1982 Japanese animated film Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space (機動戦士ガンダムⅢ めぐりあい宇宙編,) in Pittsburgh, October 23 and 27.

The 1982 Japanese film MMobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space (機動戦士ガンダムⅢ　めぐりあい宇宙編) will play in Pittsburgh on October 23 and 27, the final installment of the three-part AXCN Gundam Fest showing the films compiled from the initial Gundam TV series.

Amuro Ray and the rest of the White Base crew, now denominated the 13th Autonomous Corps, return to outer space to support the rest of the Earth Federation forces for the decisive battle against the Duchy of Zeon's forces.

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

Japanese Nationality Room Reopening Ceremony, November 2 at University of Pittsburgh.

The Japanese Room Committee of the Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs is holding a Japanese Nationality Room Reopning Ceremony on November 2, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The Japanese Nationality Room, located in room 324 of the Cathedral of Learning, was dedicated on July 25, 1999.

Upcoming Japanese animated movie OVERLORD: The Sacred Kingdom (劇場版 オーバーロード 聖王国編) in Pittsburgh, from November 7.

The upcoming Japanese animated movie OVERLORD: The Sacred Kingdom (劇場版 オーバーロード 聖王国編) will play in the Pittsburgh area from November 7.

After twelve years of playing his favorite MMORPG game, Momonga logs in for the last time only to find himself transported into its world playing it indefinitely. Throughout his adventures, his avatar ascends to the title of Sorcerer King Ains Ooal Gown. Once prosperous but now on the brink of ruin, The Sacred Kingdom enjoyed years of peace after construction of an enormous wall protecting them from neighboring invasions. But, one day this comes to an end when the Demon Emperor Jaldabaoth arrives with an army of villainous demi-humans. Fearing invasion of their own lands, the neighboring territory of the Slane Theocracy is forced to beg their enemies at the Sorcerer Kingdom for help. Heeding the call, Momonga, now known as the Sorcerer King Ains Ooal Gown, rallies the Sorcerer Kingdom and its undead army to join the fight alongside the Sacred Kingdom and the Slane Theocracy in hopes to defeat the Demon Emperor.

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the Cinemark theater in Robinson. Some screenings are in Japanese with English subtitles while others are dubbed in English, and tickets are available online.

Japanese visual kei metal band JILUKA in Pittsburgh, April 2025, as part of North American tour; tickets go on sale today.

The Japanese visual kei metal band JILUKA will perform in the Pittsburgh area on April 3, 2025, supporting Imminence as part of The Return of The Black Tour throughout North America this fall and next spring. Tickets for the show at the Roxian Theatre will go on sale at 10:00 am EST today, October 16.

2024 movie My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア THE MOVIE ユア ネクスト) remains in Pittsburgh through October 23.

The 2024 Japanese animated movie My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア THE MOVIE ユア ネクスト), which opened in Pittsburgh on October 10, will remain here through at least October 23.

Izuku Midoriya, a U.A. High School student who aspires to be the best hero he can be, confronts the villain who imitates the hero he once admired.

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless and Robinson, and tickets are available online. Please note, some shows are dubbed in English while others are in Japanese with English subtitles.

Miniso coming soon to The Mall at Robinson.

Chinese chain Miniso, "a Japanese-inspired lifestyle product retailer offering high-quality household goods, cosmetics, and food at affordable prices," is coming soon to The Mall at Robinson. The mall's social media teased this in August, and the retailer is currently hiring staff. The international chain arrived to western Pennsylvania in June with is Greensburg location, and looks to be opening this suburban Pittsburgh location later this year or early next.

MINISO is based on three core principles. Affordable high quality: guides our decisions from design to materials. Joy: the response our customers experience while in our stores. Lighthearted: the relaxed and happy feeling when encountering the large variety of goods available.
MINISO has collaborated with world-famous brands including Coca Cola, Marvel, Hello Kitty, Sesame Street, Mickey and Minnie, Pink Panther, We Bare Bears and Beijing’s Palace Museum, releasing playful crossover products that have been hugely popular with our young shoppers.

