Upcoming documentary on baseball in Japan Homecoming: The Tokyo Series in Pittsburgh, February 23 and 24.

The 2026 documentary Homecoming: The Tokyo Series, referring to the Major League Baseball series played in Tokyo at the start of the 2025 season, will play in Pittsburgh from February 23 and 24.

Homecoming: The Tokyo Series explores Japan’s profound bond with baseball, culminating in the 2025 MLB Opening Day games in Tokyo, when hometown heroes Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shota Imanaga, Seiya Suzuki, and Roki Sasaki return to the field where their journeys began. Through the lives of those shaped by the game, the film reveals how baseball bridges generations, shapes identity, and illuminates the connection between tradition and modern life. More than a chronicle of a sporting event, it is a portrait of a nation’s enduring love for baseball and the pride of watching its stars come home. Alongside the film, the filmmakers captured man-on-the-street interviews with American fans inside the Tokyo Dome who traveled to Japan for the games.

It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, the AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, the GQT Cinemas at the Pittsburgh Mills, and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless and Robinson. Tickets are available online.

Pittsburgh Japanese Film Festival, March 13 - 26.

The 2026 Pittsburgh Japanese Film Festival will run from March 13 through 26, and a selection of films have been announced. According to the festival's website,

The 2026 festival will put a special focus on the Cult Cinema of Japan through film selections and special events.

Films announced thus far for the 11th annual festival:

• Battle Royale (バトル・ロワイアル)
• Burst City (爆裂都市 BURST CITY)
• Desert of Namibia (ナミビアの砂漠)
• Funeral Parade of Roses (薔薇の葬列)
• His Motorbike, Her Island (彼のオートバイ、彼女の島)
• House (ハウス)
• Kokuho (国宝)
• Lady Snowblood (修羅雪姫)
• Plastic
• Scarlet ( 果てしなきスカーレット)
• Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space 
• The Night is Short, Walk on Girl (夜は短し歩けよ乙女)

The Row House Cinema is a single-screen theater located at 4115 Butler St. in Lawrenceville (map).

Berry Fresh II opens in Oakland, in former Little Asia spot that was briefly going to be another Meetcha.

Photos via ownership on Google

Berry Fresh II, a second location of the Berry Fresh frozen yogurt spot in Squirrel Hill owned by Guobao An, recently opened in Oakland. It is located at 301 S. Craig St., in what was formerly Little Asia restaurant and what was briefly, according to license paperwork, going to be a second Meetcha location back in 2023-2024. 

PGHwrites: Jade Song’s “I Love You Don’t Die” (Book Launch), April 6 at City of Asylum and online.

City of Asylum will present a book launch event with Jade Song's I Love You Don't Die on April 6, part of its PGHwrites series.

Though many of us are still reeling from her explosive debut novel, Chlorine, a force like Jade Song cannot be stopped. We are thrilled to welcome Pittsburgh-native Jade back to City of Asylum for the launch of her sophomore novel, I Love You Don’t Die, a coming-of-age for a new generation, in the vein of Sally Rooney and Ottessa Moshfegh.

Jade’s new work introduces us to a macabre young woman named Vicky. For as far back as she can remember, Vicky has been fascinated and obsessed with death as the only inevitable thing in life. From living above a Chinatown funeral parlor to working at a celebrity start-up for bespoke urns, she has surrounded herself with death—in her home, in her work, and in her ever-growing collection of zhizha, paper creations meant to be burned for the dead. When it comes to life and the living, however, she struggles to have meaningful connections—or find any meaning at all.

That changes when a dating app leads her into a throuple with an artist and a labor organizer, who offer exactly the kind of love she needs. For some time, it’s perfect, but no one understands better than Vicky that all things must end. With everything beginning to feel hollow and temporary, Vicky must decide how to keep moving forward. To try and hold on to what she has, or to once again do what she does best: destroy.

Please join Jade and program moderator Marina Fang after the reading for a public reception celebrating this hometown writing phenom!

You can purchase a copy of Jade’s book, I Love You Don’t Die, at City of Asylum Bookstore.

