K-POP FUN FACTORY, a family-friendly Kpop event, April 12 at Enclave.

Enclave will host K-POP FUN FACTORY, a family-friendly K-pop fest, on April 12.

family fest! Live DJ, dancers, face painting, photo booth & meet-and-greet with Rumi — Sunday, April 12th, 12PM–3PM

Get ready for an unforgettable family-friendly K-Pop event in Pittsburgh! 🎤✨
K-POP FUN FACTORY is the ultimate interactive kids and family experience combining music, dance, entertainment, and magical moments all in one high-energy celebration. Join us on Sunday, April 12th from 12:00 PM–3:00 PM at Enclave (1602 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh) for a vibrant afternoon designed for K-pop fans, families, and young performers alike.

This exciting Pittsburgh kids event features a live DJ spinning upbeat tracks, professional K-pop dancers leading an interactive dance-along, colorful face painting, and a fun photo booth to capture memories. Plus, don’t miss the exclusive meet-and-greet with The Lead Huntress, where kids can say hello, take photos, and experience the magic up close. It’s the perfect weekend activity for families looking for fun things to do with kids in Pittsburgh.

ONE OK ROCK Detox Japan Tour 2025 at Nissan Stadium, in Pittsburgh from April 30.

The concert film ONE OK ROCK Detox Japan Tour 2025 at Nissan Stadium will play in the Pittsburgh area April 30, May 2, and May 4.

ONE OK ROCK DETOX JAPAN TOUR 2025 AT NISSAN STADIUM IN CINEMAS unleashes the raw pulse of a career-defining night—documenting the band’s commanding takeover of Japan’s iconic Nissan Stadium—where thunderous riffs, soaring vocals, and 70,000 voices collide into something electric, forging an unbreakable bond between the band and their worldwide legion of fans.

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

2025 Japanese film Exit 8 (8番出口) in Pittsburgh, from April 10.

The 2025 Japanese film Exit 8 (8番出口) will play in Pittsburgh from April 10.

A man becomes increasingly desperate when he realizes he is trapped in a subway station, needing to complete a mission to get out.

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

SILENT: Asia presents 1926 Japanese silent film A Page of Madness (狂った一頁), April 14 at Pitt.

SILENT: Asia, part of the University of Pittsburgh's SCREENSHOT: ASIA film festival and programming, will present the 1926 Japanese silent film A Page of Madness (狂った一頁) on April 14. A synopsis from the Row House Cinema, where the film played in 2021:

Set within the walls of a mental asylum in Japan, the film follows the story of a janitor (Masao Inoue) who takes a job at the institution in order to be closer to his wife (Yoshie Nakagawa), a former performer who has been institutionalized after suffering a mental breakdown. As the janitor navigates the eerie corridors of the asylum, he encounters a cast of characters haunted by their own inner demons, including patients, doctors, and nurses.

It will play at 6:30 pm in Frick Fine Arts (map) and is free and open to the public.

Shoku Next Door soft opens in Cranberry.

Shoku Next Door has soft opened in Cranberry Mall, after work began last autumn.

We’re your new neighborhood spot for quality sushi and casual dining. Grab a quick take-out on busy days or relax and dine in with friends — always delicious, always welcoming. Stop by and discover your next favorite sushi place, right next door!

It has a menu featuring sushi, hibachi and ramen, and is located in space 103 of Cranberry Mall (map).

2026 Vietnamese film Bunny!! (Thỏ Ơi!!) in Pittsburgh, from April 3.

The 2026 Vietnamese film Bunny!! (Thỏ Ơi!!) will play in Pittsburgh from April 3. A synopsis, from the distributor:

A popular relationship advice host finds her carefully curated life upended when she meets a guest with a mysterious personal story, taking them both down a rabbit hole that leads to unimaginable consequences. Directed by Tran Thanh, produced by Tran Thanh Town, Galaxy Studio & HK Film, with an international release by 3388 Films.

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

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.

Squirrel Hill's Viet Nom Nom closing March 30.

