Japanese-English Language Social Hour at Pitt, September 27.

Promotional material for Pitt's English Language Institute, 1980s. 

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center and the English Language Institute will present an Japanese-English Language Social Hour on September 27.

A language and cultural exchange between Pitt language learners and international speakers..

The event rns from 12:00 to 1:00 pm in the Global Hub on the first floor of Posvar Hall, and is open to members of the Pitt community. Registration is required.

2017 Japanese zombie film One Cut of the Dead (カメラを止めるな!) at Row House Hollywood, October 28.

The 2017 Japanese zombie film One Cut of the Dead (カメラを止めるな!) will play at the Row House Hollywood in Dormont on October 28, part of the theater's Zombiefest.

Things go badly for a hack director and film crew shooting a low-budget zombie movie in an abandoned Japanese World War II facility, when they are attacked by real zombies. Or, that’s what it says on the tin, but this is the story of how it really happened.

Tickets for the 4:30 show are available online. The Row House Hollywood is located at 1449 Potomac Ave. (map).

2004 film Howl's Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城) in Pittsburgh, September 23 - 27.

The 2004 film Howl's Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城) will play in Pittsburgh from September 23 through 27, this month's installment of Studio Ghibli Fest 2023. A synopsis from the distributor:

From the legendary Studio Ghibli, creators of Spirited Away, and acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki, comes the Academy Award®-nominated fantasy adventure for the whole family.

Sophie, a quiet girl working in a hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl. The vain and vengeful Witch of the Waste, jealous of their friendship, puts a curse on Sophie and turns her into a 90-year-old woman. On a quest to break the spell, Sophie climbs aboard Howl’s magnificent moving castle and into a new life of wonder and adventure. But as the true power of Howl’s wizardry is revealed, Sophie finds herself fighting to protect them both from a dangerous war of sorcery that threatens their world. F

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, the Waterworks theater, the Phoenix Theaters Luxury in Bridgeville, and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville, North Hills, and Robinson, and tickets are available online. Please note, some shows are dubbed in English while others are in Japanese with English subtitles.

2000 movie Godzilla: 2000 (ゴジラ2000 ミレニアム) in Pittsburgh, November 1, for 70th anniversary of Godzilla Day.

The 2000 movie Godzilla: 2000 (ゴジラ2000 ミレニアム) will play in Pittsburgh on November 1 for the 70th anniversary of Godzilla Day. It will play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, AMC Classic Westmoreland, and the Cinemark theaters in Monaca, Monroeville, North Hills, and Robinson. Tickets are available online.

Romance Comics, Japanese Daily Life (Seikatsu), and Kamimura Kazuo’s Manga Co-Habitation Age, September 20 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will host Dr. Jon Holt and his talk "Romance Comics, Japanese Daily Life (Seikatsu), and Kamimura Kazuo’s Manga Co-Habitation Age" on September 20.

Jon Holt is Professor of Japanese at Portland State University. His research interests include modern Japanese poetry, Japanese Buddhism, and manga. He recently published “Type Five and Beyond: Tools to Teach Manga in the College Classroom” in Exploring Comics and Graphic Novels in the Classroom (IGI Global, 2022). He has published numerous translations in English of essays on manga by Natsume Fusanosuke in journals, such as The Comics Journal, INKS, ImageTexT, Electronic Journal of Contemporary Japanese Studies, International Journal of Comic Art, and U.S.-Japan Women’s Journal.

Dr. Holt will speak at Carnegie Mellon University on the 19th about Doraemon and other topics. The talk at Pitt starts at 4:30 pm in 4130 Posvar Hall (map).

Doraemon Matters: How the Manga Robot Cat from the Future Lives on in Japan Today, September 19 at CMU.

The Carnegie Mellon University Department of Modern Languages presents Dr. Jon Holt and his talk "Doraemon Matters: How the Manga Robot Cat from the Future Lives on in Japan Today" on September 19.

Who is Doraemon? Where did he come from? Why does he still remain popular in Japan and in Asia? Dr. Jon Holt (Portland State University) explores the blue robot cat's multiple manga origins as he went on to become one of Japan's most beloved characters even today. He started in children's manga (comic books) but he was very much from the master mold of gag manga at a time when the Japanese comics industry was far, far too serious with its mature and male-youth manga--the gekiga movement--that dominated the market from the 1960s through the 1970s. Doraemon is more than a pop icon, he is a harbinger of Japan's future from its future.

