2010 Japanese film The Secret World of Arrietty (借りぐらしのアリエッティ) in 4K in Pittsburgh, May 19.

The 2010 Japanese film The Secret World of Arrietty(借りぐらしのアリエッティ) will have a special 4K screening in Pittsburgh on May 19.

In a secret world hidden beneath the floorboards, tiny people called Borrowers live out of sight of humans. But when brave Arrietty is out gathering supplies, she is discovered by Shawn, a human boy, and they begin to form a friendship that blossoms into a heartwarming adventure.

There are two shows at the AMC Loews Waterfront and tickets are available online. The 1:00 pm show is dubbed in English while the 4:00 pm show is in Japanese with English subtitles.

2006 Japanese animated film Tekkonkinkreet (鉄コン筋クリート) in Pittsburgh for 20th anniversary, May 31 and June 1.

The 2006 Japanese animated film Tekkonkinkreet (鉄コン筋クリート) will have special 20th anniversary screenings on May 31 and June 1.

Black, a boy who seeks to bend the city to his will through strength, and White, his innocent counterpart, are two orphaned street kids living in the slums of Treasure Town. When real estate developers threaten to transform Treasure Town into a massive theme park, its very existence is put at risk. Determined to protect both White and their city, Black takes on the yakuza and assassins, gradually losing his innocence as he confronts a dark manifestation within himself. Featuring dynamic visuals from STUDIO4? (Mind Game) and based on the legendary manga by Taiyo Matsumoto, Tekkonkinkreet remains a beloved cult classic to this day. Set in a world that cannot escape change, it tells a story of unwavering love, complementary bonds, and a prayer that must never be lost. Now beautifully remastered in stunning 4K.

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

2026 TXT MOA CON IN JAPAN: LIVE VIEWING in Pittsburgh, May 24.

2026 TXT MOA CON IN JAPAN: LIVE VIEWING will play in Pittsburgh on May 24.

'2026 TXT MOA CON IN JAPAN: LIVE VIEWING’ is coming to cinemas worldwide! A special concert prepared exclusively for MOA to celebrate TOMORROW X TOGETHER's 7th debut anniversary, [2026 TXT MOA CON]. Experience a powerful live band performance and special solos, showcasing each member’s unique talent. Following the exciting concerts in Seoul, the tour heads to Nagoya, marking the opening of 2026 TXT MOA CON IN JAPAN. You can experience all the intensity and excitement of the concert in your local cinema! Feel the energy of five members transformed into powerful rock stars, brought to life on the big screen. Join us on May 24th for a live viewing from the Aichi’s IG Arena in Nagoya, Japan, to cinemas worldwide!

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

2026 Japanese animated movie That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea (劇場版 転生したらスライムだった件 蒼海の涙編) continues in Pittsburgh through May 14.

The 2026 Japanese animated movie That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea (劇場版 転生したらスライムだった件 蒼海の涙編), which opened in Pittsburgh on April 30, will remain here through at least May 14.

After concluding the opening ceremony of the Demon Kingdom Federation Tempest, Rimuru and his companions are invited by the Celestial Emperor Hermesia of the great elven nation – the Magi Dynasty Salion – to visit her private resort island. As the group enjoys their brief vacation, a mysterious woman named Yura appears. A new incident unfolds against the backdrop of the boundless azure sea.

It will play locally through May 6 at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theater in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

2026 Japanese movie Labyrinth (迷宮のしおり) in Pittsburgh, May 10 and 11.

The 2026 Japanese movie Labyrinth (迷宮のしおり) will play in Pittsburgh on May 10 and 11.

Shiori is a typical high school student who dreams of online stardom, but struggles to capture attention. After an embarrassing video of her goes viral, she gets trapped in her smartphone and replaced by a charismatic alter ego. As the doppelganger charms the internet and devises a nefarious plot to replace mankind with brainrot, Shiori must partner with other online outcasts to stop her digital counterpart and reclaim her life in the real world. Labyrinth is the first original feature film from legendary creator Shoji Kawamori, who is known for his electrifying fusion of pop music with science fiction. Featuring the voice of SUZUKA from music sensation ATARASHII GAKKO!, Kawamori’s latest film is a wildly imaginative adventure about finding oneself while navigating the perils of social media.

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

2008 film Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ) at Rangos Giant Cinema, May 8.

The 2008 film Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ) will play at the Rangos Giant Cinema on May 8, part of its Studio Ghibli Series in May.