Miniso has been described as a "Japanese Hot Topic" or a "Chinese Five Below" and seems to specialize in kawaii products, plushies, Japanese snacks, and various Disney and Sanrio branded products, as well as other Asian products. This is the third Miniso location coming soon to the area, after South Hills Village Mall and Greensburg Mall.

via miniso-us.com

Screening of Japan Documentary Film Award winner Fists and Prayers (拳と祈り ー袴田巖の生涯ー) with award presentation, October 23.

The Chiaki Kasai documentary Fists and Prayers (拳と祈り ー袴田巖の生涯ー) was named the Japan Documentary Film Award winner from the Japan Council of the University of Pittsburgh and SCREENSHOT: Asia. A screening of the film and a presentation of the award to director Kasai is scheduled for October 23 in Oakland.

The Japan Council of the University of Pittsburgh and SCREENSHOT: Asia are excited to announce the winner of our 4th biennial Japan Documentary Film Award. Congratulations to Chiaki Kasai and her film FISTS AND PRAYERS. FISTS AND PRAYERS explores the incarceration of ex-boxer Iwao Hakamada, who was unjustly sentenced to death for murder and suffered extreme mental anguish while on death row. FISTS AND PRAYERS is a fascinating examination of the physical toll of Japan's justice system and incarceration, as well as resilience of the human spirit.

The event is scheduled for 7:00 pm at the Carnegie Museum of Art. THe JDFA's official site provides an overview of the award:

The Japan Council of the University of Pittsburgh and SCREENSHOT: ASIA invites submissions every two years for its Japan Documentary Film Award. This biennial prize is awarded to one exemplary documentary film promoting the understanding of Japan and Japanese culture. The documentary should tell us something interesting about Japan and/or speak to Japanese culture, history, social phenomena, practices, or events.The award is available to feature-length films from all countries, and in all languages.

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka in Pittsburgh, November 2.

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka will perform in Pittsburgh on November 2.

Atsuko is growner than ever, having figured everything out from doing laundry to charcuterie platters to her relationship with her father. No notes or tweaks needed, she's a perfect human!!

ATSUKO OKATSUKA is a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer based in LA. Atsuko was born in Taiwan and spent her childhood in Japan. Her debut standup special, THE INTRUDER – directed by Tig Notaro premiered on HBO, December 2022 and was named the "Best Debut Special of 2022" by the New York Times and one of the "Best Specials of 2022" by Vulture and Variety. She won the 2023 Gracie Award for "Best Special" and Atsuko was nominated for "Best Comedian" by the Wowie Awards. She was named one of Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch for 2022, and when she made her late-night stand-up debut on THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH JAMES CORDEN, Vulture proclaimed she “won late-night.” She has performed to sold-out crowds all over North America on her 2023 theater tour, FULL GROWN, which she will be taking to Europe, Asia and Australia/NZ in 2024.

Atsuko is currently developing a half hour comedy series based on her life with FX. Her on-screen credits include HISTORY OF THE WORLD PT. II (Hulu), ROOM 104 (HBO), and THE SHOW NEXT DOOR WITH RANDALL PARK (ROKU+). Atsuko was recently featured on THIS AMERICAN LIFE with Ira Glass and told the story of how she got to the USA. She was raised by her grandmother, and they created the #DropChallenge together which has amassed more than 10 million views. Her unique upbringing brings an artfully-offbeat resilient persona which is perfectly embodied in her blunt bangs and bowl cut.

The performance is at the Byham Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map) and tickets for the 7:00 pm show are available online.

"Global Partnership: A New Frontier of Japan-US Relationship with Ambassador Mikio Mori," October 17 at University of Pittsburgh.

The Asian Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh will present "Global Partnership: A New Frontier of Japan-US Relationship with Ambassador Mikio Mori" on October 17.

