1993 Chinese movie Farewell my Concubine (霸王别姬) in Pittsburgh for film's 30th anniversary, October 15 - 19.

The 1993 Chinese movie Farewell my Concubine (霸王别姬) will play at the Harris Theater from October 15 - 19.

Cheng Dieyi (Leslie Cheung) and Duan Xiaolou (Zhang Fengyi) grow up enduring the harsh training of the Peking Opera Academy, where instructors regularly beat the students to instill in them the discipline needed to master the complex physical and vocal techniques of this ancient art. As the two boys mature, they develop complementary talents: Dieyi, with his fine, delicate features, assumes the female roles while Xiaolou plays masculine warlords. Their dramatic identities become real for Dieyi when he falls in love with Xiaolou, who fails to fully reciprocate his affections and marries a courtesan, Juxian (Gong Li), creating a dangerous, jealousy-filled romantic triangle.

Hailed as a “cultural achievement” (The New York Times) and widely considered one of the most important motion pictures ever made, FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE is a “gorgeous, intoxicating epic” (Los Angeles Times) that is both “visually spectacular” and “sumptuous in every respect” (Time Out). Spanning 50 years from the early 20th century to the tumultuous Cultural Revolution, Chen Kaige's passionate, exquisitely shot film captures the vast historical scope of a changing country while revealing the intimate and touching details of a unique, tender, heartrending love story. Based on the bestselling novel by Lillian Lee, it was selected as one of the “100 Best Films in Global History” by TIME Magazine, was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, and remains the only Chinese-language film to ever win the Palme d’Or.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Film Movement Classics is proud to bring the recently restored 4K version of this masterwork to North American theaters, where audiences in the U.S. and Canada will be able to see the complete, uncut film (20 minutes longer than its original Miramax theatrical release) on screen for the first time ever.

Tickets are available online. The Harris Theater is located at 809 Liberty Ave. in downtown's Cultural District (map).

2022 Chinese film Return to Dust (隐入尘烟) in Pittsburgh, October 7, as part of SCREENSHOT: Asia Film Fest.

The 2022 Chinese film Return to Dust (隐入尘烟) will play in Pittsburgh on October 7 as part of this year's SCREENSHOT: Asia Film Fest.

In rural Gaotai county, two lonely, middle-aged outcasts are pushed into an arranged marriage by their families. Ma (Wu Renlin) is a humble farmer with little to offer his timid and sickly wife, Cao (Hai Qing), except for a small, abandoned house on a barren patch of land. From just a few seeds, their newly planted crops take root and flourish; and similarly, an unexpected bond between the two starts to blossom. As seasons pass their dedication to each other grows stronger but change and adversity soon threaten the idyllic existence they share.

It plays at 2:00 pm at 125 Frick Fine Arts Auditorium in Oakland (map) and tickets are available online. SCREENSHOT: Asia screenings are free to those with Pitt IDs, so those guests may show them at the door to gain entrance, space permitting.

Bunkasai with Japanese Student Association at Pitt, October 15.

The Japanese Student Association at the University of Pittsburgh will host its annual Bunkasai on October 15.

🏮PITT JSA BUNKASAI 2023 (文化祭)🏮

Pitt JSA's 2023 Bunkasai 🎌 is approaching quickly!! ⏳This year's event will be on Sunday, October 15th from 4-7:30PM in the WPU Assembly Room!! 🙌🏼Come join us for a night of live performances, 🎤booths, 🎪 games, 🎳 and FREE FOOD! 🍣 This year's theme is Studio Ghibli’s very own Spirited Away so get ready for all the themed decor we have in store 😱🎨

You do not have to be in JSA or even a Pitt student to come! Bunkasai will be open to the public, so bring all your friends💪🏼

Hope to see you there!! 🙈

The event is free and open to the public.

Alash Ensemble in Pittsburgh, February 10.

Alash returns to Pittsburgh on February 10, 2024.

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.

The group will perform at the First Unitarian Church in Shadyside (map) from 7:00 to 10:00 pm, with ticket information to follow later.

