2025 Japanese animated film The Last Blossom (ホウセンカ) in Pittsburgh, August 30 and 31.

The 2025 Japanese animated film The Last Blossom (ホウセンカ) will play in Pittsburgh on August 30 and 31. A synopsis from GKIDS, the distributor:

Former yakuza Akutsu is serving life in prison after a middling career in the underworld. On the night he lays dying in his cell, he reminisces with his only companion, a smart-mouthed flower growing out of a can, about the choices that brought him here, the woman he loved, and a child he would give everything to protect. Is redemption out of reach?

From director Baku Kinoshita and writer Kazuya Konomoto, creators of ODDTAXI, and award-winning Studio CLAP (Pompo the Cinephile), THE LAST BLOSSOM is a thrillingly original work from animation’s most inventive new talent. Moving across time and memory, the film is an unforgettable meditation on found family, sacrifice, and the complicated pieces that join together to make a life.

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

Free "We Learn: Japanese Study" at Carnegie Library branch downtown, Fridays from September 4.

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

The CLP - Downtown branch will host free "We Learn: Japanese Study" sessions on Fridays from September 4 through October 2.

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.
・10:30 – 11:00 (Writing)
・11:00 – 12:00 (Conversation)
We Learn groups are volunteer-facilitated peer learning groups.

The library is located at 612 Smithfield St. (map).

Screening of 1974 Isao Fujisawa film Bye Bye Love at Mr. Roboto Project, September 12.

Signal Otter Films is screening a 2025 restoration of the 1974 Isao Fujisawa film Bye Bye Love at Mr. Roboto Project on September 12. More details, from their Instagram post announcing the first Pittsburgh-area screening of Bye Bye Love:

In partnership with Kani Releasing, Signal Otter Films presents this landmark of Japanese queer cinema and the only feature film from Isao Fujisawa!

Doors at 7. Show at 8 with a runtime of 85 minutes. Snacks and drinks provided. Masking highly recommended. Suggested donation $12 or pay what you can.

Lost and nihilistic drifter Utamaro chances upon Giko, a female-presenting shoplifter who immediately catches his eye. One thing leads to another and the couple soon find themselves on the lam for murder. This provides for a delightful pretext to explore notions of societal malaise, free love and gender fluidity in a rapidly evolving 1970s Japan, as both Utamaro and Giko begin to know each other on the road by way of a variety of encounters, alternating between surrealistic, psychedelic and sexual.

The sole feature film directed by Isao Fujisawa, who learned his craft on New Wave classics such as Woman in the Dunes (1964) and the Face of Another (1966), Bye Bye Love is a deeply personal reckoning with sexual identity. Bridging the distance between Pierrot le Fou (1965), Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and Funeral Parade of Roses (1969) with an impeccable sense of style, splashes of Godardian color as well as strong anti-imperialist and existentialist themes, this iconic jishu eiga (self-produced film) was long-thought lost until the negatives were found in 2018 and restored for screenings – facilitated by director and programmer Akihiro Suzuki. With a runtime of 85 minutes, a new landmark in the history of Japanese queer cinema, this is the first screening of Bye Bye Love in Pittsburgh!

2026 Japanese film The Samurai and the Prisoner (黒牢城) in Pittsburgh, September 11 - 17.

The 2026 Japanese film The Samurai and the Prisoner (黒牢城) will play in Pittsburgh from September 11 through 17.

When Lord Murashige (Masahiro Motoki) rises up against the tyrannical Oda (Bando Shingo), he finds himself besieged within the walls of his own castle. Isolated, he is confronted with a series of mysterious crimes that shatter the fragile order of his court, plunging the fortress into fear and suspicion. With Oda’s army closing in and a traitor hiding among his ranks, Murashige is forced into an uneasy alliance with Kanbei Kuroda (Masaki Suda), a brilliant yet dangerous strategist held prisoner in the dungeon. Helped by his wife Chiyoho (Yuriko Yoshitaka) and his most loyal generals, Murashige must uncover the truth before the castle falls.

It was the #2 grossing film in Japan its opening weekend. The film plays at the Harris Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map) and tickets are available online.

Five episodes of Mob Psycho 100 in Pittsburgh-area theater, July 20.

July Crunchyroll Anime Nights will present five episodes of Mob Psycho 100 on July 20.

