New restorations of five Akira Kurosawa films to play at Harris Theater from July through September, starting with 1949's Stray Dog (野良犬) July 24-26.

Five Akira Kurosawa films are scheduled to play at Harris Theater from July through September as part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's International Art House Classics series, starting with 1949's Stray Dog (野良犬) July 24 through 26. A synopsis of the first film:

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.

BTS ARMY: Forever We Are Young in Pittsburgh-area theaters, from July 30.

The 2025 documentary BTS ARMY: Forever We Are Young, following fans of Korean group BTS, will play in the Pittsburgh area from July 30.

From Seoul to Los Angeles, Texas to Mexico City, BTS ARMY is everywhere. FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG dives into the passionate fandom that catapulted 21st century pop icons BTS into a global household name. We meet fans at a BTS-focused ReactorCon in Lewisville, Texas, a dance instructor in Seoul who only teaches BTS choreography, and fans who’ve been organizing since 2013 to help BTS dominate the charts. Defying stereotypes of pop fans as screaming teen girls, ARMY is an intergenerational, culturally savvy, and socially active movement that is as diverse as the world itself. The film captures the powerful spirit of activism and collectivity that make ARMY a symbol of hope and unity in our ever-fractured world.

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the Cinemark theaers in McCandless and Monaca and tickets are available online.

Shady Side Academy hiring Chinese teacher for eight-week period.

Shady Side Academy's Senior School is hiring a Chinese teacher to cover an eight-week maternity leave.

Shady Side Academy’s Senior School World Languages Department is seeking a temporary maternity leave Chinese teacher for the 2025 academic year for 8 weeks beginning on August 14, 2025. Responsibilities include teaching four sections of Chinese, from introductory through advanced level courses in accordance with the Department’s needs. Other duties, such as not limited to proctoring exams and participating in weekly full faculty meetings, may be assigned as needed by the Academy.

Qualifications

Fluency in oral and written Chinese and experience teaching Chinese is required. Native fluency is strongly preferred. A bachelor’s degree in Chinese, or another modern language of a native speaker, is required. Ideal candidates will have experience as a teacher, a demonstrated commitment to a high level of academic rigor, a growth mindset, cultural competency, a passion for working with and teaching adolescents, a flexible, proactive, and team-oriented approach, excellent written and oral communication skills, exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, an ability to multitask and prioritize workload, superior interpersonal skills, and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Smartboards, and/or other technology directly linked to working and teaching at Shady Side Academy.

Applications can be completed online. Shady Side Academy's Senior School campus is located at 423 Fox Chapel Rd. in Fox Chapel (map).

"Reading & Conversation: Katie Yee, "Maggie; Or a Man and Woman Walk into a Bar" w/Robert Yune," July 31 at White Whale Bookstore.

White Whale Bookstore will host "Reading & Conversation: Katie Yee, "Maggie; Or a Man and Woman Walk into a Bar" w/Robert Yune" on July 31.

Our staff at White Whale loves to celebrate debut authors! We are ecstatic to welcome Katie Yee to our store to celebrate the publication of her taut, wry, and glorious debut fiction novel about a woman who spins tragedy into comedy when her life falls apart: MAGGIE; OR A MAN AND A WOMAN WALK INTO A BAR. Katie will be joined in conveersation by writer, editor, and great friend of Whte Whale, Robert Yune.

A Chinese American woman spins tragedy into comedy when her life falls apart in a taut, wry debut novel that grapples with grief, motherhood, and myths—perfect for fans of Joan Is Okay and Crying in H Mart.

A man and a woman walk into a restaurant. The woman expects a lovely night filled with endless plates of samosas. Instead, she finds out her husband is having an affair with a woman named Maggie.

A short while after, her chest starts to ache. She walks into an examination room, where she finds out the pain in her breast isn’t just heartbreak—it’s cancer. She decides to call the tumor Maggie.

Unfolding in fragments over the course of the ensuing months, Maggie; Or, a Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar follows the narrator as she embarks on a journey of grief, healing, and reclamation. She starts talking to Maggie (the tumor), getting acquainted with her body’s new inhabitant. She overgenerously creates a “Guide to My Husband: A User’s Manual” for Maggie (the other woman), hoping to ease the process of discovering her ex-husband’s whims and quirks. She turns her children’s bedtime stories into retellings of Chinese folklore passed down by her own mother, in an attempt to make them fall in love with their shared culture—and to maybe save herself in the process.

In the style of Jenny Offill and the tradition of Nora Ephron’s hilarious and devastating writing on heartbreak and womanhood, Maggie is a master class in transforming personal tragedy into a form of defiant comedy.

As a Navy brat, ROBERT YUNE moved 11 times by the time he turned 18. After graduating from Pitt, he lived in Pittsburgh for the next 15 years. In the summer of 2012, he worked as a stand-in for George Takei and has appeared as an extra in commercials and movies such as Me and Earl and the Dying Girl and Fathers and Daughters. Yune’s fiction has been published in Green Mountains Review, The Kenyon Review, and Pleiades, among others. In 2009, he received a writing fellowship from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. In 2015, his debut novel Eighty Days of Sunlight was nominated for the International DUBLIN Literary Award. His debut story collection Impossible Children won the Mary McCarthy Prize and was published by Sarabande Books. Yune serves on the board of Autumn House Press and lives in West Virginia.  