2022 Japanese film Plan 75 with Director's Q&A, October 7 in Pittsburgh.

The 2022 Japanese film Plan 75 will play in Pittsburgh on October 7, part of this year's SCREENSHOT: Asia Film Fest. It will be coupled with a Director's Q&A.

In a near dystopian future, Japan’s government launches PLAN 75, a program encouraging the elderly to terminate their own lives to relieve its rapidly aging population’s social and economic burdens. In Chie Hayakawa’s remarkable and sensitive feature film debut, the lives of three ordinary citizens intersect in this new reality as they confront the crushing callousness of a world ready to dispose of those no longer deemed valuable. Chieko Baishō stars as a 78-year-old Michi who considers signing up for the program after losing her meager but fulfilling hotel job and the means to live independently. A young Plan 75 salesman Himoru (Hayato Isomura) initially believes in the program’s benefits and serves as the human face of the program. And Maria (Stephanie Arianne), a Filipino care worker living overseas, reluctantly accepts a position with PLAN 75 to send money home to her ailing daughter. On the surface, the plan and its hawkers exude a kindness that serves as the film’s chilling vision of bureaucratic indifference and our increasing loss of interconnectedness. However, Hayakawa’s view is far from grim, as these characters soon learn to fully reckon with their own lives and what it truly means to live.

The movie plays at 5:30 pm in the Harris Theater, in Pittsburgh's Cultural District (map), and tickets are available online. SCREENSHOT: Asia screenings are free to those with Pitt IDs, so those guests may show them at the door to gain entrance, space permitting.

2023 film In My Mother's Skin, from Singapore, Philippines, Taiwan, playing in Pittsburgh on October 5 as part of SCREENSHOT: Asia Film Fest.

The 2023 film In My Mother's Skin will play in Pittsburgh on October 5, part of this year's SCREENSHOT: Asia Film Fest.

As World War II in 1945 Philippines is coming to an end, a wealthy family is trapped in their country mansion and terrorized by Japanese soldiers who are losing control of the island. The family’s patriarch, Aldo, is rumored to have stolen Japanese gold and hidden it nearby. Knowing that his family will be killed if the gold is found, Aldo leaves to seek help from the Americans. His absence causes the family to fear that he will never return, while the mother’s health deteriorates. Desperate for help, the family’s young daughter Tala turns to a deceitful and flesh-eating fairy, who plans to devour them all.

The festival provides a content warning for language, violence, and horror imagery. It plays at the Harris Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map) from 8:00 pm and tickets are available online. SCREENSHOT: Asia screenings are free to those with Pitt IDs, so those guests may show them at the door to gain entrance, space permitting.

"We Learn" Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Korean classes resume at Carnegie Library in Oakland, Saturdays from October 14.

via the Republic of Korea's Flickr page.

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch in Oakland will resume its free "We Learn" Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Korean classes Saturdays from October 14. The beginner classes run from 12:45 to 1:30 pm in Classroom A of the Oakland (Main) branch; a summary:

In this beginner-level class, we will use the textbook published by the Korean government for foreigners who learn Korean as a secondary language.

To get the most out of the class, it is recommended that you have a basic understanding of how to read and write Korean characters, known as 'Hangul'. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to expand your vocabulary and gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively organize sentence structures.

The Intermediate classes start at 12:00 pm, and the Advanced class runs from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm:

In our advanced-level Korean class, we will delve into the official textbook sanctioned by the Korean government for non-native Korean learners. Prior to enrolling, we expect you to possess a foundational grasp of conversational Korean. Throughout this course, we will explore intricate aspects of Korean grammar and expand your vocabulary, enabling you to engage in more sophisticated oral and written communication based on the topics covered in each lesson.

Registration is required to participate and can be completed at the links above. The classes run six Saturdays in October and November: 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18. The Oakland branch of the Carneige Library of Pittsburgh is located at 4400 Forbes Ave. (map), accessible by numerous city bus lines.

