Guitarist Hiroya Tsukamoto in Pittsburgh, October 3.

Guitarist and composer Hiroya Tsukamoto will perform at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh on October 3.

Hiroya Tsukamoto (https://hiroyatsukamoto.com/) is a one-of-a-kind composer, guitarist and singer-songwriter from Kyoto, Japan. He began playing the five-string banjo when he was thirteen, and took up the guitar shortly after.

In 2000, Hiroya received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music and came to the United States. He formed his own group in Boston “INTEROCEANICO (inter-oceanic)” which consists of unique musicians from different continents including Latin Grammy Colombian singer Marta Gomez. The group released three acclaimed records (“The Other Side of the World”, “Confluencia” and “Where the River Shines”). Hiroya has released five solo albums.

Hiroya has been leading concerts internationally including several appearances at Blue Note(NYC), United Nations and Japanese National Television(NHK). Hiroya is a two time 2nd place winner of International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship in 2018 and 2022.

“…chops, passion and warmth. Zealously recommended!” -Jazz Review.com

“The fingerpicking is delicate, fluid, and beautifully detailed” -Acoustic Guitar Magazine

More detail will be available at uusongspace.com as the date nears.

Ticket information will follow. The First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh is located at 605 Morewood Ave. in Shadyside (map).

Umai Thai & Sushi coming soon to Bellevue.

Umai Thai & Sushi is coming soon to Bellevue. It will open at 172 Lincoln Ave (map), in the spot occupied by Thai Tamarind until it relocated to 513 Lincoln Ave., a few blocks away, and rebranded as Thai Tamarind Noodle & Rice in June. A menu is available online but the restaurant, which draws its name from a Japanese word meaning delicious, isn't aiming to open until the fall.

Fujiya Ramen to open location in Robinson.

Fujiya Ramen, a Japanese ramen restaurant located in Shadyside, is planning to open a second location in Robinson. It will be located at 210 McHolme Dr (map), in what was the home of the Sushi Atarashi revolving sushi restaurant from September 2024 to January 2025. Fujiya Ramen, says the official site,

is the result of a passion for Japanese cuisine and collaboration between father and son, Minoru and Zen Yoshida. Minoru worked for more than 40 years making delicious ramen in both Tokyo and its surrounding Japanese prefectures. When he began his business in Tokyo in the 1960’s, ramen at the time only cost $1.40. Minoru’s business has come very far as his dream of opening a ramen shop in America has finally come true. We hope you will enjoy our family’s authentic ramen every time you visit.

Travel Japanese Class with Japan America Society of Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh, five weeks from August 30.

The Japan America Society of Pennsylvania will present a five-session Travel Japanese Class at the University of Pittsburgh from August 30.

Planning a trip to Japan? Want to feel comfortable interacting with locals while traveling? Join our Travel Japanese Course, a 5-week in-person course designed for complete beginners. Learn essential phrases for greetings, directions, dining, shopping and more, all focused on real-life travel situations. This course is intended for those with no prior experience studying Japanese; if you have studied the language before, it may be too basic for you.

Taught by a native Japanese professor from the University of Pittsburgh, each 90 minute class offers immersive, conversation-based instruction to help build speaking confidence.

JASP Members save $25 over the semester, paying $125 instead of the standard $150. Register now and speak Japanese before you land

Please note, the class is intended for those with no prior experience studying Japanese. Classes are held Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:30 am in 4130 Posvar Hall (map). Registration and payment can be completed online.

Let's Sushi, an all-you-can-eat sushi place and "unlimited Japanese fusion," to soft open August 4 in Wexford.

Let's Sushi, an all-you-can-eat sushi place in the works for Wexford Plaza (map), plans to soft open on August 4 from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm. The restaurant offering "unlimited Japanese fusion," according to a sign in the window, will be located in the spot formerly occupied by Nakama. Paperwork indicates Let's Sushi is owned by the properietor behind other Asian buffets that used to operate in the area: Misaki, Yamato Hibachi Grill, and Old Town Buffet.

Koi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar eyes August opening in Monroeville.

Koi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is coming soon to Monroeville and is eyeing an August opening. It will be located at 1782 Golden Mile Hwy (map), in what was most recently Golden Palace Restaurant. The menu is hundreds of items long, consisting of a variety of hibachi items, poke bowls, sushi, rolls, standard Chinese and Thai entrees, boba tea, and more.

2005 Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns (猫の恩返し) at Row House Lawrenceville, August 1.

The 2005 Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns (猫の恩返し) will play for one night only at the Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville on August 1 to kick off the CatVideoFest series.

Young Haru rescues a cat from being run over, but soon learns it’s no ordinary feline; it happens to be the Prince of the Cats.

Tickets for the 8:00 pm show are available online. The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler St. (map).

