Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts

Friday, October 10, 2025

Studio Ghibli Week returns to Row House Lawrenceville, November 7 through 13.



The Row House Lawrenceville will show four films as part of its annual Studio Ghibli Week, running this year from November 7 through 13. Porco Rosso (紅の豚), Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ), Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫), and My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ) comprise this year's programming. Tickets and movie information is available online; please note, some screenings are in Japanese with English subtitles while some are dubbed in English. The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler St. (map).

Pittsburgh Taiko Beginner Classes, four Sundays starting October 19.


Pittsburgh Taiko is resuming a series of Beginner Classes starting October 19 and running for four Sundays. through November 9.

Learn taiko drumming with Pittsburgh Taiko!

On Sunday mornings starting October 19, Pittsburgh Taiko will hold a four-week introductory class. This class is for people who are interested in joining our performing group or anyone who wants to just give taiko a try.

Taiko combines energetic hits with calm focus, balances group unity with individual expression, and requires both power and subtlety.  

Each class is from 10 to 11:30 AM at our studio in Bellevue. 

Dates for the four-week course:

  • Class 1: Sunday, October 19
  • Class 2: Sunday, October 26
  • Class 3: Sunday, November 2
  • Class 4: Sunday, November 9

No experience is necessary! If you recently took one of our workshops, this will be a more in-depth study of some of the topics we introduced there.

These classes are designed for adults and older kids (high school or older). Discounted rates are available for full-time students and JASP members.

Note that our studio is a masked space, and unfortunately it is not accessible to folks who can't climb stairs.

Please read the FAQ information at pittsburghtaiko.com/classes before registering.

Sessions are $50 for the general public and $40 for JASP members and students. Registration may be completed online. The studio is located at 2 N. Balph Ave., second floor in Bellevue (map).

Thursday, October 9, 2025

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).

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

2025 Japanese animated movie Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved (小林さんちのメイドラゴン さみしがりやの竜 in Pittsburgh, October 20.


The 2025 Japanese animated movie Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved (小林さんちのメイドラゴン さみしがりやの竜 will play in Pittsburgh on October 20.
Miss Kobayashi, Tohru, Kanna, and Iruru's peaceful lives are shattered when Kanna’s father, Kamun Kamui, leader of the Chaos Forces, arrives and forces her to return to the Dragon World to fix a past mistake. With a war brewing between Chaos and Harmony, Kanna must find a way to unite the two worlds, but is torn between her loyalty to her friends and her father's demands. Miss Kobayashi, however, refuses to let her go and tries to mend Kanna and Kamui’s broken bond. As dragons clash, Iruru uncovers a hidden force manipulating the war. Can they stop the war before it consumes both worlds?
It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

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) October 15.


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) October 15.
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 several local theaters, including the AMC theaters in Waterfront and South Hills, the Cinemark theater in Monroeville, and Moraine Pointe Cinemas in Butler. Tickets are available online.

Sunday, October 5, 2025

2000 Japanese film Battle Royale (バトル・ロワイアル) in Pittsburgh-area theater, 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 at the Cinemark theater in Robinson and the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.

Saturday, October 4, 2025

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 at the AMC Loews Waterfront, AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and Robinson, 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.

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

2025 Japanese animated movie Virgin Punk: Clockwork Girl (ヴァージン・パンク) in Pittsburgh, November 11 and 13.


The 2025 Japanese animated movie Virgin Punk: Clockwork Girl (ヴァージン・パンク) will play in the Pittsburgh area on November 11 and 13.
Conditions for Receiving Bounty: Bring the brain of a wanted criminal possessing illegal Somadea to the authorities. Whether the target is alive or dead… is irrelevant. The year 2099. Humanity has overcome all injury and illness with the development of Medical Android Technology “Somadea.” Somadea grants superior physical, but by illegally modifying it, Somadea can be misused for criminal purposes. To handle these crimes, the government established the Bounty Hunter System. Registered civilians can kill wanted criminals and are rewarded with large bounties. In this unforgiving world, Ubu Kamigori hunts criminals as a bounty hunter. But one day, waiting in her home is the man she shares a sordid history with—Mr. Elegance. And so, her destiny begins to unravel. A tale woven by mechanical girls and gunpowder smoke, this suspenseful action begins! Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content from Director Yasuomi Umetsu and SHAFT Animation Studio in theaters only!
It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, AMC Westmoreland, and the Cinemarkt theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

2025 Japanese animated movie Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc (劇場版 チェンソーマン レゼ篇) in Pittsburgh, from October 23.


The 2025 Japanese animated movie Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc (劇場版 チェンソーマン レゼ篇) will play in the Pittsburgh area, from October 23.
For the first time, Chainsaw Man slashes his way onto the big screen in an epic, action-fueled adventure that continues the hugely popular anime series. Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed. As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules.
At this point showtimes and tickets have been announced only for the Cinemark in Monroeville. Shows from the 23rd are in Japanese with English subtitles, while select shows on the 24th, 25th, and 26th are dubbed in English.

4K restoration of 1997 Satoshi Kon film Perfect Blue (パーフェクトブルー) in Pittsburgh area, 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 at the Cinemark theater in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

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) October 9.


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) October 9.
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 Waterworks Cinemas, the AMC theaters in Waterfront and South Hills, and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and North Hills. Tickets, and a real-time listing of theaters, are available online.

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Pittsburgh Obama 6-12 hiring a Japanese teacher.