Crunchyroll Anime Nights is bringing MOB PSYCHO 100 to the big screen! To celebrate Mob Psycho 100's 10th anniversary we'll be showing 5 amazing episodes - chosen by YOU, the fans - that will take you through all of Mob's story. Mob is an 8th grader with powerful psychic abilities who wants to be normal. When not exorcising evil spirits he attempts to suppress his powers, causing stunted emotions. But when he hits 100 percent, his pent-up feelings unleash a dark power. Can he survive the psychic strain?

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

Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi, September 20 at Omni William Penn Hotel.

The Omni William Penn Hotel will host a Candlelight Concert on September 20, The Best of Joe Hisaishi.

⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Pittsburgh. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Joe Hisaishi at Omni William Penn Hotel under the gentle glow of candlelight.

2008 Japanese animated movie Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ) in Pittsburgh, June 13 - 17, part of Studio Ghibli Fest 2026.

The 2008 Japanese animated movie Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ) will play in Pittsburgh from June 13 through 17, the first installment of Studio Ghibli Fest 2026.

From the legendary Studio Ghibli, creators of Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, and Academy Award®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki, comes a heartwarming family adventure. When Sosuke, a young boy who lives on a clifftop overlooking the sea, rescues a stranded goldfish named Ponyo, he discovers more than he bargained for. Ponyo is a curious, energetic young creature who yearns to be human, but even as she causes chaos around the house, her father, a powerful sorcerer, schemes to return Ponyo to the sea. Miyazaki’s breathtaking, imaginative world is brought to life with an all-star cast, featuring the voices of Cate Blanchett, Noah Cyrus, Matt Damon, Tina Fey, Frankie Jonas, Cloris Leachman, Liam Neeson, Lily Tomlin, and Betty White.

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront; the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville, North Hills, and Robinson; GQT Pittsburgh Mills Cinemas; and the Chartiers Valley Luxury 14 + PTX. Tickets are available online. Please note, the shows on June 13, 14 and 17 are dubbed in English, while the shows on June 15 and 16 are in Japanese with English subtitles.

2006 Japanese animated film Paprika (パプリカ) in 35mm at Row House Hollywood, June 27 and 28.

The 2006 Japanese animated film Paprika (パプリカ) will play at the Row House Hollywood on June 27 and 28, part of its MegaScreen series of screenings in 35 mm.

Experience cinema on our premium large format screen. Our main auditorium has 389 seats, a balcony, a top of the line digital projector, and 35/70 mm film capabilities

Tickets for the Satoshi Kon film are available online.

Satoshi Kon’s anime thriller stars a young dream detective named Paprika, who must stop terrorists from using a stolen machine that allows therapists to enter their patients’ dreams. The reality and dreams blur, and chaos breaks out in a not-so-far-off future.

The Row House Hollywood is located at 1449 Potomac Ave. (map), one block south of the Potomac T Station.

Japanese rock band Nemophila in Pittsburgh, July 4.

The Japanese rock band Nemophila will play in Pittsburgh on July 4, part of their North American tour.

NEMOPHILA’s music can be described as a mixture of various styles ranging from loud rock to grunge. The band displays a sound heavier than hell, while presenting a soft and gentle-cute character at the same time.

The band aims to exhibit an unpredictable mixture in their appearance and fashion along with a positive heavy metal sound bringing a smile to everyone around the world!

They will play at Crafthouse Stage & Grill in Whitehall (map), and tickets are available online.

1999 Japanese animated film Adolescence of Utena (少女革命ウテナ アドゥレセンス黙示録) in Pittsburgh, June 21 and 22.

The 1999 Japanese animated film Adolescence of Utena (少女革命ウテナ アドゥレセンス黙示録) will play in Pittsburgh on June 21 and 22. A synopsis, from the distributor:

Utena enrolls in the prestigious Ohtori Academy on her quest to become a prince, and stumbles into a mysterious cabal of students dueling for possession of the “Rose Bride.” The role belongs to their classmate Anthy, an enigmatic girl who equally captivates and confuses Utena. While fending off powerful rivals, Utena must uncover the secrets surrounding Anthy and her own desires. As the relationship between the girls intensifies, their thirst for freedom crescendoes into a need for revolution.

ADOLESCENCE OF UTENA is a standalone genre classic that brings together the creative genius of director Kunihiko Ikuhara (Revolutionary Girl Utena, Sailor Moon), writer Yoji Enokido (EVANGELION franchise), and art director Shichiro Kobayashi (ANGEL’S EGG) with J.A. Seazer’s transcendent music. Straddling the line between fairytale and surrealist opera, the film stands as a bold display of the ways social roles chain us— and demands we smash through them.