2023 Japanese animated movie Blue Giant in Pittsburgh, October 8 and 9.

The 2023 Japanese animated movie Blue Giant will play in Pittsburgh on October 8 and 9. A synopsis, from the distributor:

Dai Miyamoto's life is turned upside down the day he discovers jazz. A former high school basketball player, Dai picks up a saxophone and begins practicing day and night, determined to become one of the greatest of all time. He leaves his sleepy hometown for the bustling nightclubs of Tokyo, but soon finds the life of a professional musician is not for the faint of heart. His passion eventually wins over the cocky but talented pianist Yukinori, and after Dai convinces his friend Shunji to learn the drums, they launch a new jazz trio whose rough sound contains a raw energy that quickly wins attention from local audiences. But what does it take to truly be great?

From director Yuzuru Tachikawa (Mob Psycho 100) and based on the award-winning manga, Blue Giant is a moving ode to the power of music and the artist, featuring electric performances and a stunning jazz soundtrack.

It will play locally, in Japanese with English subtitles, at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Work underway on Pittsburgh's first Paris Baguette.

In mid-August Pittsburgh's first Paris Baguette was announced for The Block Northway, and work is underway on the space it will occupy on the lower leven next to Blaze Pizza. The Block Northway is a shopping center on McKnight Road that emerged from the remnants of the old Northway Mall.
via @parisbaguetteus

Paris Baguette is a chain of Korean bakeries ubiquitous throughout South Korea that has over 150 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. It has several spots in Philadelphia already, and had a Youngstown location listed as "coming soon" though mention of it was removed from the website earlier this month. Paris Baguette's arrival is part of a boom in new Asian restaurants, particularly chain restaurants, making their way to Pittsburgh.

2022 Korean film Hail to Hell (지옥만세) in Pittsburgh October 6 as part of SCREENSHOT:Asia Film Festival.

The 2022 Korean film Hail to Hell (지옥만세) will play in Pittsburgh on October 6 as part of this year's SCREENSHOT: Asia Film Festival.

In this black comedy from Na Mi and Sun Woo, who have been suffering from bullying and school violence throughout their school days, attempt suicide while their classmates go on a school trip. After the silly yet ridiculous suicide failure, the two try to take revenge on Chae Rin, who bullied them most and now lives happily in Seoul. However, their plans go awry. Ridiculously, Chae Rin, the worst bully ever, has found religion and has turned into a genuinely good person. What should they do now?

The festival posts viewer warnings about violence, language, and suicidal ideation. The movie plays at 5:30 pm in the Harris Theater, in Pittsburgh's Cultural District (map), and tickets are available online. SCREENSHOT: Asia screenings are free to those with Pitt IDs, so those guests may show them at the door to gain entrance, space permitting.

Pitt hosting Dr. Esther Kim Lee, author of Made-Up Asians: Yellowface During the Exclusion Era, April 2024.

The University of Pittsburgh's Humanities Center will host Dr. Esther Kim Lee for a discussion of her book Made-Up Asians: Yellowface During the Exclusion Era on April 11, 2024.

The talk is based on the recently published book Made-Up Asians: Yellowface During the Exclusion Era, which traces the history of yellowface, the theatrical convention of non-Asian actors putting on makeup and costume to look East Asian. Using specific case studies from European and U.S. theater, race science, and early film, the book examines the development of yellowface in the U.S. context during the Exclusion Era (1862–1940), when Asians faced legal and cultural exclusion from immigration and citizenship. By examining the makeup technology of yellowface, the talk analyzes how theatre historians should rethink key foundational concepts and historical narratives. It questions the dominance of mimesis in discussions of acting and racialize performances and argues for a broader conceptualization of theatre history.

The talk runs from 12:30 to 2:00 pm and is hybrid, held in both 602 Cathedral of Learning and online via Zoom.

University of Pittsburgh hiring Mellon Chair in Korean Studies.

The Department of East Asian Languages & Literatures at the University of Pittsburgh is hiring a Mellon Chair in Korean Studies. An excerpt from the job ad:

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications from nationally prominent scholars to fill the A. W. Mellon Endowed Chair at the tenured Associate Professor or Professor level in Korean Studies, with the appointment to begin in the 2024-2025 academic year, pending budgetary approval. In filling this chair, the Department seeks candidates with extraordinary credentials in research, teaching, and program development.    