About the Author:

Jade Song is a writer, filmmaker, and artist whose first novel, Chlorine, was lauded as “visionary and disturbing,” selected as a New York Times Editor’s Choice, awarded the Alex Award and the Writer’s Center First Novel Prize, and translated into multiple languages. Jade’s short story collection, Ox Ghost Snake Demon, is forthcoming in early 2027. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Jade has taught writing at organizations like Tin House, Morbid Anatomy, and Lighthouse Writers Workshop; she has received support from the Vermont Studio Center and the Black List, which selected her adapted screenplay of Chlorine for its annual Writers Lab.

The event is moderated by Marina Fang.

The book launch event runs from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Alphabet City on the North Side (map) and online; it's free, but registration is required.

AQUARIUS Presents: Ryka Aoki Author Q&A, February 15 at Pitt.

The Alliance of Queer Underrepresented Asians in Recognition of Intersectionality to Uphold Solidarity (AQUARIUS)

at the University of Pittsburgh will host an Author Q&A with Ryka Aoki on February 15. From the Asian Studies Center newsletter:

Ryka Aoki, author of the Hugo Award-nominated Light from Uncommon Stars, is a Japanese-American writer and teacher from Southern California. Her works also include poetry collections like Seasonal Velocities and Why Dust Shall Never Settle Upon This Soul. 

With a degree in chemistry, Aoki spent a year working in a lab before pursuing her Master's degree in creative writing at Cornell University. As a transgender woman, she is also an incredible advocate, often engaging in activities to create safe spaces within the performance arts for transgender people. 

She will be joining AQUARIUS onto answer questions and talk about her experiences in writing and in life!

The talk runs from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in 4130 Posvar Hall (map).

Asia Pop Lecture: Who is Lee Byung-hun?, February 18 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will host Andy Lee and his talk "Asia Pop Lecture: Who is Lee Byung-hun?" on February 18, part of the Asia Pop Lecture series.

Lee Byung-hun, a household name in Korean cinema, has had a 35-year career, earning him his "God of Acting" nickname. He is known for his roles in Squid Game (2021-2025) and in No Other Choice (2025). In 2014, Lee was caught up in a blackmail scandal. In this lecture, Lee's reputational recovery from the scandal, both within Korea and on the global stage, will be discussed through star studies methodologies. 

This speaker is Andy Lee, a PhD Student in Film and Media Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Not only is he pursuing his Advanced Asian Studies Certificate, but he is also a Mitsubishi Fellow through our center. His research explores the influence of Japanese Imperialism and U.S. military influence on Korean cinema. 

Come see his talk as a part of our Asia Pop Lecture series!

The talk starts at 6:00 pm in David Lawrence Hall (map). 

A Better Tomorrow (英雄本色) in Pittsburgh from March 1, part of Hong Kong Cinema Classics series.

The 1986 film A Better Tomorrow (英雄本色) returns to Pittsburgh from March 1 as part of a Hong Kong Cinema Classics series.

This story is the tale of two brothers: one a successful counterfeiter and the younger a fledgling graduate of the HK police academy. The plot revolves around the split when the younger brother learns the other is a criminal and the efforts of the criminal brother to reform. Along the way are plenty of heists, double-crosses, and shoot outs. Includes "A Better Tomorrow: An Interview with John Woo" following the feature content.

The movie played here in the fall as part of an 11-film Hong Kong Cinema Classics series. It plays locally on March 1, 2, and 4 at the AMC Loews Waterfront, AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, and the Cinemark theaters in North Hills and Robinson. Tickets are available online.

2025 Taiwanese film A Foggy Tale (大濛) in Pittsburgh, March 7.

The 2025 Taiwanese film A Foggy Tale (大濛) will play in Pittsburgh on March 7.

《A Foggy Tale》Pittsburgh Film Screening

A 2025 Award‑Winning Taiwanese Film. A powerful journey through 1950s Taiwan.

Join us for a special screening of 《大濛 A Foggy Tale》, a 2025 film set in 1950s Taiwan during the White Terror era — a decades‑long period beginning in 1949, when the government imposed martial law and carried out widespread persecution of people it suspected of political dissent.