2024 Japanese film Cloud (クラウド) in Pittsburgh, August 15 - 21.

The 2024 Japanese film Cloud (クラウド) will play in Pittsburgh from Auguat 15 through 21.

Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Cure, Pulse) delivers one of his most chillingly prescient films with this riveting fusion of social satire, techno-thriller, and survival-action. Yoshii (Masaki Suda), a T-shirt factory worker, supplements his income by flipping merchandise online—dubious medical devices, counterfeit designer handbags, collectible figurines—until disgruntled customers begin organizing against him on an anonymous message board. As his profits grow and he quits his day job (even hiring an assistant), he becomes the target of a coordinated vendetta that ratchets into something increasingly brutal, absurd, yet eerily plausible. At once a pulse-pounding provocation and a cautionary tale for our atomized, hustle-economy era, Cloud—Japan’s official submission for the 97th Oscars—is a genre-bending vision of virtual grievances mutating into real-world terror, orchestrated with Kurosawa’s signature precision and nerve.

It plays at the Harris Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map) and tickets are available online.

All-you-can-eat sushi place Oyoshi coming to East Liberty / Shadyside.

via @IndustryPittsburghApartments

Work progresses on Oyoshi, an all-you-can-eat sushi place coming to Centre Ave. near the intersection of East Liberty and Shadyside. It will be located at 5821 Centre Ave. (map) on the ground floor of the Industry apartment building, next to a dentist's office that is also under construction. Details about the floorplan are available from an April 2025 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting (pdf); the architect attached to this new restaurant also worked on Hong Kong Dim Sum, which opened recently in North Oakland.

via @IndustryPittsburghApartments

Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar in Cranberry announces August 4 Grand Opening.

Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar in Cranberry, which will hold its soft opening today from 3:00 to 8:00 pm, has announced an August 4 Grand Opening. It is located in the Cranberry Mall spot formerly occupied by Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing (map).

Welcome to Togyu Asian Barbecue & Bar—Pittsburgh’s premier destination for refined Korean and Japanese-style barbecue. Conceived by two brothers with a profound appreciation for the artistry of authentic Asian cuisine, Togyu was born from a desire to introduce an elevated culinary experience unlike any other in the city.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant dining culture of cities like Seoul and Tokyo, we’ve curated an environment where elegance meets tradition.

Guests are invited to indulge in the highest quality Angus Prime beef, expertly paired with the freshest locally sourced vegetables, all prepared to perfection at the table. Every detail is designed to enhance the senses—from the richness of the ingredients to the ambiance that surrounds each meal.

Initially announced in March, it is one of several all-you-can-eat Korean-style BBQ places announced for the Pittsburgh area in the last couple years, but the first for Cranberry.

Shin Godzilla (シン・ゴジラ) in 4K, in Pittsburgh-area theaters from August 13.

The 2016 Japanese movie Shin Godzilla (シン・ゴジラ) will play in 4K in Pittsburgh-area theaters from August 13.

Something has surfaced in Tokyo Bay. As the Prime Minister of Japan pleads with the public to remain calm, a horrific creature of tremendous size makes landfall in the city, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Then it evolves. The government scrambles to assemble a task force to research and combat the monster. The next morning, an envoy from the US Department of State delivers a folder of classified documents bearing the name: “GODZILLA.” From visionary directors Shinji Higuchi and Hideaki Anno, Shin Godzilla offers a thrilling origin story to one of cinema’s greatest creations. Propelled by astounding visual effects and rapid-fire dialogue, Shin Godzilla is equal parts pulse-pounding action film and venomous political satire, worthy of the franchise’s towering history.

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the Cinemark theater in Robinson and the AMC Westmoreland 15 in Greensburg, and tickets are available online.

Japanese company headquartered in Pittsburgh hiring bilingual Assistant Office Manager.

A Japanese company headquartered in Pittsburgh is hiring a bilingual Japanese-English Assistant Office Manager. The job ad, via Japanese staffing agency Pasona:

A global Japanese-affiliated company with operations across North America is seeking a Bilingual Assistant Office Manager to support its administrative headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA (on-site). This role is ideal for someone who enjoys a broad range of administrative responsibilities and providing high-touch support to expats and executive staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Office Administration & Coordination

• Manage day-to-day office operations, including supplies procurement, vendor coordination, facility maintenance, and document control.
• Serve as the main contact for building management, local authorities, and service vendors (e.g., IT, security, etc.).
• Coordinate company events and support executive office functions as needed.
• Greet and assist visitors and handle incoming calls in a professional manner.

HR & Benefits Support

• Assist with the administration of benefit programs including group health plans, 401(k), COBRA, etc.
• Maintain accurate employee records, process claims, and conduct basic benefits research.
• Serve as a liaison between staff and external parties (e.g., legal, insurance providers).