We welcome candidates from any subfield and are particularly interested in scholars who will contribute to expanding our research and teaching in Korean Studies.  The new colleague will be instrumental in building our new Korean major within the context of our established strengths in East Asian Literature, Performing Arts, and Film and Media Studies.  We are looking for a dynamic colleague with expertise in one or more of the following areas: traditional Korean literature and performing arts and their significance in contemporary culture; Korean culture in East Asian contexts; gender and sexuality studies in traditional through contemporary Korean humanities; Korean music and global culture; Korean identities and diasporic communities; pop culture and intercultural communication; and visual studies, particularly in connection to traditional arts or new media.  The successful candidate will develop long-term cross-disciplinary research and teaching initiatives with colleagues at the University and other institutions and will have native or near-native ability in Korean and English in all skill areas. 

English Mandarin Language Social Hour, October 25 at Pitt.

Credit:  LRB: 安平影像 (风光), via @tongbingxue

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center and the English Language Institute will present an English Mandarin Language Social Hour on October 25.

A language and cultural exchange between Pitt language learners and international speakers. Lunch provided.

The event runs from 12:00 to 1:00 pm in the Global Hub on the first floor of Posvar Hall (map), and is open to members of the Pitt community. Registration is required.

Shadyside's Nakwon Garden reopening today.

Photo from September 13.

Nakwon Garden, a Korean restaurant in Shadyside, will reopen today, September 27 according to ownership. The hours are 12:00 to 10:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, with reservations preferred. Nakwon Garden is located at 5504 Centre Ave. (map).

Handwritten "Open Soon" signage went up on its door in August, and a fresh coat of paint went up earlier this month. The restaurant closed on January 1 and hinted at reopening in the future.

Korea-based travelling music family TENGGER in Pittsburgh, October 4.

The three-piece travelling music family band Tengger will play in Pittsburgh on October 4 as part of their North American tour. Their official site describes their sound thus:

텐거/天郷
TENGGER is a traveling musical family, made up of Pan-Asian couple, itta and Marqido, who create their brand of psychedelic New-Age drone magic through the use of harmonium, voice, and toy instruments (played by itta) and analogue synths (played by Marqido). The duo originally started out with the moniker “10” but since the birth of their son RAAI (who joins them on tour and often on stage) in 2012, have called themselves TENGGER (meaning ‘unlimited expanse of sky’ in Mongolian) to mark the expansion of the family. It also means ‘huge sea’ in Hungarian. Travel, as spiritual experience in real environments, and the sound between the space and the audience have been central themes of their works. The family’s yearly pilgrimages inform every aspect of their art.

They will play at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh in Shadyside (map), from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.

Spice Island Tea House closing September 30; last day of dine-in service September 28.

Spice Island Tea House in Oakland announced today it will close on September 30, with the last day of dine-in service on September 28.

On a more bittersweet note, we will be ending our 28-year run as Spice Island Tea House this week. Our last day of Dine-in Service will be Thursday, Sept 28, and last day for Take-Out Service will be Saturday, Sept 30. We are grateful to have had the pleasure of serving you throughout the years. When we first opened in 1995, never in our wildest dreams did we think we would go on this long. Admittedly, the last few years have been the hardest we’ve ever faced. And thanks to you, our customers, for the enduring support that have kept us going for as long as we have. But now is the time to ride this ship into the sunset. Although we will no longer be operating as Spice Island, we are exploring the possibility of other culinary endeavors through a series of Pop-ups and events. So stay tuned and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for upcoming events! Thank you, Spicefans! It has been a lovely venture!

The restaurant is located at 253 Atwood St. (map).

2023 SCREENSHOT: Asia film festival, with selections from China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, around Pittsburgh October 4 - 8.

The 2023 SCREENSHOT: Asia film festival will run from October 4 through 8 at several theaters in Pittsburgh and will include movies from China, Japan, Korean, and Taiwan in its lineup. 

