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.

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.

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).