Squirrel Hill's Viet Nom Nom will close its doors on March 30. From its Instagram post today:

Graditude. Privilege. Friendship. And unmatched support are just a few words that describe what I feel when I look back on the last 15 years of being a restaurant owner in Squirrel Hill. There were a few hiccups with the transition but everything is finalized. Tomorrow will be my last day in business until I am ready to relocate. Remember friends, I’m a serial “pivot-er” so this isn’t Good bye… it’s a BRB !!! Love you all and thank you for your continuous support❤️

It briefly announced a closure last month, with some additional context:

There's a little sadness in letting go but there's plenty of beauty in starting over. Squirrel Hill was home to 2 of my businesses the last 14 years. This community has welcomed me with open arms as I introduced Vietnamese cuisine to the neighborhood with the opening of Tan Lac Vien in 2012. It was my first dine-in restaurant where i Offered more unique and authentic dishes. I had a great run. In 2023 I decided to down size to what is currently Viet Nom Nom. It was a fun, quirky and cozy spot. I offered quick and casual dine-in where I served no fuss dishes. I will forever be grateful for the patronage and friendships that I have created here over the years. I am honored to have served the Squirrel Hill community. Life is filled with changes and I have to allow my new priorities to align with my home and work balance. A reset is deeply desired, but Please don't worry because if any of you know me, you'll know that I am a "serial entrepreneur " - to be continued...

It opened January 2023 at 1711 Murray Ave (map). 

1989 Hong Kong film The Killer (喋血雙雄) in Pittsburgh, from April 5.

The 1989 Hong Kong film The Killer (喋血雙雄) will play in Pittsburgh on April 5, 7, and 8, part of a Hong Kong Cinema Classics series this year. A synopsis, from the distributor:

A Hong Kong hitman accidentally blinds an innocent woman during a hit. He is determined to get her surgery to help her regain her sight but he needs to complete one more hit first. He completes the job but then is ambushed as he tries to escape: someone wants him dead. Meanwhile a resourceful, unorthodox police detective is hot on his trail.

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Laser K-Pop Demon Hunters at Kamin Science Center's Buhl Planetarium, from May 2.

The Kamin Science Center's Buhl Planetarium will present Laser K-Pop Demon Hunters from May 2 through June 26.

Dazzling lasers, harmonic melodies, and catchy lyrics you can’t help but sing along to. You know we’re going to be golden to protect the fans and seal the Honmoon! Inspired by the hit movie “K-Pop Demon Hunters.”

Opening weekend for the 25-minute show will be Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 pm. It plays weekdays from May 4 through June 26 (except May 13) at 2:00 pm, and weekends during that span at 1:00 pm. Tickets are available online. The Kamin Science Center, formerly known as the Carnegie Science Center, is located at 1 Allegheny Ave. on the North Shore (map).

1997 Satoshi Kon film Perfect Blue (パーフェクトブルー) in Pittsburgh, from April 3.

The 1997 Satoshi Kon film Perfect Blue (パーフェクトブルー) will play at the Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville from April 3 through April 9, part of the theater's Girls Gone Mad film series.

This creepy and mind-bending thriller from Satoshi Kon follows a pop star who looks forward to a bright new career as an actress when she quits her chart-topping trio. Her first role in a sexually charged murder mystery blurs the lines of her reality and upends her once wholesome life.

Tickets and showtimes are available online. The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler Street in Lawrenceville (map).

Steel Love Kpop Meetup at the Park, March 28 at Schenley Plaza.

Steel Love Kpop will organize a Meetup at the Park from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on March 28 at Schenley Plaza in Oakland. From their announcement on Instagram:

✨ Kpop Meetup at the Park ✨
Hi guys I can’t wait to see you all for our next meetup!

✨ Be sure to bring your photo cards, pickets, and/or Kpop merch to trade, customize, or show your collection.

✨ There’s park benches, chairs, and a lawn so feel free to bring a blanket if you enjoy the grass.

✨There are several food options from vendors and there’s a restaurant in the plaza area or you can bring your own food and snacks if you’d like.

✨ Feel free to break off and have fun! Some might trade, some might dance, it’s your choice!

✨ For those who want to record dance content we can film short dance covers (the chorus section only) of the songs you’d like, let me know in the comments or by DM what songs you’d like to record. If you want to bring speakers for music in general or use them for the dance covers, feel free to bring those as well.

I’ll suggest some songs in the comments if you want to learn them and record them! Comment or send a DM of the song(s) you choose between now and the official meetup date.