Jon Holt is Professor of Japanese at Portland State University. His research interests include modern Japanese poetry, Japanese Buddhism, and manga. He recently published “Type Five and Beyond: Tools to Teach Manga in the College Classroom” in Exploring Comics and Graphic Novels in the Classroom (IGI Global, 2022). He has published numerous translations in English of essays on manga by Natsume Fusanosuke in journals, such as The Comics Journal, INKS, ImageTexT, Electronic Journal of Contemporary Japanese Studies, International Journal of Comic Art, and U.S.-Japan Women’s Journal.

The talk runs from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in Posner Hall 340 (map).

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar opening in Pittsburgh on September 17.

After nearly a year of anticipation, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar announced today on social media that it will open its Pittsburgh location on September 17.

 It’s Official  We are thrilled to announce that Kura Sushi will be opening in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at SouthSide Works on SUNDAY, 9/17 at 12:00 PM! We can’t wait for you to experience our authentic Japanese food delights, revolving sushi bar, express belt for made-to-order requests, Bikkura Pon prizes, KuraBots and so much more! 

 3 DAY OPENING SPECIAL:

The first 100 dine-in guests on 9/17, 9/18 and 9/19 will receive a DC™ x Kura Sushi Tote Backpack! 

 SPECIAL OPENING HOURS:

9/17 - 9/19 from 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

 We will be open with regular hours beginning Wednesday, 9/20!

 415 Cinema Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

 SUN: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

MON – THU: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM

FRI: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

SAT: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

"Japanese Action Comic Punk" band Peelander-Z in Pittsburgh, September 25.

"Japanese Action Comic Punk" band Peelander-Z will return to Pittsburgh on September 25.

PEELANDER-Z, the Japanese Action Comic Punk Band based in NYC, was originally formed in 1998 by Peelander-Yellow, Peelander-Red, and Peelander-Blue, after meeting in New York City (although they’ll tell you they’re all from the Z area on the planet Peelander). Peelander-Green was welcomed in July 2008 after Blue left the band.

Peelander–Z has appeared at major music festivals including Bonnaroo and the Vans Warped Tour and has also been featured on TV programs such as VH1’s “Best Week Ever” and Comedy Central’s “Upright Citizens Brigade” among others. The band has also been covered by SPIN, Rolling Stone, Village Voice, NPR and The Onion among many others.

At its live shows, Peelander–Z guarantees intense audience participation and a chance to exercise. You’ll see the band in colorful costumes reminiscent of Japanese anime, though they describe their outfits as their skin. You’ll also see The Red Squid, human bowling and all around insanity. A Peelander–Z performance is a rare occasion for the entire family to rock out and have a great time.

The 21+ show is at Club Cafe on the South Side (map) from 8:00 pm and tickets are available online.

Pitt's Asian Studies Center hiring Program Assistant for Japan Studies programming.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center is hiring a Program Assistant.

Provides daily support in the execution of an assigned program, section, or special interest group and implements procedures, processes, services, and systems to support program workflow. Evaluates and monitors projects, coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, and advises staff on program policies. Creates program communications, coordinates data and manages program databases, and assists in developing program evaluations.

The Asian Studies Center is seeking a Program Assistant to provide administrative and programmatic support for developing community engagement programming in the field of Japan Studies. The Program Assistant will promote Japan Studies across a broad range of disciplines and languages, in engagement activities coordinated with the Asian Studies Center, other units of the University, K-16 teachers and students, local internationally engaged organizations, other major universities, community colleges and Title III/Title V- eligible institutions. The Program Assistant will work with faculty, staff, students, K-16 educators, pre-service and in-service teachers to develop outreach materials about Japan Studies. Primary duties include: 1. Cultivate connections with local community groups. 2. Support Japan Studies Faculty activities. 3. Organize and implement events and workshops that support dialog and networking to foster a deeper understanding of Japan. 4. Assist with all aspects of programming including registration, video conferencing, technical troubleshooting, and recording of online events. The Program Assistant will manage the scheduling, logistics, publicity, and information for a range of Japan Studies activities. The Program Assistant may also be asked to assist the Asian Studies Center with other events and programs as need.

2023 Japanese animated movie Blue Giant in Pittsburgh, October 8 and 9.

The 2023 Japanese animated movie Blue Giant will play in Pittsburgh on October 8 and 9. A synopsis, from the distributor:

Dai Miyamoto's life is turned upside down the day he discovers jazz. A former high school basketball player, Dai picks up a saxophone and begins practicing day and night, determined to become one of the greatest of all time. He leaves his sleepy hometown for the bustling nightclubs of Tokyo, but soon finds the life of a professional musician is not for the faint of heart. His passion eventually wins over the cocky but talented pianist Yukinori, and after Dai convinces his friend Shunji to learn the drums, they launch a new jazz trio whose rough sound contains a raw energy that quickly wins attention from local audiences. But what does it take to truly be great?