Expatriate Support

• Provide comprehensive support to Japanese expats stationed at affiliated companies, including:
  • Initial relocation setup (housing contracts, utilities, SSN, driver’s license, etc.)
  • Ongoing assistance (contract renewals, hospital visits, emergency support)
  • Departure and wrap-up arrangements

More dates for compilation film JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death, staying in Pittsburgh through (at least) July 23.

The compilation film JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death, which initially played in Pittsburgh-area theaters on July 16 and 17, will stay here through (at least) July 23. A synopsis of the movie and a summary of the event, from the distributor:

Before they were enemies, Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto were high school classmates and friends. The two powerful sorcerers are tasked with protecting Riko Amanai, a student who has been designated to be sacrificed as the Star Plasma Vessel, until she can fulfill her duty. Pursued by a religious cult and other curse users, they are the only sorcerers capable of carrying out such a difficult task – but this mission will set their destinies, and challenge the two sorcerers in ways unimaginable.

The beloved and deeply emotional “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death” arc from the global phenomenon JUJUTSU KAISEN returns to the big screen, reaching all new heights for fans and newcomers alike.

. . .

JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie comes to North American theaters nationwide beginning July 16th. The theatrical compilation feature returns to the widely beloved “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death” story arc of the globally acclaimed JUJUTSU KAISEN series, which focused on the younger days of fan-favorite characters Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto, who shared a deep bond that was tested by one fateful mission. Featuring newly remixed sound for an immersive theater experience, and an all-new acoustic version of Tatsuya Kitani’s “Where Our Blue Is,” this high-quality adaptation, which captivated audiences during its original broadcast, reaches new heights—bringing the powerful story back to the big screen.

It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, the AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Natsu Hyuuga's The Apothecary Diaries, Volume 1 for Carnegie Library's Mystery Book Club, August 5.

The August 5 meeting of the Carnegie Library's Mystery Book Club will discuss Natsu Hyuuga's The Apothecary Diaries, Volume 1.

Join us for a lively discussion on The Apothecary Diaries, Volume 1 by Natsu Hyuuga. This book discussion is a hybrid event. You can join in person in the Director’s Office Conference Room on the first floor, or virtually using the link provided in your registration confirmation email. Some copies of the title will be available at the New & Featured desk on the first floor at CLP-Main.

This title is available for checkout in our Catalog, and also as an eBook on Hoopla.

The free event runs from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Those interested in attending remotely should register here, while those who wish to attend in person can meet in the first-floor Director's Office Conference Room.

16mm screening of 1953 Japanese film Ugetsu (雨月物語), July 24 in Oakland.

Pittsburgh Sound + Image and SCREENSHOT: Asia will present a 16mm screening of the 1953 Japanese film Ugetsu (雨月物語) on July 24 at the Melwood Screening Room in North Oakland.

Pittsburgh Sound + Image and SCREENSHOT: Asia reteam for a special 16mm screening of Kenji Mizoguchi's Ugetsu.

Criterion writes, "By the time he made Ugetsu, Kenji Mizoguchi was already an elder statesman of Japanese cinema, fiercely revered by Akira Kurosawa and other directors of a younger generation. And with this exquisite ghost story, a fatalistic wartime tragedy derived from stories by Akinari Ueda and Guy de Maupassant, he created a touchstone of his art, his long takes and sweeping camera guiding the viewer through a delirious narrative about two villagers whose pursuit of fame and fortune leads them far astray from their loyal wives. Moving between the terrestrial and the otherworldly, Ugetsu reveals essential truths about the ravages of war, the plight of women, and the pride of men."

Doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 7. Tickets are $10 for the general public, but free for Pittsburgh Sound + Image members and CMU or Pitt students, staff and faculty. The Melwood Screening Room is located at 477 Melwood Ave. (map).

New restoration of 1949 Kurosawa film Stray Dog (野良犬) in Pittsburgh, July 24 - 26.

A new restoration of 1949 Kurosawa film Stray Dog (野良犬) will play in Pittsburgh on July 24 through 26, the first in a series of five classic Kurosawa films at the Harris Theater July through September.

A bad day gets worse for young detective Murakami when a pickpocket steals his gun on a hot, crowded bus. Desperate to right the wrong, he goes undercover, scavenging Tokyo's sweltering streets for the "stray dog" whose desperation has led him to a life of crime. With each step, cop and criminal’s lives become more intertwined and the investigation becomes an examination of Murakami's own dark side. Starring Toshiro Mifune, as the rookie cop, and Takashi Shimura, as the seasoned detective who keeps him on the right side of the law, Stray Dog (Nora Inu) goes beyond a crime thriller, probing the squalid world of postwar Japan and the nature of the criminal mind.