KATIE YEE is a writer from Brooklyn. She has received fellowships from the Center for Fiction, the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, and Kundiman. Her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Review of Books, No Tokens, The Believer, the Washington Square Review, Triangle House, Epiphany, and Literary Hub. By day, she works at the Brooklyn Museum. By night, she writes, usually under the watch of her judgmental rescue dog, Ollie.

The event runs from 7:00 to 8:00 pm and takes place in-person at the bookstore and online through a livestream.  Registration for either can be completed online and the book is available for pre-order through White Whale Bookstore as well. The bookstore is located at 4754 Liberty Ave. in Bloomfield (map).

Recruiting Chinese immigrant women for research study with OBGYN fellow at UPMC Magee Women's Hospital.

The next phase of the research participation opportunity shared in April, with Dr. Luna Zhang of UPMC, is now underway.

Fresh Garden Kitchen coming soon to Squirrel Hill.

Signage has recently gone up for Fresh Garden Kitchen, a new Chinese restaurant coming soon to Squirrel Hill. It will be located at at 2209 Murray Ave, the home of the popular Ka Mei from 2006 to 2020. Since Ka Mei's closure, a number of restaurants have occupied the spot, including Teppan BBQ in 2020, a joint Teppan BBQ - Mr. Egg's Kitchen, I Bowl in 2024, and K L Asian Cuisine briefly in 2025.

Chow's Kitchen (周家小馆) now open in Squirrel Hill.

Chow's Kitchen (周家小馆) is now open in Squrirrel Hill. Temporary signage went up earlier this month at 5825 Forbes Ave. (map) in what was most recently Dagu Rice Noodle and, previously, The Magic Noodle and Sun Penang. The business paperwork is connected to the ownership team of Everyday Noodles on the same block. The flyer on the door directs people to the restaurant's website, but currently I am unable to load it on a computer; it does seem to open on mobile, though. A menu has been uploaded to Yelp.

2024 Japanese movie Hotspring Sharkattack (温泉シャーク) in Pittsburgh, July 9.

The 2024 Japanese movie Hotspring Sharkattack (温泉シャーク) will play in Pittsburgh-area theaters on July 9.

This “unhinged” deep-sea nightmare follows a sleepy hot spring town in Japan that gets a rude awakening when an ancient, bloodthirsty shark resurfaces to terrorize the local bathhouses. The townspeople must band together to save their steamy paradise, leading to a battle for the ages.

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Win-Win Kung Fu in Squirrel Hill offering six-week summer camp for kids' martial arts, fitness, culture, and language training; $30 discount extended through June 30.

Win-Win Kung Fu Culture Center's annual summer camp returns for six weeks of programming in July, and the school has extended its $30-per-week discount for registrants through May 31.

 Camp Schedule:

• Week 1: July 7 – 11
• Week 2: July 14 – 18
• Week 3: July 21 – 25
• Week 4: July 28 – August 1
• Week 5: August 4 – 8
• Week 6: August 11 – 15

 Location: Squirrel Hill Studio – 2705-2707 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
 Time: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (optional extended care until 5:30 PM)
 Ages: 5 – 15 years

 What to Expect

 Learn Kung Fu/Wushu/Tai Chi from champion masters
 Train in martial arts fundamentals
 Boost focus, fitness, and confidence with intensive training
 Dive into Mandarin language, Chinese culture, games, and movies
 Have fun in a supportive and engaging environment

 Tuition & Registration

• $240 per 5-day week (Save $30 when you register by June 30!)
• 10% discount for siblings
• New students: One-time $90 registration fee (includes a pair of training shoes, T-shirt, and training pants)
• Free registration for current Win-Win students
• Only 25 spots per week – First Come, First Serve!

 How to Register
 Current Win-Win students: Complete the selection form and submit a 20% tuition deposit.
 New students: Fill out the registration form, sign the waiver, complete the selection form, and submit a 20% tuition deposit along with the $90 registration fee.

Seats fill up fast, so don’t miss out on a summer of fun and learning!

For questions or to register, call (412) 336-8898 or email masters [at] winwinkungfu.com.

The studio is located at 2705 Murray Ave., on the ground floor of the Morrowfield building in Squirrel Hill South (map). 

Homestay hosts needed for visiting Yasuda Women's University students this fall and winter.

Students preparing to leave for Pittsburgh in 2018, via Yasuda Women's University.

The Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania newsletter shares word that homestay hosts are again needed for a cohort of visiting Yasuda Women's University students this fall and winter.