The film follows a young girl traveling across Taiwan to retrieve the remains of her brother, who was executed by the regime. Through her journey, 《A Foggy Tale》 reveals the everyday lives, moral struggles, and social atmosphere ordinary people faced under authoritarian rule.

Two K-Pop Demon Ravers - Kids Rave events in Warrendale, March 22.

Jergel's Rhythm Grille will host two K-Pop Demon Ravers - Kids Rave on March 22.

K-Pop Demon Ravers is a dance party celebrating the soundtrack from K-Pop Demon Hunters through soundtrack inspired remixes + familiar pop anthems from the movie. Costumes encouraged! Brought to you by @thekawaiirave and VNK Entertainment.

This is in addition to the February 28 event for which tickets have long been sold out. The early show starts at 12:00 pm and the afternoon show starts at 4:00 pm.; ticketes are available online, and may also be purchased in person at Jergel's to avoid online processing fees. Jergel's Rhythm Grille is located at 103 Slade Lane in Warrendale (map).

2026 Chinese movie Scare Out (惊蛰无声), directed by Zhang Yimou, in Pittsburgh, from February 17.

The 2026 Chinese movie Scare Out (惊蛰无声) will play in Pittsburgh February 17 through 19.

A major breach of China’s classified intelligence triggers an urgent response from a national security unit, determined to expose the traitor behind it. However, successive arrest missions suffer severe setbacks, driving tensions ever higher. As the investigation deepens, suspicion unexpectedly turns inward—toward members of the task force itself. Caught in a vortex of trust and betrayal, a silent struggle quietly unfolds.

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

2026 Chinese martial arts film Blades of the Guardians (镖人：风起大漠) in Pittsburgh, from February 16.

The 2026 Chinese martial arts film Blades of the Guardians (镖人：风起大漠) will in Pittsburgh from February 16 through 18 to coincide with the Lunar New Year.

Dao Ma, the "second most wanted fugitive," who is entrusted by his benefactor, the chief of Mo family clan, to take on a mysterious escort mission-escorting the "most wanted fugitive," to Chang'an.

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

2025 Japanese film Kokuho (国宝) in Pittsburgh, from February 19.

The 2025 Japanese film Kokuho (国宝) will play in Pittsburgh from February 19 through 25.

Nagasaki, 1964 – After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, 14-year-old Kikuo is taken under the wing of a famous kabuki actor. Alongside Shunsuke, the actor’s only son, he decides to dedicate himself to this traditional form of theatre. For decades, the two young men grow and evolve together – from acting school to the grandest stages – amid scandals and glory, brotherhood and betrayals… one of them will become the greatest Japanese master of the art of kabuki.

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

Concert film Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience stays in Pittsburgh through (at least) February 18.

The concert film Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience, which opened in Pittsburgh with advanced screenings on February 4, will stay here through (at least) February 18.

Stray Kids : The dominATE Experience is an epic concert film featuring the global K-Pop sensation and their sold-out SoFi Stadium performances, along with behind-the-scenes footage. With more than 30 million albums sold worldwide and a fanbase that spans every continent, Stray Kids : The dominATE Experience will provide fans with a bold, large-scale theater experience, allowing them to see a glimpse behind the curtain of their favorite band.

It will continue to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, the Cranberry Cinemas, Moraine Pointe Cinemas in Butler, and occasionally at the Cinemark in Monroeville, and tickets are available online.

2025 Japanese animated movie Scarlet ( 果てしなきスカーレット) stays in Pittsburgh through February 19.

The 2025 Japanese animated movie Scarlet ( 果てしなきスカーレット), which opened in Pittsburgh from February 6, will remain here through (at least) February 19.

A sword-wielding princess embarks on a dangerous quest to avenge the death of her father. She soon meets an idealistic young man who shows her the possibility of a future free of bitterness and rage.

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront through the 10th and the AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, and tickets are available online.

Submissions open for 2026 SCREENSHOT: Japan Documentary Film Award, through April 30.

Submissions opened on February 6 for the 2026 SCREENSHOT: Japan Documentary Film Award.