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

Teriyaki Express soft opens in Squirrel Hill, in former Viet Nom Nom spot.

Teriyaki Express has soft opened in Squirrel Hill. Its menu offers a variety of teriyaki dishes reminiscent of a mall food court---chicken, beef, and shrimp---and Asian appetizers like tempura and dumplings. It operates several spots in Ohio, but the Pittsburgh location is at 1715 Murray Ave. (map), taking the place of Viet Nom Nom, which closed March 30.

2001 Japanese film Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し) at Rangos Giant Cinema, May 29.

The 2001 Japanese film Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し) will play at the Rangos Giant Cinema on May 29, the final installment of a Studio Ghibli series this month.

In Hayao Miyazaki’s unforgettable film, “Spirited Away,” audiences are transported with Chihiro to an otherworldly bath house occupied by strange spirits. Join her on her journey to reunite with her parents and return to her own world on Fri., May 29 at 7 p.m.

The show starts at 7:00 pm and 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).

2025 Japanese animated film Jinsei (無名の人生) in Pittsburgh, from June 12.

The 2025 Japanese animated film Jinsei (無名の人生) will play in Pittsburgh from June 12 through 25.

Simply put, Jinsei follows the life of one man over 100 years. Our main character’s life is broken up into chapters, distinguished by the evolution of his name, or rather the names he goes by. He is a child, an orphan, a budding J-pop star, an outcast, a leader, an oracle. Employing a lo-fi style, Suzuki immerses the viewer in this man’s life, and as each chapter evolves so does the picture’s framing, color palette and editing-style. Epic in scope, Jinsei is one of the most original Japanese animated films in years. Over nearly 2 years, newcomer Ryuya Suzuki wrote, directed, animated, and edited this tour-de-force by himself, determined to bring his captivating vision to life. Essential, experiential viewing, this is one that must be seen on the big screen. 

It plays at the Harris Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map), and tickets will go on sale on Thursday, May 28, at 10:00 am.

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 in the Pittsburgh area 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 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 film Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe (機動戦士ガンダム 閃光のハサウェイ: キルケーの魔女) stays in Pittsburgh through (at least) May 27.

The 2026 film Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe ((機動戦士ガンダム 閃光のハサウェイ: キルケーの魔女), which opened in Pittsburgh on May 14, will remain here through (at least) May 27.

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, the AMC Westmorelandin Greensburg, and the Cinemark theater in Robinson through the 21st, and at the AMC Loews Waterfront after, and tickets are available online.

KuJiRa's Bridgeville location opens today.

KuJiRa, an all-you-can-eat sushi bar in Shadyside, has opened its second location in Bridgeville. From an announcement on Instagram:

The wait is officially over—Bridgeville, we have arrived! 🎉 We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our brand-new location is officially OPEN and ready to welcome you. A ton of love and hard work went into bringing this beautiful space to life, and we can’t wait for you to experience the vibe. 🥢✨
Come on by, say hi, and celebrate this next chapter with us! Here are all the details you need to plan your visit:
📍 **Where to Find Us:**
1025 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017
⏰ **Hours of Operation:**
* **Sunday – Thursday:** 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
* **Friday – Saturday:** 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM

It is located in the Chartiers Valley Shopping Center in the former Vocelli's Pizza spot (map).

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.

BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War - The Calamity in Pittsburgh, from June 25.

BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War - The Calamity, a feature-length film containing the first three episodes of the upcoming BLEACH season, will plan in Pittsburgh from June 25.

2023 film The Boy and the Heron (君たちはどう生きるか) at Rangos Giant Cinema, May 22.

The 2023 film The Boy and the Heron (君たちはどう生きるか) will play at the Rangos Giant Cinema on May 22, part of a Studio Ghibli series this month.

The enchanting legacy of Studio Ghibli continues with the newest addition to their catalogue of masterpieces. “The Boy and the Heron” takes us on a magical and surreal journey through a world beyond our own as young Mahito Maki battles grief and loss with his unusual guide, a talking gray heron.

The show starts at 7:00 pm and 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).

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.

2026 film Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe (機動戦士ガンダム 閃光のハサウェイ: キルケーの魔女) in Pittsburgh, from May 14.

The 2026 film Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe ((機動戦士ガンダム 閃光のハサウェイ: 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, the AMC Westmorelandin Greensburg, and the Cinemark theater in Robinson through the 21st, and tickets are available online.