From director Yuzuru Tachikawa (Mob Psycho 100) and based on the award-winning manga, Blue Giant is a moving ode to the power of music and the artist, featuring electric performances and a stunning jazz soundtrack.

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

Japanese-English Language Social Hour at Pitt, September 27.

Interior of Pitt's Cathedral of Learning, from the 2019 Yasuda Women's University promotional catalog.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center and the English Language Institute will present an Japanese-English Language Social Hour on September 27.

A language and cultural exchange between Pitt language learners and international speakers..

The event rns from 12:00 to 1:00 pm in the Global Hub on the first floor of Posvar Hall, and is open to members of the Pitt community. Registration is required.

2023 SCREENSHOT: Asia film festival includes selections from China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, from October 4 - 8.

The 2023 SCREENSHOT: Asia film festival will run from October 4 through 8 and will include movies from China, Japan, Korean, and Taiwan in its lineup. 

• Coo Coo 043 ( 一家子兒咕咕叫 / Taiwan) - October 8, 3:30 pm, Frick Fine Arts Building
• Hail to Hell (지옥만세 / Korea) - October 6, 6:00 pm, Harris Theater
• In My Mother's Skin (Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan) - October 5, 8:00 pm, Harris Theater
• Plan 75 (Japan) - October 7, 5:30 pm, Harris Theater (includes Director Q&A)
• Return to Dust (隐入尘烟 / China) - TBD
• Tiger Stripes (Malaysia) - October 8, 7:00 pm, Alumni Hall Room 323 (includes Director Q&A)

The movies will play at the Harris Theater in downtown's Cultural District and in spots around the University of Pittsburgh campus. 

1995 film Ghost in the Shell (攻殻機動隊) in Pittsburgh as next installment of Satoshi Kon Fest, November 8 - 12.

The 1995 Japanese film Ghost in the Shell (攻殻機動隊) will play in Pittsburgh November 8 - 12 as the next installment of a Satoshi Kon Fest playing nationally.

Anime Expo Cinema Nights invites you to return to the visually stunning and poignant classic GHOST IN THE SHELL. 2029: A female cybernetic government agent, Major Motoko Kusanagi, and the Internal Bureau of Investigations are hot on the trail of "The Puppet Master," a mysterious and threatening computer virus capable of infiltrating human hosts. Together with her fellow agents from Section 9, Kusanagi embarks on a high-tech race against time to capture the omnipresent entity. Director Mamoru Oshii's award-winning cyber-tech thriller, based on the comic book by Shirow Masamune, is lauded as one of the leading Japanese animation films of all time.

The first installment, Perfect Blue, plays locally September 6 - 10. Ghost in the Shell will play at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

2013 movie Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods in Pittsburgh on October 17 and 18 for 10th anniversary.

The 2013 movie Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods will play in Pittsburgh on October 17 and 18 for its 10th anniversary.

Following the events from the "Dragon Ball Z" television series, after the defeat of Majin Buu, a new power awakens and threatens humanity. Beerus, an ancient and powerful God of Destruction, searches for Goku after hearing rumors of the Saiyan warrior who defeated Frieza. Realizing the threat Beerus poses to their home planet, the Z-fighters must find a way to stop him. Only Goku, humanity's last hope, can ascend to the level of a legendary Super Saiyan God and stop Beerus from destroying Earth, and possibly the entire universe! Fans of Dragon Ball Z, one of the most successful anime brands of all time, will be delighted to know that Battle of Gods is an original work from the Dragon Ball creator himself, Akira Toriyama. Added value includes exclusive bonus content from the Dragon Ball Z team.

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, in Monaca, Monroeville, North Hills, and Robinson, and tickets are available online. Please note, the movie is dubbed in English.

1997 Japanese animated film Perfect Blue (パーフェクトブルー) in Pittsburgh, September 6, 7, and 10.

The 1997 Satoshi Kon film Perfect Blue (パーフェクトブルー) will play in Pittsburgh-area theaters from September 6, part of a nationawide presentation by AX Cinema Nights to mark the movie's 25th anniversary and a "Satoshi Kon Fest" that will bring additional Kon films here in the fall and spring.