We can always reschedule if the weather conditions aren’t very well.

See you all soon! 😇

Pitt Filipino Students Association (FSA) Barrio, featuring RC AVENUE, March 28.

The University of Pittsburgh's Filipino Student Association will present its annual Barrio on March 28, which will feature a performance by pop/R&B artist RC AVENUE. It runs from 5:00 to 9:00 pm in the Assembly Room on the first floor of the William Pitt Union (map). From the Asian Studies Center newsletter:

“Barrio” means neighborhood or community in Tagalog. Pitt FSA’s Barrio event shares and celebrates Filipino culture through special guest performances, delicious Filipino food, singing & dancing, and more!

 

Barrio will feature special guest RC AVENUE. They are a Pop/R&B artist based in Los Angeles with over 200k monthly listeners on Spotify.

The theme is Alamat, meaning “legend” or “folklore” in Tagalog. Alamat honors the stories that connect generations and communities, celebrating Filipino heritage while also recognizing the shared experiences and stories of those at Pitt.

Dress theme will be Traditional Filipino cultural attire (modern/precolonial), cultural mythology, or fairytale-inspired dress.

4K restoration of 1989 Japanese animated movie Kiki's Delivery Service (魔女の宅急便) stays in Pittsburgh through March 31.

A 4K restoration of 1989 Japanese animated movie Kiki's Delivery Service (魔女の宅急便), which opened in the Pittsburgh area from March 12, will stay here through (at least) March 31.

It is a tradition for all young witches to leave their families on the night of a full moon and fly off into the wide world to learn their craft. When that night comes for Kiki, she embarks on her new journey with her sarcastic black cat, Jiji, landing the next morning in a seaside village, where her unique skills make her an instant sensation. Don’t miss this delightfully imaginative and timeless story of a young girl finding her way in the world[.]

It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.

4K restoration of 1995 Studio Ghibli film Whisper of the Heart (耳をすませば) in Pittsburgh, April 21.

A 4K restoration of the 1995 Studio Ghibli film Whisper of the Heart (耳をすませば) will play in Pittsburgh on April 21.

A chance encounter with a mysterious cat sends Shizuku, a girl with her head in the clouds, on a quest for her true talent. Together with Seiji, a boy determined to follow his dreams, and enchanted by The Baron, an antique cat figurine who guides her to listen to the whispers of her heart, Shizuku embarks on a life-changing adventure that takes her beyond the boundaries of her imagination. Based on a screenplay and storyboards from Hayao Miyazaki, WHISPER OF THE HEART is a precious gem in the Studio Ghibli catalog, directed by veteran animator Yoshifumi Kondo.

It plays locally so far at the AMC Loews Waterfront, but there will likely be additional dates and theaters announced later.

Korean movie The King's Warden (왕과 사는 남자) stays in Pittsburgh through March 31.

The 2026 Korean movie The King's Warden (왕과 사는 남자), which opened in Pittsburgh on March 13, will stay here through (at least) March 31.

In a remote mountain village of 15th-century Joseon, a humble headman, Heung-do, hears a rumor that any village hosting an exiled nobleman will be blessed with abundance and fortune. Hoping to bring prosperity to his impoverished community, he eagerly submits a petition to host one—unaware that his guest is none other than the fallen monarch, the deposed boy-king Danjong. While an unlikely bond begins to form between the dethroned ruler and the man assigned to watch over him, the quiet village finds itself drawn into the perilous undercurrents of royal intrigue—where loyalty and survival collide.

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

2026 Chinese movie Pegasus 3 (飞驰人生3) remains in Pittsburgh through March 31.

The 2026 Chinese movie Pegasus 3 (飞驰人生3), which opened in Pittsburgh on February 27, will remain here through at least March 31. It is the highest-grossing film in China in 2026 thus far, and is the 10th-highest-grossing film in China of all time.

After the final stage at Bayanbulak, Zhang Chi (played by Shen Teng) is invited to compete in a brand-new event, the “Muchen 100 Rally,” as the head coach of the team. The once “wild” racer now steps onto the international stage. Facing a completely new course filled with top-tier competitors, Sun Yuqiang (played by Yin Zheng) and Ji Xing (played by Zhang Benyu) once again fight side by side with Zhang Chi. Powerful drivers such as Lin Zhendong (played by Huang Jingyu) are also invited to join, and a team built on top-level speed and shared belief is formed. However, Zhang Chi soon realizes that the true challenge does not seem to come from the race itself. Beneath the surface, tensions are rising beyond the track, casting uncertainty over their high-speed journey ahead.