• Coo Coo 043 ( 一家子兒咕咕叫 / Taiwan) - October 8, 3:30 pm, Frick Fine Arts Building
• Hail to Hell (지옥만세 / Korea) - October 6, 6:00 pm, Harris Theater
• In My Mother's Skin (Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan) - October 5, 8:00 pm, Harris Theater
• Plan 75 (Japan) - October 7, 5:30 pm, Harris Theater (includes Director Q&A)
• Return to Dust (隐入尘烟 / China) - TBD
• Tiger Stripes (Malaysia) - October 8, 7:00 pm, Alumni Hall Room 323 (includes Director Q&A)

The movies will play at the Harris Theater in downtown's Cultural District and in spots around the University of Pittsburgh campus. 

New Chinese movie Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms (封神第一部) remains in Pittsburgh through October 4.

The 2023 Chinese movie Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms (封神第一部), which opened in Pittsburgh on September 20, will remain here through at least October 4.

After conspiring with a conniving fox demon to kill the emperor and seize power, King Zhou reigns as a tyrant so brutal that he incurs the wrath of Heaven. In a final attempt to save the mortal world from desperate peril, the gods decide to intervene and invest in an unlikely champion brave enough to challenge the evil king—even if it may cost him everything.

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and tickets are available online.

Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration 中秋晚会, October 3 at Carnegie Mellon University.

The Chinese Studies Program at Carnegie Mellon University and the Organization of Chinese Americans Pittsburgh will present a Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival on October 3. It runs from 6 to 8 pm at CUC McConomy Auditorium (map) and is free and open to the pubilc.

IU Concert: The Golden Hour in Pittsburgh, September 28 and 30.

The acclaimed concert film IU Concert: The Golden Hour will play in Pittsburgh on September 28 and 30.

Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the artist’s debut, IU CONCERT : The Golden Hour comes to the big screen in this special Cinematic Cut. Experience IU’s first ever global cinema release, as the first Korean female singer to perform at the iconic Olympic Main Stadium in Seoul, the largest stadium in South Korea and the dream venue for music artists. Starting with a thrilling acap lla opening, the setlist is filled with beloved songs from across IU’s career. From the floating strawberry moon balloon, to fireworks and a stunning drone show, the enchanting stage production is a must-see in cinemas. Embrace the happiness of the unforgettable 'Golden Hour' through IU’s legendary performances and a fully-charged live show. In September 2023, join Uaena all over the world to enjoy this heartwarming experience together in cinemas!

Wikipedia also has a lengthy page on it. It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Kiku hiring Sushi Chef.

Kiku, one of the oldest Japanese restaurants in the city---and among the most highly-regarded among Japanese diners---is hiring a Sushi Chef.

Authentic Japanese restaurant hiring Experienced Sushi Chef (Station square)

KIKU Japanese restaurant located station square is now hiring for part time/full time employee.

We're looking for a Sushi Chef, to work in a team of two at the sushi bar, on preparing maki rolls, sashimi and sushi. It will involve multi-tasking of prepping and plating.

KIKU Japanese Restaurant reputation for artful plating and food quality, - fresh fish (never frozen) is flown in from Japan and New York every week, and we have a very strong customer following because of it.

Also, as many of our customers have a very experienced palate for sushi/sashimi, the Sushi Chef should have a basic working knowledge of various fishes, and Japanese ingredients used.

Eric Nam performing in Pittsburgh, October 6.

Korean-American singer Eric Nam will perform in Pittsburgh on October 6, as part of his "House on the Hill" tour.

Named GQ Korea’s Man of the Year and Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, the multifaceted musician, actor and television personality Eric Nam is one of the most successful Korean-American figures of recent times, having built what GQ calls “one of the most varied and entrepreneurial legacies in the K-Pop scene.” With 2.5M+ monthly listeners and 5M+ followers on Instagram, Eric has amassed over 1B streams on Spotify and most recently headlined a sold-out world tour playing 59 headline shows across 54 cities including Los Angeles, New York, Paris, London and Melbourne. In addition to music, Eric is a co-founder and creative director at DIVE Studios, the world’s leading AAPI and K-pop focused media company with multiple award-winning podcasts, and Mindset, a mental health and wellness platform for Gen Z audiences. Eric will soon make his acting debut as the lead in the psychological thriller Transplant.