Anime Expo Cinema Nights invites you to revisit PERFECT BLUE, the groundbreaking and rarely screened first film from the legendary director Satoshi Kon (Paprika, Paranoia Agent), as it returns to theatres for its 25th anniversary. Rising pop star Mima has quit singing to pursue a career as an actress and model, but her fans aren't ready to see her go... Harboring feelings of guilt and haunted by visions of her former self, Mima's reality and fantasy meld into a frenzied paranoia. As her stalker closes in, in person and online, the threat he poses is more real than even Mima knows, in this iconic psychological thriller that has frequently been hailed as one of the most important animated films of all time.

It will play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theater in Robinson, and tickets are available online. The screenings on September 6 and 10 are in Japanese with English subtitles, while the screenings on September 7 are dubbed in English.

Japanese kawaii metal band BABYMETAL in Pittsburgh, September 8.

The Japanese kawaii metal band BABYMETAL will perform in the Pittsburgh area on September 8. They'll play the UPMC Events Center on the Robert Morris University campus in Moon Township (map) with DETHKLOK and tickets for the 7:00 pm show are available online.

New date, again: Korea-based travelling music family TENGGER in Pittsburgh, October 4.

The three-piece travelling music family band Tengger will play in Pittsburgh on October 4 as part of their North American tour (a change from a previously-announced date of October 3). Their official site describes their sound thus:

텐거/天郷
TENGGER is a traveling musical family, made up of Pan-Asian couple, itta and Marqido, who create their brand of psychedelic New-Age drone magic through the use of harmonium, voice, and toy instruments (played by itta) and analogue synths (played by Marqido). The duo originally started out with the moniker “10” but since the birth of their son RAAI (who joins them on tour and often on stage) in 2012, have called themselves TENGGER (meaning ‘unlimited expanse of sky’ in Mongolian) to mark the expansion of the family. It also means ‘huge sea’ in Hungarian. Travel, as spiritual experience in real environments, and the sound between the space and the audience have been central themes of their works. The family’s yearly pilgrimages inform every aspect of their art.

They will play at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh in Shadyside (map), from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.

Japanese metal band HANABIE。at Preserving Underground in New Kensington, September 23.

The Japanese metal band HANABIE。will play in the Pittsburgh area, at Preserving Underground in New Kensington, on September 23. Their Reddit fanpage provides an introduction:

Loud rock band HANABIE。formed at their school light music club in June 2015. Centering in Kichijōji, Tokyo, they started performing live around areas such as Shinjuku and Tachikawa.

The sound of Hanabie features the sound mixture of metalcore, hardcore, Hip-Hop, and J-POP. Their 1st album, "Girls Manifest" was released in 2020. With this album, they have established their own genre "HARAJUKUCORE"

Their live performances have a speed and power that exceeds expectations and captivates their audience. Yukina's powerful screaming/growling vocals never leave anyone without being amazed, along with this excellent melodic lines given by the clean voice of Matsuri, this is a complete basis for an amazing metalcore band but as for them it isn't enough they add different layers of voices between rap lines. If vocally they are great, in the instrumental part they're not left behind, aggressive, heavy, and dynamic. Certainly to define this band you need at least two words: dynamic and powerful.

The all ages show starts at 7 pm, and tickets are available online. Preserving Underground is located at 1101 5th Ave., roughly 20 miles northeast of Pittsburgh (map).

University of Pittsburgh library orientations in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, September 5 and 6.

The University of Pittsburgh Library System will hold orientation sessions for international students and visiting scholars in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. The Chinese and Japanese sessions will be held on September 5, and the Korean session on September 6. Registration is required and can be completed online.

Would you like to know...

A librarian who speaks your native language?
The difference between academic libraries in the U.S. and libraries in your home country?
The many wonderful services that the library offers to help your area of study and research at Pitt?
If so, please attend our library orientation sessions.

15 Asian restaurants and eateries coming soon, or even not quite so soon, to Pittsburgh.

via @kpotbbqandhotpot

Pittsburgh has a ton of Asian restaurants and eateries in the works, from national Korean bakery chains and quick service Vietnamese restaurants to several hot pot and Korean BBQ places. There are event two Asian food courts in the works that may be open by year's end. What is interesting about this recent rush is the number of chains that are finally noticing Pittsburgh. National and international chains have tended to avoid Pittsburgh, until 朝茶 TSAOCAA opened in 2020 and New York-based Chinese fast food chain 98K Hamburger moved in next door in 2021. While some people may be turned off by chains, fearing , on the contrary I think their arrival is evidence of how much Pittsburgh's food scene has grown. Hell, it wasn't that long ago the only ramen place around was in Morgantown.

Here's a recap of 15 Asian restaurants and eateries coming to Pittsburgh in the near, or the not-so-near, future.