Pittsburgh Obama 6-12, a public middle and high school in East Liberty, is hiring a Japanese teacher. The job ad is not especially descripted for this particular role, but is as follows; those interested in applying should do so via the posting:
The position of teacher is directly supervised by the School Principal and is responsible for effectively educating and supporting students by ensuring they are learning academically, developing strong character, and gaining skills that prepare them for college and career. The teacher is responsible for planning lessons that target specific skills, managing classroom behavior, and engaging students in lessons. The position of teacher cultivates student’s interest in education and incorporates culturally responsive pedagogy into their classroom.

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck at Ross Park Mall, October 4.


via @HellyKittyCafeTruck

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will return to Ross Park Mall on October 4.
Hello Pittsburgh! The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is returning to Ross Park Mall on Saturday, 10/4! Come say hello to us near The Cheesecake Factory & LL Bean between 10am-7pm and pick up some supercute treats & merch, while supplies last! See you there!
More information about the truck and its tours available via Sanrio. Ross Park Mall is located in Ross Township in the North Hills, just off McKnight Road (map).

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Phipps Conservatory Fall Flower Show "Visions of Japan" opens October 4 and runs through October 26.


The Fall Flower Show "Visions of Japan" opens October 4 at Phipps.
Starting Sat., Oct. 4, Phipps’ Fall Flower Show: Visions of Japan celebrates the prominence of the chrysanthemum in Japanese culture through vibrant autumnal displays. Mums in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors will be presented alongside evocative props including jewel-toned fans, a moon gate, a pagoda, foot bridges and a celebratory ryuu, or dragon, whose brightly colored body floats from end to end of the glasshouse’s iconic Sunken Garden. These mums will be grown using traditional Japanese techniques like disbud and cascade.

The narrative will focus on how the human-nature connection is manifested in Japan. Highlights include the joyous festivals (aki matsuri) and parades that celebrate the autumn harvest season, the symbolism of chrysanthemums in Japanese garden culture and more. Broadly, the show presents an opportunity to discuss some of the unique strategies originated in Japan to promote horticulture as therapeutic, including Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing).

Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program Information Session, October 2 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will hold its annual Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program Information Session on October 2.
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 2, 2025 starting at 6:00pm. 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 6:00 pm and registration is required; the in-person component is held in 4130 Posvar Hall.

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Pitt Surplus auctioning Japanese kei van.


The University of Pittsburgh Surplus Property is auctioning a 2000 Mitsubishi Minicab Microvan GD-U62V that had been used by Pitt-Johnstown dining.
Used. Runs but has extensive rust issues.

Free "We Learn: Basic Japanese Language and Culture," Fridays at downtown Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, from October 3.


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

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's downtown branch will host "We Learn: Basic Japanese Language and Culture" on Fridays from October 3 through November 7, after the previous session ended on June 6.
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. We Learn Groups meet in person but use a hybrid model with online learning materials. This Group meets on Fridays: Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7.
Registration is required and can be completed online. The classes run from 11:00 am, and the library is located at 612 Smithfield St. (map).

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

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) October 2.


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) October 2.
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 Waterworks Cinemas, the AMC theaters in Waterfront and South Hills, and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and North Hills. Tickets, and a real-time listing of theaters, are available online.

Monday, September 22, 2025

2025 Japanese film Mixed Modern (The Longing) (ミックスモダン), followed by Director Q & A, September 25, part of SCREENSHOT: Asia Film Festival.


The 2025 Japanese film Mixed Modern (The Longing) (ミックスモダン), followed by Director Q & A, will play in Pittsburgh on September 25, part of this year's SCREENSHOT: Asia Film Festival.
Hiro yuki (Toshizo Fujiwara) and his wife Sono ko (Rino Tsuneishi) run an okonomiyaki restaurant which employs ex-youth offenders to help support their rehabilitation. Since an incident with a former employee a year ago, Hiro has been hounded by hate speech online. Nevertheless, he sticks to his principles at the restaurant. When he interviews the 18-year-old Yuto (Daiki Ido) in the detention center, the young man tells him: “I want the chance to start over!”, and Hiro hires him. After receiving his first pay packet, Yuto returns to his hometown to buy his father a gift but discovers that he has left town. Yuto’s mother already abandoned him when he was a child and now his father is gone, too. While out at a club, Yuto becomes fascinated with Yukiha (Sasha), a 17-year-old dancer at the club who was also recently released from juvenile detention.
Tickets are free for those with a Pitt ID card---registration and promo code required---and $11 for everyone else. The movie begins at 8:00 pm at the Harris Theaer in downtown's Cultural District (map).

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Free screening of 2024 Japanese horror film Missing Child Videotape (ミッシング・チャイルド・ビデオテープ), September 23, part of SCREENSHOT: Asia Film Festival.


SCREENSHOT: Asia will present a free screening of the 2024 Japanese horror film Missing Child Videotape (ミッシング・チャイルド・ビデオテープ) on September 23, part of this year's SCREENSHOT: Asia Film Festival around the city of Pittsburgh.
In the feature film debut of director Kondo Ryota, winner of the Grand Prize at the Japan Horror Film Competition, and produced by legendary J-Horror director, Shimizu Takashi, this film’s quiet horror allows viewers to experience slow-burning dread trapped in the coarse image of a VHS tape. One day, Keita (Rairu Sugita) unexpectedly receives an old videotape from his mother. As the tape plays, the grainy images reveal the moment of his brother’s mysterious disappearance years earlier forcing Keita to reckon with a past he has long tried to forget. As unforgettable and ghastly as this revelation might be, Keita decides to confront the incident once more and retrace the past, heading to the ruins of a mountain that should never have existed.
Tickets are free but registration is required. The 7:00 pm screening will be held at Kelly Strayhorn Theater's Alloy Studios in East Liberty (map).

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