Kazuyuki Nomura and "Emotional Distance and Refuge: Rethinking Multilingualism and Language Learning Motivation," September 24 at CMU.

via JapanSociety.org

Carnegie Mellon University's Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics Department will host Dr. Kazuyuki Nomura of Chiba University and his talk "Emotional Distance and Refuge: Rethinking Multilingualism and Language Learning Motivation" on September 24.

Guest lecturer Kazuyuki Nomura (Chiba University) explores how second language learning can serve as an emotional refuge rather than a path to integration, reframing motivation as a narrative process shaped by vulnerability, desire and symbolic distance.

2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編) stays in Pittsburgh area through (at least) September 25.

The 2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編), which opened in Pittsburgh-area theaters on September 11, will stay here through (at least) September 25.

The Demon Slayer Corps plunge into Infinity Castle to defeat Muzan. However, the remaining Hashiras and the Demon Slayers who survived Tanjiro's Final Selection are pitted against the remaining members of the Twelve Kizuki first.

It is scheduled to play locally at many local theaters, including the Manor in Squirrel Hill, Cranberry Cinemas, Waterworks Cinemas, and the AMC theaters in Mt. Lebanon and South Hills. Tickets, and a real-time listing of theaters, are available online.

2004 Japanese animated film Howl's Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城) in Pittsburgh, from September 20.

The 2004 Hayao Miyazaki film Howl's Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城) will play in Pittsburgh-area theaters from September 20 through September 24, part of Ghibli Fest 2025. A synopsis, from the distributor:

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

It is scheduled to play locally at the Waterworks Cinema, Chartiers Valley Luxury 14, and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson. Tickets are available online: the shows on the 20th, 21st, and 24th are dubbed in English, while the shows on the 22nd and 23rd are in Japanese with English subtitles.

2001 Japanese animated film Metropolis (メトロポリス) in Pittsburgh, September 27.

The 2001 Japanese animated film Metropolis (メトロポリス) will play in Pittsburgh on September 27, part of the Harris Theater's International Art House Classics series.

Welcome to Metropolis, where it’s man against machine in this spectacular, retro-futuristic animated film based on the classic manga created by Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy), written by Japanese anime legend Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira) and directed by Rintaro (Galaxy Express 999). In the industrial, tri-level world of Metroplois, humans and robots are the cohabitants of a strictly segmented society. Detective Shunsaku Ban and his sidekick Kenichi search for Duke Red, a rebel scientist, to arrest him and seize his latest creation – a highly advanced female robot named Tima. But when they locate him, Shunsaku quickly realizes that the eccentric genius is protected by powerful forces that put him beyond their reach, leading to an adventure within the twisting labyrinth beneath Metropolis that puts the fate of the universe in peril.

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

2025 Japanese movie 100 Meters (ひゃくえむ) in Pittsburgh, October 12 - 14.

The upcoming Japanese film 100 Meters (ひゃくえむ), to be released in Japan on September 19, will play in Pittsburgh October 12 through 14. A synopsis, from the distributor GKids:

100 METERS follows Togashi, a track star who is born to run. As a kid, he is naturally gifted and wins every 100-meter race without effort. But in sixth grade, he meets Komiya, a transfer student who is full of determination but lacks technique. In teaching him, Togashi gives Komiya a new purpose: to win no matter what. Years pass by, and Togashi and Komiya meet again as rivals on the track and reveal their true selves

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the Cinemark theater in Monroeville, and tickets are available online. THe October 12 and 14 shows are in Japanese with English subtitles while the October 13 shows are dubbed in English.

2002 Japanese horror film Ju-on: The Grudge (呪怨) at Rangos Giant Cinema, October 17.

The 2002 Japanese horror film Ju-on: The Grudge (呪怨) will play at the Rangos Giant Cinema on October 17.

“Ju-on: The Grudge” brought worldwide attention to the Japanese horror film industry with its terrifying blend of unique storytelling and unforgettably frightening visuals. Rangos Giant Cinema’s immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound adds another layer to the nightmare, making this screening an experience that will be sure to haunt you. Join us on Fri., Oct. 17 at 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are available online; tickets for the cinema are separate from tickets fro the Kamin Science Center. The newly-renamed Kamin Science Center, formerly known as the Carnegie Science Center, is located at 1 Allegheny Ave. on the North Shore (map).

Fall Tree Care Work Sessions with Pittsburgh Sakura Project, Saturdays starting September 13.

The Pittsburgh Sakura Project is recruiting volunteers to assist with its Fall Tree Care Work Sessions scheduled to begin on Saturday, September 13.

Various types of care are required throughout the year to ensure that the cherry blossoms bloom beautifully in spring. We can use your help!

Regular maintenance by volunteers takes place throughout the year, and the fall sessions take place on three Saturdays in September---September 13, 20, and 27---and two Sundays in October---October 5 and 12.