Welcome to a world where anything is possible. Hayao Miyazaki’s “Ponyo” is a visual delight and narrative joy, following the story of Sosuke and the friendship he forges with a goldfish unlike any other – and now you have the chance to be immersed in the ocean of colors like never before with a special screening at the Rangos Giant Cinema at 7 p.m. on Fri., May 8!

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).

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.

My Hero Academia In Concert, October 23 at Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead.

The Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead will host My Hero Academia in Concert on October 23.

Join the ultimate celebration of heroism as My Hero Academia In Concert brings a decade of unforgettable moments to life! From Deku’s first steps to the thrilling battles, this live concert experience immerses fans in the anime’s full eight season journey like never before.

Set on stage with a powerful 15-piece live band performing Yuki Hayashi’s iconic score, every note captures the triumph, heartbreak, and heroism of the series. The concert seamlessly blends dynamic music with striking visuals of the anime’s most memorable scenes, creating a fully immersive journey that puts fans in the heart of the action.

Celebrate 10 years of My Hero Academia as the stage comes alive with epic hero moments, inspiring characters, and “Plus Ultra” energy that resonates with fans of all ages. This is not just a concert, it’s a heroic adventure, a musical tribute, and an emotional journey rolled into one unforgettable musical experience.

Whether you’ve been following Deku and Class 1-A since the beginning or are discovering the series for the first time, My Hero Academia In Concert promises an unforgettable evening that honors the legacy of the world’s favorite heroes. Don’t miss your chance to experience this decade-long journey of courage, friendship, and music live on stage.

The shows starts at 8:00 pm. Tickets, ranging from $63.71 to $99.11, are available online. The Carnegie Music Hall is located at 510 E. 10th Ave. (map).

Kiyoshi Kurosawa films Chime (チャイム), Serpent's Path (蛇の道) in Pittsburgh, May 3 - 6.

The Kiyoshi Kurosawa films Chime (チャイム) and Serpent's Path (蛇の道) will play in Pittsburgh from May 3 through 6.

Two masterworks from Kiyoshi Kurosawa, released theatrically for the first time in the US! Both films screen as part of a single program with CHIME playing first. Total running time: 130 min. 

2026 film Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe (キルケーの魔女) in Pittsburgh, from May 14.

The 2026 film Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe (キルケーの魔女) will play in Pittsburgh from May 14.

The year is U.C.0105, twelve years after Char's Rebellion. "MAFTY" has begun resisting the Federation government's tyrannical rule by assassinating its ministers. Its leader is actually Hathaway Noa, the son of Bright Noa, who fought in the One Year War alongside Amuro Ray. Haunted by past trauma, Hathaway is drawn to a mysterious girl named Gigi Andalucia, whose strange powers stir memories within him. While swayed by her cryptic words, he continues preparing for MAFTY's mission — the attack on the Adelaide Conference. Kenneth Sleg of the Earth Federation Forces prepares a defense operation for the Adelaide Conference and a plan to eliminate MAFTY and is approached by Handley Yoxon of the Criminal Police Organization with a secret proposal. As Hathaway and Kenneth pursue their respective goals, Gigi also sets off for Hong Kong to fulfill her own role.

It is the second film in a trilogy and was released in Japan on January 30. It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront through May 20, and tickets are available online.

Dozens of "teen time" events at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branches for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May.

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has planned lots of "teen time" creativity events for many of its branches for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in May 2026, featuring programs on Japanese book binding, shadow puppets, ceramics, Korean schoolyard games, and paper folding.

My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ) at Rangos Giant Cinema, May 1.

The 1988 film My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ) will play at the Rangos Giant Cinema on May 1, part of a Studio Ghibli series at the Kamin Science Center in May.

In post-war Japan, sisters Satsuke and Mei move into an old, rural home with their father while their mother recovers from an illness in the hospital. The two explore the wonders and curiosities of their new home, making friends with the mysterious and playful spirits that share the environment.

Make acquaintances with Totoro along with them at the Rangos Giant Cinema on Fri., May 1 at 7 p.m.

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).

2026 Japan Lecture Series: “Borrowed Scenery:” Japanese Gardens in North America, April 30 at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

The Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania will host "'Borrowed Scenery': Japanese Gardens in North America" on April 30 at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, part of its 2026 Japan Lecture Series.

