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.

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.

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).

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.

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).

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).