*Watering as needed, reinstalling deer fences, weeding, mulching

. . .

Meet at our equipment shed, opposite the tennis courts.

Work will be canceled in the event of bad weather. If you are unsure whether work will be carried out or canceled, please text 412-600-2181.

Please bring appropriate clothing and non-slip shoes for the work

Registration is required and can be completed online. The trees are located near the boathouse, but volunteers are asked to meet near the tennis courts (map).

Moochi & You, a new dessert place featuring mochi donuts, corndogs, and boba, to hold Grand Opening on September 15.

Moochi & You, an Asian dessert place featuring mochi donuts, corndogs, and boba, is set to hold its Grand Opening on September 15. It is located at 601 Lincoln Ave. (map), in what was most recently Valkyrie Doughnuts, and started its soft open on August 15. From a Tribune-Review profile last month:

The shop, located in the heart of the neighborhood, will feature donuts as well as Korean corn hot dogs. Also on the menu will be classic boba, also known as bubble tea, a popular Asian drink that often consists of a milky sweet tea and tapioca pearl balls.

Moochi & You will offer a variety of flavors.

Moochi & You uses Ghirardelli chocolates and top the donuts with pistachios, Oreos and other goodies. The hot dogs are all beef and they have spicy options.

Also on the menu will be coffee and different tea flavors. All of the tea is brewed fresh. The fresh milk tea is made with organic whole milk.

Signage went up earlier this summer. The Moochi & You owner was one of the co-founders of China Star in the North Hills, which expanded to a second location in Squirrel Hill that eventually rebranded to become Sichuan Gourmet.

Chinese & English Storytime, September 20 at Cooper-Siegel Community Library in Sharpsburg.

The next installment of the Cooper-Siegel Community Library's Chinese & English Storytime will be held on September 20 at the Sharpsburg branch.

Explore the Chinese language with native speaker Ms. JJ through bilingual songs, books, and playful experiences! This monthly program on the 3rd Saturday of the month is designed for kids in preschool - 2nd grade with their caregivers.

This volunteer-led program is FREE - donations appreciated. All supplies provided.

Library parking is limited. If the library lot is full, we recommend parking at the 13th Street municipal lot. We're also conveniently located on the 91 and 1 bus routes.

The event runs from 10:30 to 11:30 in the Community Room. Registration is required. The library is located at 1212 Main St. in Sharpsburg (map).

1997 Satoshi Kon film Perfect Blue (パーフェクトブルー) in Pittsburgh in 4K restoration, from October 3.

A new 4K restoration of the 1997 Japanese animated film Perfect Blue (パーフェクトブルー) will play in Pittsburgh from October 3 through October 8.

“Who are...you?” Mima Kirigoe, a former pop idol, makes a bold transition into acting, taking on a role in a drama that includes a disturbing assault scene, and even releasing a provocative nude photo book. Her dramatic reinvention grabs public attention, but also provokes unease among her fans, her manager, and even herself as she struggles with the rapid shift from her days as a pop idol. As a stalker begins to shadow her, a screenwriter and a photographer are murdered one after another. "Did I kill them?" Mima begins to wonder if a split personality is gradually taking over, just like the character that she plays in the drama. Then "the other Mima" the pop idol who was supposed to have "graduated," appears in front of her…

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

2000 Japanese film Battle Royale (バトル・ロワイアル) in Pittsburgh-area theaters, October 12, to mark 25th anniversary.

The 2000 Japanese film Battle Royale (バトル・ロワイアル) will play in Pittsburgh on October 12 to mark the movie's 25th anniversary.

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of visionary director Kinji Fukasaku’s Battle Royale with a new theatrical release in partnership with Iconic Events. This special screening is presented in 4K along with a new interview with the screenwriter — Kinji’s son Kenta — sharing an intimate look at the forces that shaped his father and how they inspired his final film. Battle Royale is an intense and brutal story about Japanese high school students who are sent off by their government with three days to kill each other — until only one remains. With its blend of social commentary and high-stakes action, Battle Royale continues to influence modern dystopian storytelling and has inspired countless television shows, video games, and films, including the acclaimed The Hunger Games franchise. (Interview in Japanese with English subtitles)

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

1952 Japanese film Ikiru (生きる) in Pittsburgh, September 18 - 21.

The 1952 Japanese film Ikiru (生きる) will play in Pittsburgh from September 18 through 21, the fifth and final installment in a series of five classic Kurosawa films at the Harris Theater July through September.

One of the greatest achievements by Akira Kurosawa, IKIRU shows the director at his most compassionate—affirming life through an explora­tion of death. Takashi Shimura beautifully portrays Kanji Watanabe, an aging bureaucrat with stomach cancer who is impelled to find meaning in his final days. Presented in a radically conceived two-­part structure and shot with a perceptive, humanistic clarity of vision, IKIRU is a multifaceted look at what it means to be alive.