The Japan Council of the University of Pittsburgh and SCREENSHOT: Asia are proud to announce the 10th Anniversary of the University of Pittsburgh Japan Documentary Film Award.

Since its inception in 2016, this biennial award has served as a premier North American platform for documentary cinema that explores the complexities of Japanese life. Inspired by the observational filmmaking philosophy of Soda Kazuhiro, the award celebrates contemporary films that offer deep, nuanced explorations of Japanese culture, either from within the archipelago or its global diaspora.

We seek films that move beyond stereotypes to engage with contemporary or historical social phenomena, cultural practices, or significant events. For this milestone 10th-anniversary round, we continue to look for works that demonstrate a unique authorial voice and a commitment to insightful cinematic storytelling.

Awards & Prizes

To mark our tenth year, the 2026 award features an enhanced celebration:

--$5,000 Cash Prize: The winning filmmaker will receive a $5,000 (USD) award.

--Travel & Gala Screening: The award includes roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for the winner to attend the 10th Anniversary celebratory screening in Pittsburgh in September 2026.

--Engagement: The winner will engage with the University of Pittsburgh’s academic and filmmaking community through a public Q&A and anniversary reception.

2022 Japanese animated movie Fruits Basket: Prelude (フルーツバスケット－prelude－) in Pittsburgh, February 16.

The 2022 Japanese animated movie Fruits Basket: Prelude (フルーツバスケット－prelude－) will play in Pittsburgh on February 16, second in a series of Anime Nights screenings from Crunchyroll.

Before there was Tohru and Kyo—there was Katsuya and Kyoko. Discover the turbulent beginning of Tohru’s mom and her dark past, and the man who breathed new hope into her. Watch the evolution of their love story and the birth of the Honda family, as this chapter completes the full adaptation of the heartwarming Fruits Basket story.

It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online. It last played here in June 2022.

Sushi Atarashi, Wushiland Boba eye Summer 2026 opening for new Shadyside location.

The new joint Sushi Atarashi Wushiland Boba location coming to The Meridian in Shadyside is aiming for a June-July location, according to ownership. The combined sushi and bubble tea space was announced in Summer 2024, and will join Giant Eagle Market District, Shake Shack, Cava, Barnes & Noble, Sephora, and Meridian Nail Bar, along with 231 apartments at the corner of Shady and Penn Avenues (map)

2023 Japanese animated movie That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond (転生したらスライムだった件 紅蓮の絆編) returns to Pittsburgh, April 20.

The 2023 Japanese animated movie That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond (転生したらスライムだった件 紅蓮の絆編) will play in Pittsburgh on April 20.

A long-running conspiracy is swirling over a mysterious power wielded by the Queen in Raja, a small country west of Tempest. When a slime who evolved into a Demon Lord named Rimuru Tempest crosses paths with Hiiro, a survivor of the Ogre race, an incredible adventure packed with new characters begins. The power of bonds will be put to the test!

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront and tickets are available online. The movie last played in the area in January and February 2023.

2025 documentary The Rose: Come Back to Me, on Korean indie band The Rose, in Pittsburgh from February 14.

The 2025 documentary The Rose: Come Back to Me, on Korean indie band The Rose, will play in Pittsburgh from February 14 through 16.

The Rose: Come Back To Me is an intimate documentary showcasing the dramatic rise of The Rose, the Korean indie rock band with roots in the K-pop training system. After cultivating a millions-strong global fanbase, a label dispute forces them into a years-long hiatus. Now, they are back, with an electrifying tour—on their own terms.

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the Cinemark theater in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Pitt buys former Spice Island Tea House, Smile Thai building.

The University of Pittsburgh has purchased the former Spice Island Tea House building, which was most recently home to Smile Thai and Sushi:

Pitt purchased 251-253 Atwood St. for just under $1.37 million last month, according to Allegheny County real estate records.

University officials wouldn’t disclose plans for the 4,436-square-foot property.

“The university is always looking for opportunities near campus that support our long-term mission and give us flexibility to meet future academic needs and to contribute to the vibrancy of Oakland,” spokesman Jared Stonesifer said. “This purchase helps ensure we can continue to grow in a thoughtful and strategic way.”

