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.

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.

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.

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.