While there are hundreds of Japanese gardens around the world, a garden doesn't become "Japanese" with just a cherry tree or raked pebbles. Dr. Mark Miller, Education & Exhibits Director at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, will explore common features and themes in Japanese garden design. Renowned American examples like the Portland Japanese Garden and the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Illinois illustrate how traditional designs can successfully adapt to and thrive within North American climates.

Beyond design, Dr. Miller will address the practicalities of plant selection for local gardeners. He will discuss how to balance authenticity with ecological responsibility, identifying which Japanese plants can safely maintain their status as anchors, which potentially invasive species to avoid, and beautiful North American native alternatives that can achieve the same tranquil, structured aesthetic while supporting local biodiversity.

Please join the JASP for this free evening at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden on April 30, 2026. Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided

It runs from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden in Oakdale (map). The event is free, but registration is required.

2026 Japanese animated movie That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea (劇場版 転生したらスライムだった件 蒼海の涙編) in Pittsburgh, from April 30.

The 2026 Japanese animated movie That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea (劇場版 転生したらスライムだった件 蒼海の涙編) will play in Pittsburgh from April 30.

After concluding the opening ceremony of the Demon Kingdom Federation Tempest, Rimuru and his companions are invited by the Celestial Emperor Hermesia of the great elven nation – the Magi Dynasty Salion – to visit her private resort island. As the group enjoys their brief vacation, a mysterious woman named Yura appears. A new incident unfolds against the backdrop of the boundless azure sea.

It will play locally through May 6 at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theater in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Free "We Learn: Survival Japanese (Tourist to Beginner Level)" Fridays at downtown Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Fridays in May from May 1.

"Osaka, Japan" by Pedro Szekely (Creative Commons).

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's downtown branch will host "We Learn: Survival Japanese (Tourist to Beginner Level)" on Fridays from May 1 through May 29.

Enjoy learning the basics of the Japanese language and culture from a certified, native Japanese instructor. We will learn greetings, etiquette and manners, survival phrases for traveling to Japan, visiting interesting tourist locations, and ordering food and shopping. We will also learn reading and writing – Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji, Emoji, Anime and Manga. Each session is designed to be interactive and fun. The agenda can vary based on the interests of the students.

We Learn groups are volunteer-facilitated peer learning groups. 

The classes run from 11:00 am, and the library is located at 612 Smithfield St. (map).

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 AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theater in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

2023 film Godzilla Minus One (ゴジラ-1.0) returns to Pittsburgh from May 22.

The 2023 film Godzilla Minus One (ゴジラ-1.0) will return to Pittsburgh from May 22.

Japan, devastated after the war, faces a new threat in the form of Godzilla. How will the country confront this impossible situation?

It is scheduled to play locally in Japanese with English subtitles at the AMC Loews Waterfront and AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, and tickets are available online.

2025 Japanese film Exit 8 (8番出口) stays in Pittsburgh through April 26.

The 2025 Japanese film Exit 8 (8番出口), which opened in Pittsburgh on April 9, will stay here through (at least) April 26.

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 Cinemark theater in Robinson and AMC Loews Waterfront through the 23rd, and the AMC Loews Waterfront alone from the 24th, and tickets are available online.

University of Pittsburgh hiring part-time Instructor of Japanese for one-credit summer course.

The University of Pittsburgh's Department of East Asian Languages & Literatures is hiring a part-time Instructor of Japanese.

art-Time Instructor in Japanese Program, Department of East Asian Languages & Literatures The Japanese Program of the Department of East Asian Languages & Literatures at the University of Pittsburgh, pending budgetary approval, seeks an instructor for one 1 cr. section of JPNSE 0008, Travel Japanese. The successful Candidate will need to have in hand, at the time of the hire, a MA in Japanese pedagogy (or related field) and experience in teaching a Japanese language course at college level.

The appointment is for the Summer 4-Week 2 semester, June 15, 2026 – July 11, 2026. These classes will be taught in person.

Review of application materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Apply here by uploading a letter of application detailing your suitability for this teaching appointment, a current CV, a statement of teaching philosophy and experience that addresses diversity, and a list of three recommenders, at least one of whom should be able to comment explicitly on the Candidate's teaching ability.

Any questions related to the position or application process may be directed to Amy Burke at amb939@pitt.edu.

Cover letter, CV, a statement of teaching philosophy and experience that addresses diversity, contact information for 3 recommenders.

4K restoration of 1995 Studio Ghibli film Whisper of the Heart (耳をすませば) in Pittsburgh, from 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 from 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 at the AMC Loews Waterfront on the 21st and the 23rd through 29th, and tickets are available online.