The spot was home to Spice Island Tea House for 28 years until it closed in September 2023. Smile Thai and Sushi opened in October 2024 and closed in Summer 2025.

Peregrination: Xiaojing Yan 闫晓静 exhibition opens at Contemporary Craft, February 6; Artist Talk on February 7.

Peregrination, an exhibition by Chinese Canadian artist Xiaojing Yan (闫晓静), will open at Contemporary Craft on February 6 and run through May 2.

Peregrination, a long and meandering journey… 

This exhibition features work by Toronto based artist, Xiaojing Yan. Through the lens of personal migration and cultural hybridity, Yan explores the evolving relationship between identity, tradition, and the natural world. Yan’s art reflects a journey of transformation – an intricate weaving of folklore, ritual, and nature into a symbolic and dreamlike representation of lived experience. 

Drawing from ancient Chinese myths and customs, Yan reinterprets traditional narrative through a contemporary lens, reflecting on the fluidity of cultural memory. Her practice is both a tribute and a reimagining, examining how heritage can be at once rooted and reshaped – especially through her choices of materials and processes. Natural motifs, often deeply embedded in Chinese folklore, emerge in her work as metaphors for movement, adaptation, and belonging. Mountains, rivers, and celestial elements echo the rhythms of migration, symbolizing the passage between worlds – both physical and spiritual. 

Through meticulous craftsmanship and layered symbolism, her work becomes a meditation space – where the past converses with the present. Laden with symbolism, her creations remain as resonant today as they were historically, also engaging with contemporary concerns. In this act of peregrination, Yan constructs a landscape uniquely her own, evoking poetic and philosophical reflections on humanity’s connection to the natural world.

The opening reception is on February 6, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, and is free and open to the public. Other free associated events, for which reservation is required, include an Artist Talk on February 7, a guided tour on March 21, and a guided tour on May 2. Contemporary Craft is located at 5645 Butler St. in Lawrenceville (map).

Promo code available for "The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac" at Byham Theater, March 14.

"The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac" will be performed at the Byham Theater on March 14, 2026, part of the Trust Family Series of performances aimed at younger audiences.

Join Freddie and Ivy alongside their grandparents, Po Po and Kung Kung, as their Chinese New Year celebrations take a turn from dumpling-making to discovering the incredible origin story of the Chinese Zodiac!

When the Jade Emperor needs a way to tell time, he decrees that the first twelve animals to cross the race’s mighty river will have a year named after them and will mark the passage of a 12-year cycle.

Learn which animals win & what traits helped their success, why the rat and cat are enemies, and how each animal earned their place in the Zodiac while enjoying traditional Chinese movement, music and martial arts!

The booking agency says the performance is best for kids in kindergarten through grade 3. Tickets are available online, and PennsylvAsia readers can use promo code HORSE for 15% off. The show starts at 2:00 pm, and the Byham Theater is located at 101 6th Street in downtown's Cultural District (map).

Yoritayo presents Taiwan Talks: A Historical Presentation on Taiwan’s History and Its Effects on the Modern World, February 28.

Yoritayo presents Taiwan Talks: A Historical Presentation on Taiwan’s History and Its Effects on the Modern World on February 28 at the Irma Freeman Center.

Let's talk about Taiwan! We'll be diving into the history of Taiwan, focusing on the indigenous communities. most importantly, we'll discuss how we can continue building community + solidarity with fellow Taiwanese and other marginalized communities.

. . .

If you are Taiwanese please feel free to bring your presence, your art, food, or any other objects that connect you with your culture. :-)

The event runs from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination is located at 5006 Penn Ave. in Bloomfield (map).

Beginning-level Mandarin Chinese courses at Carnegie Library - Hill District branch, Wednesdays from March 4.

via Khun Hans Photography (Creative Commons)

According to today's University of Pittsburgh Asian Studies Center newsletter, the Carnegie Library - Hill District will host two Asian Studies Center interns to lead beginning-level Mandarin Chinese classes on Wednesdays from March 4 through April 22. Classes run from 4:00 to 5:00 pm and are free, though registration is required. The Hill District branch is located at 2177 Centre Ave. (map).