“The U.S.-Japan Alliance has reached unprecedented heights “. This was clearly stated in the Joint Leaders Statement released this past April. Cooperation between the two countries has never been so necessary, not only from bi-lateral perspective, but also from global point of view. Ukrainian crisis, the situation in Middle East, successive missile launches by North Korea, unilateral attempts to change the status quo - these are all urgent issues that must be addressed by Japan and the United States.

Interestingly enough, the strong Japan-U.S. relationship has taken a unique path in history. Guest speaker, Ambassador Mikio Mori, will provide reflections/perspective on how it has changed/grown/deepened since his first appointment as consul in New York in the 1980s, at the height of Japan-bashing and Japan-U.S. trade frictions, to his third and present assignment to New York as Consul General.

Now, Japan has a new prime minister. The United States is also preparing for a presidential election. From the perspective of professional diplomat who has been watching Japan-U.S. relations for more than 30 years, Ambassador Mori will talk about the his outlook for the future of Japan-U.S. relations, and invites future global leaders at Pittsburg to reflect upon these thoughts in their research and career planning, which we hope will contribute to the continued vitality and strength of Japan-U.S. relations.

The event starts at 3:30 pm in Ballroom A of the University Club (map).

Ramen King 2 now open in the North Hills.

Ramen King 2 is now open in the North Hills. It carries the "2" in its name, as the original Ramen King opened in Canonsburg in October 2022. Ramen King (2) is located in the McIntyre Square shopping center, next to Gabe's, off McKnight Road (map). Signage went up back in August.

Japan Association of Greater Pittsburgh (ピッツバーグ日本協会) recruiting members for 2025 with special offers.

The Japan Association of Greater Pittsburgh (ピッツバーグ日本協会) is recruiting new and renewing members with special offers. Those who join or renew now will enjoy membership for the remainder of 2024 in addition to the 2025 calendar year, and will receive discounts on JAGP interest groups. Benefits of the JAGP include a discount on event fees, participation in online communities and a members' mailing list, subsidies for interest groups and clubs, and rental of Japanese items (including books, manga, and other goods. The text of the Japanese-language announcement:

ピッツバーグ日本協会から、新会員募集のお知らせです。 当協会は、ピッツバーグ近郊の方々の交流促進や地域への文化的貢献を目的に活動しています。新年会やピクニックなどの交流イベントのほか、備品の貸し出し、情報提供サービスなど、多彩な活動を展開しています。 会員になると、イベントの参加費割引や会員限定サービスを受けることができます。ピッツバーグでの生活をより豊かにするために、是非ご入会をご検討ください。 入会は年間を通じて受け付けておりますが、この10月に入会されると更にメリットがあります！ 10月以降に新規で入会された方は、通常1月～12月分の年会費が来年12月末まで延長されます。 ※新規入会者のみ対象、再入会の方は対象外。 2024年10月は「同好会メンバー勧誘キャンペーン期間」として、日本協会への入会と同時に同好会メンバーになると、年会費が5ドル割引されます。※詳細は別途メールいたします。 今ご入会いただくと、10/20(日)に開催予定の総会（オンライン）にもご参加いただけます。昨年度の活動報告や今後の活動計画の審議が行われる予定です。 是非、この機会にご入会をご検討ください。

And English-language text from the announcement:

The Japan Association of Greater Pittsburgh (JAGP) organizes events and online community that provide opportunities for people in the Pittsburgh area to get to know each other, and provides useful information. We hope you will join us for a more fulfilling life in Pittsburgh.

"Thursday Night Jazz: Yoko Suzuki Spotlights the Music of Toshiko Akiyoshi," October 17 at Alphabet City.

City of Asylum will present "Thursday Night Jazz: Yoko Suzuki Spotlights the Music of Toshiko Akiyoshi" on October 17.

Dr. Yoko Suzuki, an ethnomusicologist and excellent saxophonist, returns to City of Asylum to pay homage to female musicians who were unappreciated in their time. Artists featured in past renditions of Dr. Yoko’s concerts include pianists Geri Allen and Marian McPartland as well as harpists Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane. With incredible setlists—often featuring original arrangements especially created for the Alphabet City stage—and thorough research, Yoko Suzuki weaves her knowledge as an ethnomusicologist and talent as a musician together to breathe new life into the legacy and music of influential female jazz composers throughout history.