He last performed in Pittsburgh in February 2022. This time he's at the Roxian Theatre in McKees Rocks (map) at 7:00 pm, and tickets are available onilne.

Japanese-English Language Social Hour at Pitt, September 27.

Promotional material for Pitt's English Language Institute, 1980s. 

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center and the English Language Institute will present an Japanese-English Language Social Hour on September 27.

A language and cultural exchange between Pitt language learners and international speakers..

The event rns from 12:00 to 1:00 pm in the Global Hub on the first floor of Posvar Hall, and is open to members of the Pitt community. Registration is required.

2017 Japanese zombie film One Cut of the Dead (カメラを止めるな!) at Row House Hollywood, October 28.

The 2017 Japanese zombie film One Cut of the Dead (カメラを止めるな!) will play at the Row House Hollywood in Dormont on October 28, part of the theater's Zombiefest.

Things go badly for a hack director and film crew shooting a low-budget zombie movie in an abandoned Japanese World War II facility, when they are attacked by real zombies. Or, that’s what it says on the tin, but this is the story of how it really happened.

Tickets for the 4:30 show are available online. The Row House Hollywood is located at 1449 Potomac Ave. (map).

2004 film Howl's Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城) in Pittsburgh, September 23 - 27.

The 2004 film Howl's Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城) will play in Pittsburgh from September 23 through 27, this month's installment of Studio Ghibli Fest 2023. A synopsis from the distributor:

From the legendary Studio Ghibli, creators of Spirited Away, and acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki, comes the Academy Award®-nominated fantasy adventure for the whole family.

Sophie, a quiet girl working in a hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl. The vain and vengeful Witch of the Waste, jealous of their friendship, puts a curse on Sophie and turns her into a 90-year-old woman. On a quest to break the spell, Sophie climbs aboard Howl’s magnificent moving castle and into a new life of wonder and adventure. But as the true power of Howl’s wizardry is revealed, Sophie finds herself fighting to protect them both from a dangerous war of sorcery that threatens their world. F

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, the Waterworks theater, the Phoenix Theaters Luxury in Bridgeville, and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville, North Hills, and Robinson, and tickets are available online. Please note, some shows are dubbed in English while others are in Japanese with English subtitles.

Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration at Pitt, September 28.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Cener and Global Hub will host a Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration on September 28 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.

Join the Asian Studies Center for our Mid-Autumn Festival. We'll enjoy Mooncakes, tea and a lantern craft.

It will be held at the Global Hub, located on the 1st floor of Posvar Hall (map), from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.

New Chinese movie Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms (封神第一部) in Pittsburgh, from September 20.

The 2023 Chinese movie Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms (封神第一部) will play in Pittsburgh from September 20.

After conspiring with a conniving fox demon to kill the emperor and seize power, King Zhou reigns as a tyrant so brutal that he incurs the wrath of Heaven. In a final attempt to save the mortal world from desperate peril, the gods decide to intervene and invest in an unlikely champion brave enough to challenge the evil king—even if it may cost him everything.

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront. Tickets are available now available online for the remainder of the week.

2000 movie Godzilla: 2000 (ゴジラ2000 ミレニアム) in Pittsburgh, November 1, for 70th anniversary of Godzilla Day.

The 2000 movie Godzilla: 2000 (ゴジラ2000 ミレニアム) will play in Pittsburgh on November 1 for the 70th anniversary of Godzilla Day. It will play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, AMC Classic Westmoreland, and the Cinemark theaters in Monaca, Monroeville, North Hills, and Robinson. Tickets are available online.

More information about all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant possibly coming to Oakland.

Earlier this month signage went up for an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant in Oakland, and recently a menu and photos were posted to the windows. The menu advertises $27.99 for adults with over 30 types of meats; Korean dishes like bibimbap, jjajangmyeon, ramyeon, and bulgogi; Korean appetizers like mandu, japchae, and gaeranjim; and a selection of other Asian items like sichuan noodles, Chinese-style jajangmen, orange chicken, and fried rice. It will be located at 414 Semple St. (map), in the former location of Korea Garden which closed a while back in preparation for a move to the Asian food court under development in the Strip District.