Planet K-Pop: The Ultimate K-Pop Tribute Concert, June 6 at the Benedum Center.

Planet K-Pop: The Ultimate K-Pop Tribute Concert will come to Pittsburgh on June 6.

Experience the music of K-pop Demon Hunters, BTS, Huntr/x, BLACKPINK, and many more. 

- A high-energy tribute brought to life by live singers and dancers! 

Planet K-Pop is a unique hybrid spectacle that blends the excitement of a live concert with the immersion of a full dance experience! The choreography pushes the energy sky-high, shaping a visual feast of synchronized movement, iconic formations, and unmistakable K-pop flair. 

And the excitement doesn’t stop there. Prepare for on-stage dance battles, dynamic lighting moments, high-energy highlights, and surprise cast interactions, all crafted to pull you deeper into the spirit of the fandom and make this an unforgettable celebration of global K-pop culture! 

The show starts at 7:00 pm and tickets are available online from $51.33 to $85.55. The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts is located at 237 7th St. in downtown's Cultural District (map).

Concert film ENHYPEN [Walk the Line Summer Edition] in Cinemas in Pittsburgh, from March 5.

The concert film ENHYPEN [Walk the Line Summer Edition] in Cinemas will play in Pittsburgh March 5 and 7.

Experience ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR ‘WALK THE LINE’ IN JAPAN – SUMMER EDITION on the big screen! From their very first meeting to the global stage they command today, ENHYPEN’s journey is one of growth, unity, and connection. Rising to million-seller status within a year, achieving a record-breaking Tokyo Dome debut, earning their first grand prize in 2025, and delivering a headline-making performance at Coachella, the group’s success has been shaped by the powerful bond they share with ENGENEs. This concert film captures that bond in full: electrifying live performances, the intensity of rehearsals, candid moments behind the scenes, and the everyday lives of the members as they travel through Japan in the heat of summer. More than a concert, it is a celebration of connection, a line that continues to extend forward, carrying ENHYPEN and ENGENEs toward the future, together.

It will play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Stuck in Saṃsāra exhibition at Bunker Projects, February 6 through March 22.

Stuck in Saṃsāra, featuring artwork from ten AAPI artists from around the country (including Pittsburgh), will be on display at Bunker Projects from February 6 through March 22.

Stuck in Saṃsāra

Feb 6 - Mar 22, 2025

Taking inspiration from the Lotus Sutra, the exhibition reimagines the Parable of the Burning House, one of the most important stories from the sutra. The story describes a vast house, owned by a very rich man, which suddenly catches fire. The man’s children are so busy playing that they do not notice or believe that the house is burning. In order to save them, he promises to give them his riches if they leave the house. In the story, the burning house represents the world of suffering—or samsara—and the man’s riches represent the Buddha’s teachings of liberation—nirvana. However, the sutra teaches that this is just a story. In truth, there is no way out of the house. We can only find liberation within the flames. The world of suffering is the world of liberation—to awaken to suffering is liberation itself.

Central to the story, and to the exhibition, is the image of fire in its many forms. Fire is destruction and death, but it’s also energy, purification, rebirth, life itself. Flames destroy but they also bloom. Alongside fire, the works in the exhibition also explore themes of attention and awareness, sexuality and desire, nature, beauty, ritual, devotion, and grief. The exhibition seeks to present these images in a way that challenges conventional dualistic distinctions.

While the works in the exhibition are not necessarily political, they do offer a way of thinking about current global crises, including climate disaster, genocide, and fascism. While most of the artists in the exhibition don’t identify as Buddhists, their work can still help us to understand our relationship to suffering and how we respond to it. I think that artists are people who are always paying attention—who are especially aware of suffering in their own lives and in the world around them—and trying to show it to us.

Featuring Christian Bañez, Martin Castro, Jon Chao, Anne Chen, Eriko Hattori, Marius Keo Marjolin, Brent Nakamoto, Anthony Park Kascak, Sara Tang, and Song Watkins Park.