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

YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan, in Pittsburgh February 2027.

YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan will perform in Pittsburgh on February 3, 2027, presenting Tamayura: Echoes of the Soul.

YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan is a globally touring troupe based in Asuka-mura Nara Prefecture, a place well known by Japanese people as the hometown of Japan. Since their 1993 inception, with more than 4,000 performances across 54 countries, the work of YAMATO has brought energy and joy to thousands around the world.

YAMATO’s productions incorporate over 40 Taiko drums of different characters, sizes, and sounds. Their expert musicians train their bodies to the absolute limit to beat these massive instruments. While the acoustic pressure far surpasses what one could imagine, the ensemble’s acclaimed performances range from explosive percussion to delicate musical moments that offer a palette of meticulously crafted sound.

As the audience is engulfed in the sound of the Taiko—intense, sometimes sad, at times comforting, and even comical—they become one with the performers. People from all backgrounds gather around the power of Taiko, interweaving their lives and feeling the strength of one another’s passion and heart. Together, they create an unforgettable moment in which they feel truly alive.

The show starts at 7:30 pm at the Byham Theater, located at 101 6th Street in downtown's Cultural District (map). Tickets are available online.

2025 Japanese animated movie ChaO (チャオ) to have screenings at Row House Hollywood in Dormont, from April 10.

The 2025 Japanese animated movie ChaO (チャオ), which was announced earlier for the Pittsburgh area from April 9, will also play at the Row House Hollywood in Dormont on April 10, 11, 12, 15, and 16.

In a futuristic world where humans and mermaids coexist, the life of mild-mannered office worker Stephan is upended when he is suddenly proposed to by Chao — a princess from the mermaid kingdom. With no time to make sense of what’s happening, Stephan soon finds himself living with the unpredictable, wholehearted Chao, and her sincere love begins to break down his emotional barriers.

There are multiple screenings per day, and tickets are available online.

Eastern Passage 东方之旅 coming to downtown Pittsburgh in April as part of Project Pop-Up.

According to the Pittsburgh Chinese Culture Center's newsletter, a retail store called Eastern Passage 东方之旅 is coming to the Park Building downtown (map), part of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership's Project Pop-up.

Coming soon to downtown Pittsburgh! Eastern Passage 东方之旅 – a retail store specializing in Asian apparel, artisan crafts, and cultural souvenirs is scheduled to open in April 2026. Located in the historic Park Building at 355 Fifth Avenue, the store is part of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s Project Pop-Up that will turn a vacant storefront into a vibrant cultural destination. We are particularly interested in promoting artworks and crafts by local artisans. Contact us for more information at [redacted].

匹兹堡市中心即将迎来新店开业！ 东方之旅 (Eastern Passage) 是一家专注于亚洲服饰、手工艺品及文化纪念品的零售店，将于 2026 年 4 月下旬开业。 该店坐落于第五大道355 号的历史性建筑Park Building，作为匹兹堡市中心伙伴关系 (Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership) “快闪项目” (Project Pop-Up) 的一部分，我们将把原本闲置的店面转变为充满活力的文化地标。 我们尤其注重推广本地艺术家和与手工艺人的作品。 欲了解更多详情，请联系我们：[redacted] 。

The email address listed in the newsletter has a typo and is invalid, hence my redaction. Project Pop Up

brings vibrancy and innovation to Downtown Pittsburgh by activating vacant storefronts with temporary retail pop-ups, interior window displays, and artistic window graphics. In collaboration with Downtown property owners—and with generous support from the Hillman Foundation—the program invites entrepreneurs, artists, makers, retailers, and creative teams to transform empty storefronts into engaging destinations.

This initiative supports Downtown’s economic revitalization by providing low-barrier opportunities for creative retail, art, and cultural activations that contribute to a more dynamic and welcoming streetlevel experience.

Katsura Sunshine's Rakugo, May 8 in North Hills.