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

September Book Club meeting, Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, September 25 at Maridon Museum.

The September Book Club meeting at the Maridon Mseum will discuss Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi on September 25.

In a small Tokyo café, customers can travel back in time, but only for the duration of a single cup of coffee. Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel that weaves together four unique stories of people seeking second chances, closure, and connection.

Please join us for all our upcoming in-person Book Club meetings. To register, or if you have questions, please call 724-282-0123 or email info@maridon.org.

The meeting begins at 3:00 pm. The Maridon Museum is an Asian art museum located at 322 North Mckean St. in Butler (map).

"We Learn" Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Korean classes resume at Carnegie Library in Oakland, Saturdays from September 13.

Photo via the Korea Tourism Organization.

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch in Oakland will resume its free "We Learn" Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Korean classes Saturdays from September 13 through November 15, after finishing its most recent session on August 16.

2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編) in Pittsburgh area, from September 11.

The 2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編) will play in Pittsburgh-area theaters from September 11.

The Demon Slayer Corps plunge into Infinity Castle to defeat Muzan. However, the remaining Hashiras and the Demon Slayers who survived Tanjiro's Final Selection are pitted against the remaining members of the Twelve Kizuki first.

It is scheduled to play locally at most area theaters, including the AMC Loews Waterfront, AMC Classic Mt. Lebanon, AMC Classic South Hills, Waterworks Cinema, GQT Pittsburgh Mills, and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson. Tickets are available online.

10th Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Festival (第十届匹兹堡中华文化节), September 13 at Mellon Park.

The Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Center will present the 10th Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Festival (第十届匹兹堡中华文化节) on September 13 at Mellon Park.

The 10th Pittsburgh Chinese Culture Festival will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Mellon Park (1047 Shady Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232). As the largest outdoor celebration of Chinese heritage in Western Pennsylvania, the festival will feature authentic cuisine, spectacular stage performances, cultural exhibits, interactive workshops, and family-friendly activities. From traditional dance and martial arts to calligraphy, crafts, and kids’ fun with ice cream and bounce houses, this free event offers something for everyone.

The event runs from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm in the southern half of Mellon Park (map, not the half with the spray park and baseball fields).

2023 film Past Lives in Pittsburgh, September 12 - 18.

The 2023 Celine Song Oscar-nominated film Past Lives will play at the Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville from September 12 to 18, part of the theater's The Immigrant Experience film series.

Subtle and moving, Greta Lee stars in Celine Song’s deeply human story of two childhood friends who are reunited in New York for one fateful week as they confront notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life.

Tickets are available online. The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler St. (map).

"Language Acquisition: Living and Working in Japanese," September 5 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's English Language Institute and Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures will host Professor Andrea Kitahara and her talk "Language Acquisition: Living and Working in Japanese" on September 5.

With over 40 years of experience in education, translating & interpreting, and the public sector, Professor Andrea Kitahara of Yasuda Women's University will share her personal insight into living and working in Japan, using and improving Japanese language skills, and navigating the cultural aspects and issues that arise.

It runs from 3:00 to 3:50 pm in CL 249 and is free and open to the public.

CAN I KICK IT? Pittsburgh presents "Enter the Dragon," September 5 at Frankie Pace Park.

The CAN I KICK IT? outdoor movie experience will present Enter the Dragon on September 5 at Frankie Pace Park connecting downtown and the Hill District.

Shaolin Jazz and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership are teaming up once again to bring the CAN I KICK IT? outdoor movie experience to Pittsburgh. At each event action films and martial arts flicks are scored live (scene-by-scene) with a blend of Hip Hop and much more mixed by DJ 2-Tone Jones.On Friday, Sept 5th at Frankie Pace Park they will present a special outdoor screening of one of the greatest martial arts films of all time, Enter the Dragon starring Bruce Lee.

The event is free for all ages and open to the public. The festivities kick off at 6pm with an opening set by Pittsburgh's own DJ Selecta, and the feature film will beginning around 7:30pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Food trucks and other amenities will be on site. Enter the Dragon is rated R (Restricted), attendees under age 17 require an accompanying parent or adult guardian for entry into viewing area.

The event starts at 6:00 and is free, but registration is requested. Frankie Pace Park is located at 901 Centre Ave. (map), atop the cap that was placed atop Interstate 579 in 2021. 

Japanese band Shonen Knife returns to Pittsburgh area, September 28.

Japanese pop punk band Shonen Knife will return to the Pittsburgh area on September 28 when they play Preserving Underground in New Kensington (map) as part of their 2025 US Tour. Tickets for the all-ages show are available online. Shonen Knife formed in 1981 and have, thankfully, played in Pittsburgh every few years when they tour the country, and were last here in 2019.