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

2009 Japanese animated movie Summer Wars (サマーウォーズ) in Pittsburgh in 4K, July 27 - 29.

The 2009 Japanese animated movie Summer Wars (サマーウォーズ) will play in Pittsburgh-area theaters in 4K from July 27 through 29.

Kenji is a shy, part-time moderator for OZ, the virtual reality world that powers everyday life, until pretty and popular Natsuki recruits him to be her fake boyfriend. While posing as an affluent suitor to Natsuki’s family, Kenji finds that a rogue A.I. program has stolen his online identity, and Kenji is accused of hacking OZ and causing real-world catastrophes. As the destruction in OZ throws Natsuki’s family into disarray, Kenji must unite his newfound connections to overcome an impending cyber apocalypse. Against a backdrop of stunning countryside vistas and virtual spaces bursting with color, Summer Wars is a timeless epic that explores life in the digital age from Academy Award®-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda (BELLE).

It is scheduled to play locally (so far) at the Cinemark in McCandless and Robinson. Tickets for the July 27 and 29 shows in Japanese with English subtitles and the July 28 show dubbed in English are available online.

US Translation Company hiring experienced Japanese-English interpreter for medical topics.

US Translation Company is hiring for a Japanese-English interpreter in the Pittsburgh area experienced in consecutive interpretation for medical topics. Those qualified and interested can contact Chloe at chloe@ustranslation.com or (801) 393-5300. Founded in 1995, US Translation Company (USTC)

is a leading provider of translation, interpretation, and localization services, helping organizations communicate effectively across global markets.

Compilation film JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death in Pittsburgh, July 16 and 17.

The compilation film JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death will play in Pittsburgh-area theaters on July 16 and 17. A synopsis of the movie and a summary of the event, from the distributor:

Before they were enemies, Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto were high school classmates and friends. The two powerful sorcerers are tasked with protecting Riko Amanai, a student who has been designated to be sacrificed as the Star Plasma Vessel, until she can fulfill her duty. Pursued by a religious cult and other curse users, they are the only sorcerers capable of carrying out such a difficult task – but this mission will set their destinies, and challenge the two sorcerers in ways unimaginable.

The beloved and deeply emotional “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death” arc from the global phenomenon JUJUTSU KAISEN returns to the big screen, reaching all new heights for fans and newcomers alike.

. . .

JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie comes to North American theaters nationwide beginning July 16th. The theatrical compilation feature returns to the widely beloved “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death” story arc of the globally acclaimed JUJUTSU KAISEN series, which focused on the younger days of fan-favorite characters Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto, who shared a deep bond that was tested by one fateful mission. Featuring newly remixed sound for an immersive theater experience, and an all-new acoustic version of Tatsuya Kitani’s “Where Our Blue Is,” this high-quality adaptation, which captivated audiences during its original broadcast, reaches new heights—bringing the powerful story back to the big screen.

It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, the AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Kiku Japanese Restaurant hiring sushi chef.

Kiku Japanese Restaurant, located in Station Square and the oldest Japanese and sushi restaurant in the city, is hiring a part-time sushi chef.

Authentic Japanese restaurant hiring Experienced Sushi Chef (Station square)

KIKU Japanese restaurant located station square is now hiring for part time/full time employee.

We're looking for a Sushi Chef, to work in a team of two at the sushi bar, on preparing maki rolls, sashimi and sushi. It will involve multi-tasking of prepping and plating.

KIKU Japanese Restaurant reputation for artful plating and food quality, - fresh fish (never frozen) is flown in from Japan and New York every week, and we have a very strong customer following because of it.

Also, as many of our customers have a very experienced palate for sushi/sashimi, the Sushi Chef should have a basic working knowledge of various fishes, and Japanese ingredients used.

This position definitely requires one who can work efficiently under pressure, while also paying attention to the critical details, that the Japanese art of sushi is known for.

Sushi Chef schedule will be 20-30h/week to start

Serving everything homemade Authentic Japanese cuisine.
Must be willing to learn, listen and follow directions and have a passion for cooking.
Prep work involved. Training is usually couple month depends on experience. ex), you can filet a whole fish and able to cut fish same portion. or you can make a sushi roll only.

Must be reliable and neat.
If interested please respond via email with letter of interest and or apply in person. If you have trouble being on time, on drugs, or abusing alcohol this is not the place for you. This is a family owned and operated establishment.

http://kikupittsburgh.net/

寿司職人アルバイト募集 -

週15〜30時間から。新鮮な魚を使った本格和食の店です。魚の知識と基本技術がなくても、やる気があり丁寧で効率よく働ける方歓迎。長期のみ。

仕込みあり。経験に応じてトレーニングあり。

時間に正確で清潔感のある方。ドラッグ・アルコール問題のある方は不可。

興味のある方はメールまたは直接ご来店ください。