Canadian rakugo comic storyteller Katsura Sunshine will perform in the Pittsburgh area on May 8.

Katsura Sunshine headlines Pittsburgh's newest comedy club experience for one night only!

A show of hilarity and culture in equal doses!

​Katsura Sunshine completed his grueling traditional apprenticeship in Rakugo comic storytelling under the great Rakugo Master Katsura Bunshi VI in 2011. His performances have delighted audiences throughout the world as well as all over Japan. Sunshine has graced the Broadway stage with a different delightful Japanese story each month since 2019, at the famous New World Stages in Manhattan. Come for an hour of laughter and leave with a piece of Japan in you heart!

He will perform at The Comedy Bar @ Remo's in the North Hills (map). The show starts at 7:00 pm and tickets are available online. Please note, the venue has a two item minimum it charges on top of the ticket fee.

Café Filipino returns April 25.

Café Filipino, a family-style Philippine Cuisine Experience from the Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh, is resuming monthly programming from April 25.

The event is brought to you by Cafe Filipino, our initiative to feature talented cooks within our community and showcase their signature dishes. The plan is to offer this event by popular demand as a way for us to bring a consistent fine-dining Filipino food experience to Pittsburgh. This will be a periodic fundraising event to cover the operating costs of our Philippine Center and other Fil-Am PGH programs.

Dinners are held at the Philippine Center of Pittsburgh in West Mifflin (map) and tickets are available online.

ScottyCon 2026, the student-run anime and games convention at Carnegie Mellon University, March 28.

ScottyCon 2026, the student-run anime and games convention at Carnegie Mellon University, will be held on March 28.

Welcome to our sixth year of ScottyCon! We hope you enjoy CMU's one and only (and therefore best) anime and video gaming convention! We'll have a blast of events this year, ranging from panels, masquerade, artist alley, and much more.

Events include 14 panels, Artist Alley, game vendors, karaoke at night, a Masquerade, a manga library, and a performance from guest of honor Phoebe Chan, and more. ScottyCon runs from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm in the Jared L. Cohon University Center (map) and tickets are available online through March 25 (and at the door on the 28th).

ASIA POP LECTURE: "When Two Worlds Collide: K-pop Idols & Influencer Marketing," April 1 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will host Dr. Mathieu Berbiguier and his talk "When Two Worlds Collide: K-pop Idols & Influencer Marketing" on April 1, part of the Center's ASIA POP lecture series.

K-pop idols have long been perceived as the antithesis of authenticity, manufactured personas shaped by entertainment companies. Yet the global rise of influencer marketing, built on relatability and vulnerability, has pushed those same companies to rewrite the rules. Dr. Mathieu Berbiguier examines how Korean entertainment companies increasingly adopt influencer marketing codes — "authentic storytelling," mental health disclosure, and less scripted formats — to reshape the idol persona and deepen parasocial bonds with fans. Drawing on textual analysis and fan discourse, Dr. Berbiguier argues that the convergence of idol culture and influencer logics reveals less a collision than a mutual absorption, one that speaks to a broader, Euro-American-centered demand for authenticity in popular culture.

Dr. Berbiguier is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Korean Studies at Carnegie Mellon University. Since receiving his Ph.D. in Asian Languages and Cultures from the University of California, Los Angeles, Dr. Berbiguier's research has primarily focused on the nuances of K-pop culture, exploring power dynamics in fan communities and shedding light on how these interactions shape perceptions of authenticity in Korean popular culture.

The talk starts at 6:00 pm in 205 David Lawrence Hall (map) and is free and open to the public.

2025 Japanese animated movie ChaO (チャオ) in Pittsburgh, from April 9.

The 2025 Japanese animated movie ChaO (チャオ) will play in Pittsburgh from April 9.

In a fantastical future, humans and mermaids share a troubled coexistence. Stephan, an anxious employee at a shipbuilding company, has big ideas to save the sea. But his life explodes into ecstatic chaos when bubbly mermaid princess Chao proposes marriage out of the blue. Between shopping sprees, giant robots, and actual fireworks, the unlikely pair flounder through their new romance and unlock their true feelings. Crafted over 7 years by the acclaimed STUDIO4°C and veteran animator Yasuhiro Aoki, ChaO is an inventive and genre-defying delight bursting with color and character. Equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, ChaO’s singular narrative is an ode to boundless love.