I am not as definitive in this post as I am with other restaurants coming soon because Pittsburgh has been duped before by handmade print-outs promising Korean BBQ. However, building permit paperwork does show that a new restaurant by building owner Jiyan An is coming soon to the spot.

English Korean Language Social Hour, November 1 at Pitt.

via @VisitSeoul 

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center and the English Language Institute will present an Korean-English Language Social Hour on November 1.

A language and cultural exchange between Pitt language learners and international speakers..

The event runs from 12:00 to 1:00 pm in the Global Hub on the first floor of Posvar Hall, and is open to members of the Pitt community. Registration is required.

Hong Kong Dim Sum planned for North Oakland.

via Hanna Langholz Wilson Ellis

A restaurant called Hong Kong Dim Sum is planned for 4520 Centre Ave. in North Oakland (map), the newish apartment complex One On Centre. If approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the restaurant would occupy over 4,200 square feet of the first floor. Details are scarce, but should the restaurant arrive it would help fill one of the largest remaining gaps in the Pittsburgh dining scene.

Chinese restaurant/cafe coming to Squirrel Hill in Footer's Cleaners spot.

A new Chinese restaurant / cafe seems to be coming to Squirrel Hill. Footer's Cleaners at 5864 Forbes Ave. (map) closed earlier this year and the building was bought by JC Investment Squirrel Hill Property LLC, run by a Yao Chen from Erie. A Chinese construction crew has been performing work on the interior of the 3500-square-foot space, and Hungry Panda advertisements are on the windows. Paperwork to the City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning has more information about the proposed restaurant / cafe; the contact information on the application leads the former ownership behind Oakland's Top Shabu Shabu and Night Market Gourmet, and contact information on permits lead to a real estate company that also owns a Chinese restsaurant in Irwin.

Footer's is owned by the same family who ran Lord Duncan Cleaners on Forward Avenue, which also closed earlier in 2023.

Romance Comics, Japanese Daily Life (Seikatsu), and Kamimura Kazuo’s Manga Co-Habitation Age, September 20 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will host Dr. Jon Holt and his talk "Romance Comics, Japanese Daily Life (Seikatsu), and Kamimura Kazuo’s Manga Co-Habitation Age" on September 20.

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.

Dr. Holt will speak at Carnegie Mellon University on the 19th about Doraemon and other topics. The talk at Pitt starts at 4:30 pm in 4130 Posvar Hall (map).

Tzu Chi Academy-Pittsburgh presenting adult Mandarin class in South Hills, October 22 - December 17.

Tzu Chi Academy-Pittsburgh 匹茲堡慈濟人文學校 will hold an 8-week Mandarin class for adults, October 22 - December 17 in the South Hills.

The course will be conducted in person at South Hills Middle School every Sunday, starting from October 22, 2023, to December 17, 2024, between 10:00 AM and 11:15 AM. This course is designed for beginner language learners aged 18 and above. Complimentary textbooks will be supplied, and the tuition fee for 8 sessions is $80.

Registration is required and can be completed online. South Hills Middle School is located at 595 Crane St. in Beechview (map).

Many More Asian Market shares progress pics of its new Strip District location.

On September 16 Many More Asian Market shared some progress pics of the work at its new Strip District location.



The new store will be at 2767 Liberty Ave, Strip District (map), a few blocks from its current location. In October 2022 work started on the new warehouse space that will have a food court and boba tea place; it was originally scheduled to open in the summer but is now looking at a fall opening.

New Chinese movie Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms (封神第一部) in Pittsburgh, from September 20.

The 2023 Chinese movie Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms (封神第一部) will play in Pittsburgh from September 20.

After conspiring with a conniving fox demon to kill the emperor and seize power, King Zhou reigns as a tyrant so brutal that he incurs the wrath of Heaven. In a final attempt to save the mortal world from desperate peril, the gods decide to intervene and invest in an unlikely champion brave enough to challenge the evil king—even if it may cost him everything.

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront. Tickets are available now for three September 20 showings, though tickets are expected to be released for another week of shows.

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).