Curated by Brent Nakamoto.

The opening reception runs 6:00 to 9:00 pm on Friday the 6th. Bunker Projects is an art gallery located at 5106 Penn Ave. in Bloomfield (map).

2025 Japanese animated movie Scarlet ( 果てしなきスカーレット) in Pittsburgh from February 6.

The 2025 Japanese animated movie Scarlet ( 果てしなきスカーレット) will play in Pittsburgh from February 6 through (at least) February 19.

A sword-wielding princess embarks on a dangerous quest to avenge the death of her father. She soon meets an idealistic young man who shows her the possibility of a future free of bitterness and rage.

It plays locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront through the 10th and the AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg from the 12th, and tickets are available online.

2025 Park Chan-wook film No Other Choice (어쩔수가없다) stays in Pittsburgh through (at least) February 12.

The 2025 Park Chan-wook film No Other Choice (어쩔수가없다), which opened in Pittsburgh on January 15 after a one-day early access screening on December 8, will stay here through (at least) February 12.

From director Park Chan-wook and based on Donald E. Westlake's novel THE AX, the story follows Man-su on his desperate hunt for a new job after his abrupt layoff from the paper company he served for 25 years.

It continues at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Manor in Squirrel Hill. Tickets are available online.

Valentine’s Matsuri at CMU, February 14.

Carnegie Mellon University's Japanese Student Association will present Valentine's Matsuri on February 14.

Join the Japanese Student Association for a celebration with Japanese food and games!

What is Matsuri?

Planned with philanthropic intent, Matsuri aims to showcase hidden aspects of Japanese culture by offering an authentic Japanese festival experience. To celebrate such, this year’s theme is バレンタイン [barentain] (Valentine’s)! Through games, food and performances, we hope to recreate the lively night scenery in Japan.

It runs from 12:00 to 6:00 pm in Cohon University Center Rangos (map).

Chinese New Year Performance at The Block Northway, February 14.

OCA Pittsburgh will present a Chinese New Year Performance at The Block Northway on February 14. From today's press release:

The Block Northway invites the community to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a vibrant

Chinese New Year Performance on Saturday, February 14th at 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM taking place in front of Sesame Inn.

"Haunted Play: Memory and Resistance in Taiwanese Horror Games," March 17 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will host Dr. Chee-Hann Wu and her talk "Haunted Play: Memory and Resistance in Taiwanese Horror Games" on March 17.

Taiwanese horror is a rising genre that has claimed an important space in Taiwanese popular culture, particularly in the video game industry since the debut of Detention in 2017. Video games associated with such aesthetics often incorporate elements of Taiwan's local religions, cultures, and mythologies. Furthermore, such horror is evoked not only by fear of the unknown, but also by the unsettling feeling of being forced to live under duress. Although mostly implicit, many Taiwanese horror games contain hints of historical references to the 228 Incident and the White Terror under Martial Law. Malevolent monsters and ghosts become physical incarnations of state-sanctioned violence perpetrated by perpetrators, dehumanized accomplices, and those who were arrested, executed, or silenced.

Kiku Japanese Restaurant hiring sushi chef.

Kiku Japanese Restaurant, located in Station Square and the oldest Japanese and sushi restaurant in the city, is hiring a part-time 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.

This position definitely requires one who can work efficiently under pressure, while also paying attention to the critical details, that the Japanese art of sushi is known for.

Sushi Chef schedule will be 20-30h/week to start

Serving everything homemade Authentic Japanese cuisine.
Must be willing to learn, listen and follow directions and have a passion for cooking.
Prep work involved. Training is usually couple month depends on experience. ex), you can filet a whole fish and able to cut fish same portion. or you can make a sushi roll only.

Must be reliable and neat.
If interested please respond via email with letter of interest and or apply in person. If you have trouble being on time, on drugs, or abusing alcohol this is not the place for you. This is a family owned and operated establishment.

http://kikupittsburgh.net/

寿司職人アルバイト募集 -

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"The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac" at Byham Theater, March 14.