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

Hyland Gallery Talk: Chūshingura 忠臣蔵：Musha-e 武者絵 and Kabuki-e 歌舞伎絵, March 27 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's University Library System will present "Hyland Gallery Talk: Chūshingura 忠臣蔵：Musha-e 武者絵 and Kabuki-e 歌舞伎絵" on March 27.

Join curator and Japanese and Korean Studies Librarian Hiroyuki Good to learn more about the exhibit Chūshingura: Musha-e and Kabuki-e! The exhibit explores the Akō Incident (1701–1703), in which 47 rōnin avenged their lord Asano Takumi no Kami after he was forced to commit seppuku for attacking Kira Kōzukenosuke in Edo Castle. This famous revenge story inspired the 1748 Kabuki play Kanadehon Chūshingura, which became one of Japan’s most enduring theatrical works. Featuring musha-e (warrior prints) of the 47 rōnin from the Barry Rosensteel Japanese Print Collection and a complete set of kabuki-e from the Japanese Theater Print Collection, the exhibit highlights the lasting cultural impact of Chūshingura in print and performance.

Each warrior print in this exhibition is accompanied by an introductory text about the individual depicted. Hiro has worked to transcribe and translate these cursive scripts using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude, and the results of this effort will also be presented.

All prints are part of the Archives & Special Collections at the University of Pittsburgh Library System. 

The talk runs from 11:00 to 11:30 in Hillman Library's The Hyland Gallery Archives & Special Collections Exhibits on the third floor (map).

Korean movie The King's Warden (왕과 사는 남자) stays in Pittsburgh through March 23.

The 2026 Korean movie The King's Warden (왕과 사는 남자), which opened in Pittsburgh on March 13, will stay here through March 23.

In a remote mountain village of 15th-century Joseon, a humble headman, Heung-do, hears a rumor that any village hosting an exiled nobleman will be blessed with abundance and fortune. Hoping to bring prosperity to his impoverished community, he eagerly submits a petition to host one—unaware that his guest is none other than the fallen monarch, the deposed boy-king Danjong. While an unlikely bond begins to form between the dethroned ruler and the man assigned to watch over him, the quiet village finds itself drawn into the perilous undercurrents of royal intrigue—where loyalty and survival collide.

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

Krunchy Bird Korean Fried Chicken opens in Mt. Lebanon.

Krunchy Bird Korean Fried Chicken, offering Korean-style chicken sandwiches, wings, and tenders, has opened in Mt. Lebanon. It is located at 325 Mt. Lebanon Blvd. (map), in the former Oya Sushi location.

4K restoration of 1989 Japanese animated movie Kiki's Delivery Service (魔女の宅急便) stays in Pittsburgh through March 25.

A 4K restoration of 1989 Japanese animated movie Kiki's Delivery Service (魔女の宅急便), which opened in the Pittsburgh area from March 12, will stay here through (at least) March 25.

It is a tradition for all young witches to leave their families on the night of a full moon and fly off into the wide world to learn their craft. When that night comes for Kiki, she embarks on her new journey with her sarcastic black cat, Jiji, landing the next morning in a seaside village, where her unique skills make her an instant sensation. Don’t miss this delightfully imaginative and timeless story of a young girl finding her way in the world[.]

It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.

2026 Chinese movie Pegasus 3 (飞驰人生3) remains in Pittsburgh through March 25.

The 2026 Chinese movie Pegasus 3 (飞驰人生3), which opened in Pittsburgh on February 27, will remain here through at least March 25. It is the highest-grossing film in China in 2026 thus far, and is the 11th-highest-grossing film in China of all time.

After the final stage at Bayanbulak, Zhang Chi (played by Shen Teng) is invited to compete in a brand-new event, the “Muchen 100 Rally,” as the head coach of the team. The once “wild” racer now steps onto the international stage. Facing a completely new course filled with top-tier competitors, Sun Yuqiang (played by Yin Zheng) and Ji Xing (played by Zhang Benyu) once again fight side by side with Zhang Chi. Powerful drivers such as Lin Zhendong (played by Huang Jingyu) are also invited to join, and a team built on top-level speed and shared belief is formed. However, Zhang Chi soon realizes that the true challenge does not seem to come from the race itself. Beneath the surface, tensions are rising beyond the track, casting uncertainty over their high-speed journey ahead.