This latest concert in Yoko’s ongoing series features the compositions of Toshiko Akiyoshi as well as some beloved jazz standards. The arrangements will be performed by a jazz quartet plus string quartet, featuring cellist Alicia Storin.

On the performance, Yoko says, “While named an NEA jazz master in 2007, Toshiko Akiyoshi (b. 1929) is one of the underrecognized musicians in jazz. She has been active in the American jazz scene since she moved here in 1956. She is best known as a big band leader and composer/arranger, but I feel that people don’t often have opportunities to hear her music. I worked with Alicia last year and enjoyed the collaboration so much that I decided to feature her for this concert.”

It runs from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, both in-person at Alphabet City on the Northside (map) and online via livestream. Free tickets are available online.

Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow (機動戦士ガンダム II 哀・戦士編) in Pittsburgh, October 16 and 20.

The 1981 Japanese film Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow (機動戦士ガンダム II 哀・戦士編) will play in Pittsburgh on October 16 and 20, part of the three-part AXCN Gundam Fest showing the films compiled from the initial Gundam TV series.

With evacuees from Side 7 onboard, the White Base crosses the Pacific Ocean and heads west towards the continent of Eurasia. Amidst that journey filled with battle, Amuro has a fight with Bright and runs away, suffering from the deaths of Matilda, who he had feelings for, and Ryu, who was like a big brother to him. The White Base lands at the Belfast base in Ireland. It’s then that Char appears, having stepped back from the front lines. With that, Amuro and Char end up clashing in the battle surrounding the Earth Federation Headquarters of Jaburo.

It plays locally, in Japanese with English subtitles, at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark in Robinson, and tickets are available online. The third compilation film will play here later this month.

2024 movie My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア THE MOVIE ユア ネクスト) in Pittsburgh, from October 10.

The 2024 Japanese animated movie My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア THE MOVIE ユア ネクスト) will play in Pittsburgh from October 10.

Izuku Midoriya, a U.A. High School student who aspires to be the best hero he can be, confronts the villain who imitates the hero he once admired.

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless and Robinson, and tickets are available online. Please note, some shows are dubbed in English while others are in Japanese with English subtitles.

Cowboy Bebop LIVE, presented by Bebop Bounty Big Band, October 17 at Roxian Theatre.

The Roxian Theatre will host Cowboy Bebop LIVE on October 17.

Prepare to blast off into the cosmos with Cowboy Bebop LIVE, an electrifying tour produced by Live Nation and performed by the sensational Bebop Bounty Big Band. This one-of-a-kind multimedia experience celebrates the iconic anime series Cowboy Bebop by bringing its legendary soundtrack to life in a way that fans have never seen before.

Cowboy Bebop LIVE is more than just a concert, it’s an immersive experience that combines high-octane jazz with the gripping narrative of Cowboy Bebop projected on the big screen. Audiences will be transported through the solar system alongside Spike, Jet, Faye, Ed, and Ein as they track down intergalactic fugitives, and make a living in the vastness of space. The band’s 14-piece ensemble brings to life the critically acclaimed soundtrack that has captured the hearts of anime fans and jazz lovers alike.

The Bebop Bounty Big Band, comprised of world-class musicians, is here to take audiences on a journey through the stars. Handpicked by Cowboy Bebop LIVE curator and band leader, Corey Paul, each musician plays a pivotal role in recreating the magic of Cowboy Bebop’s unforgettable soundscape. Paul commented, “I’m truly honored to have put this live show together and perform the genius score of Yoko Kanno and the Seatbelts, along with the genius storytelling of Watanabe’s Cowboy Bebop.”

Tickets for the all-ages show, starting at 7:00 pm, are now available online. The Roxian Theatre is located at 425 Chartiers Ave. in McKees Rocks (map).

Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program Information Session, October 8 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will hold its annual Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program Information Session on October 8.