"The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac" will be performed at the Byham Theater on March 14, 2026, part of the Trust Family Series of performances aimed at younger audiences.

Join Freddie and Ivy alongside their grandparents, Po Po and Kung Kung, as their Chinese New Year celebrations take a turn from dumpling-making to discovering the incredible origin story of the Chinese Zodiac!

When the Jade Emperor needs a way to tell time, he decrees that the first twelve animals to cross the race’s mighty river will have a year named after them and will mark the passage of a 12-year cycle.

Learn which animals win & what traits helped their success, why the rat and cat are enemies, and how each animal earned their place in the Zodiac while enjoying traditional Chinese movement, music and martial arts!

The booking agency says the performance is best for kids in kindergarten through grade 3. Tickets are available online. The show starts at 2:00 pm, and the Byham Theater is located at 101 6th Street in downtown's Cultural District (map).

2025 French-Belgian animated film Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (Amélie et la métaphysique des tubes), set in Japan, returns to Pittsburgh from February 14.

The 2025 French-Belgian animated film Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (Amélie et la métaphysique des tubes) will play in Pittsburgh from February 14 through March 1. 

One of the five films nominated by the Academy of Motion Pictures for Best Animated Feature! 

The world is a perplexing, peaceful mystery to Amélie until a miraculous encounter with chocolate ignites her wild sense of curiosity. As she develops a deep attachment to her family’s housekeeper, Nishio-san, Amélie discovers the wonders of nature as well as the emotional truths hidden beneath the surface of her family’s idyllic life as foreigners in post-war Japan. 

Adapted from Amélie Nothomb’s novel The Character of Rain, this animated odyssey translates the earliest moments of life into lyrical, dreamlike images. Moving beyond a traditional narrative, directors Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han gently explore the wonder and disorientation of childhood. Moments as small as tasting white chocolate, hearing a mother’s voice, and seeing one’s reflection for the first time become epic revelations in this cinematic meditation on memory and its lingering traces. 

It first played locally in November. It returns to Pittsburgh in February at the Harris Theater, in downtown's Cultural District (map), and tickets are available online.

K-pop Demon Hunters Fan Fest, February 22 at Roxian Theatre.

The Roxian Theatre will host K-pop Demon Hunters Fan Fest on February 22.

A family friendly daytime DJ party featuring dance groups, trivia, and sing-alongs.

Doors open at 12:00 pm for the 1:00 pm all-ages show. Tickets go on sale January 30th at 10:00 am. The Roxian Theatre is located at 425 Chartiers Ave. in McKees Rocks (map).

1958 Japanese film Giants and Toys (巨人と玩具) at Pitt, February 4.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will present a screening of the 1958 Japanese film Giants and Toys (巨人と玩具) on February 4, part of this term's Asia POP series of events. A 2021 New Yorker synopsis:

The heartless pressures of corporate life and the giddy wonders of its mass-media creations merge in the Japanese director Yasuzo Masumura’s derisively satirical 1958 melodrama “Giants and Toys” (streaming on Amazon). The story involves three big candy companies and their duelling ad campaigns. Goda (Hideo Takamatsu), a ruthless manager at World Caramels who’s also the boss’s son-in-law, turns an eighteen-year-old taxi dispatcher named Kyoko (Hitomi Nozoe) into the company’s spokesmodel—for a publicity scheme, aimed at children, featuring spacesuits and ray guns—but she fights for independence as her stardom quickly outshines the product. Meanwhile, Nishi (Hiroshi Kawaguchi), Goda’s right-hand man, finds his personal life—his friendship with one competitor and his romance with another—falling prey to intrigues of corporate espionage. Masumura fills the movie’s sleekly modern settings with splashily colorful costumes and knickknacks, and his sharply inflected images exalt the hard-edged forms of industrial design. Yet the turbulent, teeming drama lampoons Japanese society over all—its Americanized habits and the endurance of oppressive traditions, the unreasonable power of nepotism and the pointlessness of rational bureaucracy—and scathingly, sardonically leaves its striving workers no way out.

The event starts at 6:00 pm in 205 Lawrence Hall (map).