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

Self-Chef Mongolian Stir-Fry and Sushi to open in Castle Shannon on March 18 now open in Castle Shannon.

Self-Chef Mongolian Stir-Fry and Sushi will open in Castle Shannon on March 18 is now open in Castle Shannon, in the former Linden Grove spot. Signage went up in the fall at 1100 Grove Road (map).

The menu, posted on their official site, features primarily sushi, sashimi, rolls, and Japanese appetizers and desserts at this point:  

2025 Amy Wang film Slanted stays in Pittsburgh through March 25.

The 2025 Amy Wang film Slanted, which opened in Pittsburgh on March 12, will remain here through March 25.

As a senior in high school, Joan Huang idolizes winning Prom Queen as the embodiment of popularity, beauty and the ultimate form of acceptance into American life. In her relentless pursuit for the crown, she undergoes an experimental racial transformation to become White and win Prom Queen. However, what she thought was a dream come true soon reveals itself to be an emotional and physical nightmare. "Slanted" offers a searing and unapologetically satirical view on race and the uncomfortable journey of learning to love.

It plays locally now at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theater in Robinson through the 19th, and the AMC Loews Waterfront after that, and tickets are available online.

Bong Joon Ho film Okja (옥자), Hayao Miyazaki film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (風の谷のナウシカ) at Row House Cinema, from April 17.

The 2017 Bong Joon Ho film Okja (옥자) and the 1984 Hayao Miyazaki film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (風の谷のナウシカ) will play at the Row House Lawrenceville from April 17, part of its "Touch Grass" series focused on "eco-conscious, sustainable, renewable, biodegradable, nature-friendly cinema."

Okja's last theatrical run here was in 2017, part of a Bong Joon Ho film fest at the Row House Lawrenceville.

Bong Joon Ho’s magical film follows a young girl named Mija who risks everything to prevent a powerful, multi-national company from kidnapping her best friend – a massive animal named Okja.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Windhas a theatrical run around once a year in Pittsburgh.

After a global war, the seaside kingdom known as the Valley of the Wind remains one of the last strongholds on Earth untouched by a poisonous jungle and the powerful insects that guard it. Led by the courageous Princess Nausicaä, the people of the Valley engage in an epic struggle to restore the bond between humanity and Earth.

Note: Shows marked as English have audio dubbed in English. All other shows have audio in Japanese and subtitles in English.

The movies play through April 23, and tickets are available online. The Row House Cinema is a single-screen theater located at 4115 Butler St. in Lawrenceville (map).

Work progresses on second KuJiRa location in Bridgeville, after briefly taking "Nami" name.

Work progresses on a second KuJiRa restaurant, coming soon to Chartiers Valley Shopping Center in Bridgeville. KuJiRa is an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant in Shadyside.

This was first teased in an October 2025 social media post by Legacy Realty, but when I visited the spot in December signage was up for Nami Japanese Kitchen & Bar. However, maybe the Nami signage was a ruse to keep the location partially hidden until more permanent signage could go up; the banner features a whale--kujira is Japanese for whale--and the same font as the temporary Kujira signage from 2023.

A huge local restaurant trend in 2023 and 2024 was planning---and sometimes opening---all-you-can-eat hotpot and Korean-style BBQ places, while a trend for 2025 was opening all-you-can-eat sushi places: 8 Star in Gibsonia, Let's Sushi in Wexford, and Koi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar in Monroeville opened over the past year, and Oyoshi in East Liberty is still under construction. KuJiRa will be located in the former Vocelli's Pizza (map).

Chinese Culture Summer Camp with Yanlai Dance Academy, August 3 - 7 and August 17 - 21.

Yanlai Dance Academy in the North Hills will host two sessions of Chinese Culture Summer Camp for kids ages 5 - 11. One session will span from August 3 through 7, another from August 17 through 21, and both run 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. The camps "include Chinese folk dance, paper crafts, art and more!"

Those interested in registering should contact PACCL.edu at gmail.com. Yanlai Dance Academy is a dance school in the North Hills that has long specialized 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).