Are you interested in living and working abroad?
Have you been studying Japanese and looking to apply your skills after graduation?
Do you want to make an impact on the lives of young people?
Would you like to find out where the ultimate ramen shop is found?
If any of these questions apply to you, then please join the Asian Studies Center and JET Alumni group in Pittsburgh for an information session to learn more about the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. This hybrid Information Session will be in room 4130 Posvar Hall, on the 4th floor of W. Wesley Posvar Hall on October 8, 2024 starting at 5:30pm. Learn about the requirements of the JET Program and learn from your future-JET Program sempai with our JET Alumni Panel.

The hybrid event starts at 5:30 pm and registration is required; the in-person component is held in 4130 Posvar Hall.

Theatrical release of first three episodes of Dragon Ball DAIMA (ドラゴンボールDaima) in Pittsburgh, from November 10.

The first three episodes of the 2024 Japanese animated series Dragon Ball DAIMA (ドラゴンボールDaima) will play in the Pittsburgh area from November 10. A brief synopsis, from the distributor:

The world English dub premiere of “Dragon Ball DAIMA”, the newest series in the Dragon Ball universe, will debut in U.S. theaters, featuring the first three episodes of the series.

Before the film, there will be a special introduction from the Japanese voice of Goku, Masako Nozawa.

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

2024 Japanese animated movie Look Back (ルックバック) in Pittsburgh, October 6 and 7.

The 2024 Japanese animated movie Look Back (ルックバック) in Pittsburgh will play in Pittsburgh on October 6 and 7.

Popular, outgoing Fujino is celebrated by her classmates for her funny comics in the class newspaper. One day, her teacher asks her to share the space with Kyomoto, a truant recluse whose beautiful artwork sparks a competitive fervor in Fujino. What starts as jealousy transforms when Fujino realizes their shared passion for drawing. Based on the acclaimed manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of “Chainsaw Man”, Look Back captures the highs and lows of pursuing artistic excellence and the special bonds formed through creative collaboration. The heart-wrenching story is the stunning feature-length directorial debut from Kiyotaka Oshiyama that will leave you in tears and inspire you to chase your own artistic dreams.

Look Back was among the highest-grossing Japanese films of the summer. It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theater in Monroeville, and tickets are available online.

Japanese rock band Boris (ボリス) returns to Pittsburgh, October 18, performing entirety of Amplifier Worship.

The Japanese rock band Boris (ボリス) will return to Pittsburgh on October 18 to perform "Amplifier Worship" in its entirety.

In 2024, Boris will undergo a tour performing all the songs off their first album. We have already reached a quarter-century since the release of that 1st album, “Amplifier Worship”. Boris has been in constant pursuit of their own ideal “heavy” since their formation in 1992. From the outset they became like a chimera, evolving at a rapid pace, establishing a unique style with extreme downtuning and megavolume. Their broad sense of “Heavy Rock” swelled grotesquely, as it engulfed powerviolence, ambient and drone, with a trance component of krautrock and so on.

"Sogetsu Ikebana: Fundamentals & Techniques with Sogetsu Pittsburgh," October 5 at Contemporary Craft.

Contemporary Craft will host "Sogetsu Ikebana: Fundamentals & Techniques with Sogetsu Pittsburgh" on October 5, part of the 芸［Gei] : The Beauty of Ephemeral and Eternal exhibition running September 13, 2024 through January 18, 2025.

Create your own ikebana arrangement with the guidance of Sogetsu Pittsburgh.

3-Hour Workshop

Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024

Time: 10am-1pm

Description: Led by Sogetsu Pittsburgh’s founder and principal teachers Reiko Nakajima and Atsumi Sewell, this session will include an introduction to the modern Sogetsu school of Ikebana, a demonstration of the process and key techniques of crafting a basic ikebana arrangement, followed by participants creating their own arrangements with guided instruction and one-on-one feedback.

Tuition: $55 + $50 materials fee

Materials: All materials will be provided and the practice Ikebana supplies are yours to keep!