern Japanese poetry, Japanese Buddhism, and manga. He recently published “Type Five and Beyond: Tools to Teach Manga in the College Classroom” in Exploring Comics and Graphic Novels in the Classroom (IGI Global, 2022). He has published numerous translations in English of essays on manga by Natsume Fusanosuke in journals, such as The Comics Journal, INKS, ImageTexT, Electronic Journal of Contemporary Japanese Studies, International Journal of Comic Art, and U.S.-Japan Women’s Journal.

The talk runs from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in Posner Hall 340 (map).

Addressing Intergenerational Trauma in the AANHPI Community, October 10 at Pitt.

via Dominic Alves

The University of Pittsburgh will host "Addressing Intergenerational Trauma in the AANHPI Community" on October 10.

This event focuses on intergenerational trauma through the scope of colonization and migration in Asian and Pacific Islander histories. This trauma will also be contextualized within the stigmatization of mental health issues in AANHPI communities and anti-Asian racism in America. We will also share mental health resources and provide supplies and instructions for paper cranes and lotus flowers.

The event is aimed at Pitt undergraduates and runs from 7:00 to 8:00 pm in the O'Hara Student Center (map).

Fantuan hiring Mandarin-speaking Business Development Specialist for Pittsburgh area.

Fantuan, a delivery service catering to Asian restaurants and groceries that expanded to Pittsburgh in 2020, is hiring a Mandarin-speaking Business Development Specialist.

Fantuan was founded in Vancouver, Canada in 2014. With a mission of “life made easier,” the company is a one-stop platform providing food delivery (Fantuan Delivery), reviews (Fantuan Reviews), an errand service (Fantuan Rush), e-commerce and marketing services. Fantuan is one of the top Asian life-services platforms in North America, currently operating across Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, Montreal, Los Angeles, New York and other metropolitan areas in Canada and the US.

Job Title: Business Development Specialist

Job Responsibility:

1. Facing local merchants, understand the business status and needs of the merchants, combine the needs of consumers, select and design marketing and operation plans that fit for the merchants, negotiate and reach cooperation with the merchants, and promote the increase of merchant transaction volume.

The98 Contemporary Thai Cuisine in Fox Chapel for sale.

The98 Contemporary Thai Cuisine in Fox Chapel is for sale. From a listing online:

Turn Key restaurant for sale in Fox Chapel Prime. This place has been recently remodeled inside and the front of building as well. Owner is asking $150,000 and will finance $50,000 for qualified buyer. Please call Phil for showing, 412-628-6154

The restaurant opened in January at 1034 Freeport Rd. (map), from the team behind Squirrel Hill's TOOK TOOK 98.

Shadyside's Nakwon Garden aims to reopen later this month.

Nakwon Garden, a Korean restaurant in Shadyside, plans to open later this month, according to ownership. Handwritten "Open Soon" signage went up on its door in August, and a fresh coat of paint went up today. The restaurant closed on January 1 and hinted at reopening in the future, though the official website's URL has expired and both Google and Yelp marked the restaurant as "permanently closed." Nakwon Garden opened in 2014 and was one of the few places where Korean BBQ was available in Pittsburgh, though a few new establishments are coming soon to change that.  Nakwon Garden is located at 5504 Centre Ave. (map).

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar opening in Pittsburgh on September 17.

After nearly a year of anticipation, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar announced today on social media that it will open its Pittsburgh location on September 17.

 It’s Official  We are thrilled to announce that Kura Sushi will be opening in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at SouthSide Works on SUNDAY, 9/17 at 12:00 PM! We can’t wait for you to experience our authentic Japanese food delights, revolving sushi bar, express belt for made-to-order requests, Bikkura Pon prizes, KuraBots and so much more! 

 3 DAY OPENING SPECIAL:

The first 100 dine-in guests on 9/17, 9/18 and 9/19 will receive a DC™ x Kura Sushi Tote Backpack! 

 SPECIAL OPENING HOURS:

9/17 - 9/19 from 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

 We will be open with regular hours beginning Wednesday, 9/20!

 415 Cinema Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

 SUN: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

MON – THU: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM

FRI: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

SAT: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Kpop Drop-in Class: Loona, "Paint The Town" at Yanlai Dance Academy, September 16.

Yanlai Dance Academy's next Kpop Dropin Class will do Loona's "Paint The Town" on September 16.

Our Kpop dance class has decided on LOONA's 🟥 Paint The Town 🟥 for their first Kpop cover this year. Drop-in for $15 to join us for our first class or register for the semester.

Our Kpop class meets regularly on Saturdays from 5:30-7:00pm. Learning the full dance to LOONA's Paint The Town, dancers learn unique skills while growing and developing together as a team. Sound like something you want to be a part of? You can still register for this semester!

The cost is $15 for a drop-in and it is recommended for ages 10 and up.  It runs from 5:45 to 7:00 pm at Yanlai Dance Academy at 2260 Babcock Blvd. in the North Hills (map).

"Japanese Action Comic Punk" band Peelander-Z in Pittsburgh, September 25.

"Japanese Action Comic Punk" band Peelander-Z will return to Pittsburgh on September 25.

PEELANDER-Z, the Japanese Action Comic Punk Band based in NYC, was originally formed in 1998 by Peelander-Yellow, Peelander-Red, and Peelander-Blue, after meeting in New York City (although they’ll tell you they’re all from the Z area on the planet Peelander). Peelander-Green was welcomed in July 2008 after Blue left the band.

Peelander–Z has appeared at major music festivals including Bonnaroo and the Vans Warped Tour and has also been featured on TV programs such as VH1’s “Best Week Ever” and Comedy Central’s “Upright Citizens Brigade” among others. The band has also been covered by SPIN, Rolling Stone, Village Voice, NPR and The Onion among many others.

At its live shows, Peelander–Z guarantees intense audience participation and a chance to exercise. You’ll see the band in colorful costumes reminiscent of Japanese anime, though they describe their outfits as their skin. You’ll also see The Red Squid, human bowling and all around insanity. A Peelander–Z performance is a rare occasion for the entire family to rock out and have a great time.

The 21+ show is at Club Cafe on the South Side (map) from 8:00 pm and tickets are available online.

Pitt's Asian Studies Center hiring Program Assistant for Japan Studies programming.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center is hiring a Program Assistant.

Provides daily support in the execution of an assigned program, section, or special interest group and implements procedures, processes, services, and systems to support program workflow. Evaluates and monitors projects, coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, and advises staff on program policies. Creates program communications, coordinates data and manages program databases, and assists in developing program evaluations.

The Asian Studies Center is seeking a Program Assistant to provide administrative and programmatic support for developing community engagement programming in the field of Japan Studies. The Program Assistant will promote Japan Studies across a broad range of disciplines and languages, in engagement activities coordinated with the Asian Studies Center, other units of the University, K-16 teachers and students, local internationally engaged organizations, other major universities, community colleges and Title III/Title V- eligible institutions. The Program Assistant will work with faculty, staff, students, K-16 educators, pre-service and in-service teachers to develop outreach materials about Japan Studies. Primary duties include: 1. Cultivate connections with local community groups. 2. Support Japan Studies Faculty activities. 3. Organize and implement events and workshops that support dialog and networking to foster a deeper understanding of Japan. 4. Assist with all aspects of programming including registration, video conferencing, technical troubleshooting, and recording of online events. The Program Assistant will manage the scheduling, logistics, publicity, and information for a range of Japan Studies activities. The Program Assistant may also be asked to assist the Asian Studies Center with other events and programs as need.