Female students (ages 19-20) from Japan will be studying at the University of Pittsburgh this fall (September 5, 2025- January 8, 2026), and Global Pittsburgh is looking for host families. Hosts are asked to provide breakfast, lunch and dinner to the students and will be compensated with $855 per month. If you are interested, please contact nkessler@globalpittsburgh.org

Yasuda Women's University (安田女子大学) is located in Hiroshima, and has been sending groups of students to Pittsburgh since 2016 to study at Pitt's English Language Institute.

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, so far, at the Cinemark theaters in McCandless and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

1973 movie Enter the Dragon at Rangos Giant Cinema, June 20.

The 1973 movie Enter the Dragon, starring Bruce Lee, will play at the Rangos Giant Cinema on June 20 as part of its June Action-Packed Series.

“Enter the Dragon” is often hailed as one of the most influential action films of all time, along with being credited for majorly contributing to the global mainstream popularity of martial arts films long after its release in 1973. Legendary martial arts master Bruce Lee seeks revenge for the death of his sister at the hands of a dangerous narcotics dealer by entering a kung fu competition with his partners, Roper and William. Come see Bruce Lee’s martial artistry on a screen that’s bigger than life at The Rangos Giant Cinema on Fri., June 20, at 7 p.m.

Tickets are available onlline, $10 for Carnegie Science Center members and $12 for non-members. The Carnegie Science Center is located at 1 Allegheny Ave. on the North Shore (map).

2010 film The Secret World of Arrietty (借りぐらしのアリエッティ) in Pittsburgh, June 22 - 24.

The 2010 film The Secret World of Arrietty (借りぐらしのアリエッティ) will play in Pittsburgh June 22 through 24, the next installment of Studio Ghibli Fest 2025.

In a secret world hidden beneath the floorboards, little people called Borrowers live out of sight of humans. When brave Borrower Arrietty is out gathering supplies, she is discovered by Sho, a human boy. The two form a strong bond, but Sho carries a heavy burden that threatens to cut their time together short. The Secret World of Arrietty serves as Academy Award® nominee Hiromasa Yonebayashi’s directorial debut with the legendary Studio Ghibli. Brimming with warmth and empathy, The Secret World of Arrietty stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Studio Ghibli’s greatest works.

It plays locally at many area theaters, including: the Cinemarks in Monroeville, North Hills, and Robinson; the Waterworks Cinema, and Chartiers Valley. Tickets are available online.

Shai FM, Lexcd, DJ Furniture Present: Reconstructed, July 17 at Carnegie Museum of Art.

Shai FM, Lexcd, DJ Furniture Present: Reconstructed on July 17 at the Carnegie Museum of Art, part of the museum's summer Inside Out series.

An evening of playful experimentation in dance music, featuring three artists working to build meaning in the post-genre labyrinths of modern dance music. They will explore bridges between techno, bass music, club music, and unclassifiable sound.

Eats and drinks: Hibachi Lou and Café Carnegie Treats

The event starts at 5:00 pm and is free in the Sculpture Court, though museum admission is not included. The Carnegie Museum of Art is located at 4400 Forbes Ave. in Oakland (map), accessible by a number of city buses.

Free beginner-level Chinese classes at Carnegie Library in East Liberty, Saturdays from June 21.

via Khun Hans Photography (Creative Commons)


The Carnegie Library branch in East Liberty will start a free "We Learn: Beginner-Level Chinese Language" class on Saturdays from June 21.

Welcome to the Chinese language learning circle! This is a beginner-level class, so you do not need to have any prior experience with the language. The focus will be on basic spoken Mandarin, but we might also learn some things about the writing system if there is enough interest.

Course materials we'll use

Course materials will be provided by Mango Languages, which is available for free through the library. We will also add other materials according to the learners' interests.

Registration is required. Classes are held from 3:00 to 4:00 pm in Meeting Room 2 over eight weeks, and the library is located at 130 S. Whitfield St. (map).

Powerful Youth (POW) concert in Pittsburgh, and concerts all throughout North America, cancelled due to visa process and unforeseen complications.

Due to visa and travel complications stemming from Donald Trump's government, promotors have cancelled Powerful Youth's US tour this summer, which included a stop in Pittsburgh on August 20. A post on social media today: 

To all fans and supporters,

We are heartbroken to announce that the upcoming POW tour set to take place this summer 2025 will no longer be moving forward.

Due to unforeseen complications & delays in the visa process, the POW tour must be canceled. We are very disappointed and will work hard to reschedule once the issue has been resolved. 

Countless hours of planning and excitement have gone into making this tour a reality. We know fans across North America were really looking forward to seeing POW perform live for the first time.

We're honored to have helped bring this tour to life, and it's devastating to see it be put on hold. 

Please know the decision to cancel this tour was not taken lightly. Every possible route has been explored with hopes of saving the tour, but ultimately the timing and circumstances made it impossible.

All tickets purchased will be fully refunded.

We remain committed to working with the POW team to bring them to North America in the future once all travel matters are resolved.

We appreciate your understanding, your support, and we look forward to sharing better news in the future.

DAN DA DAN: Evil Eye continues in Pittsburgh area through at least June 19.

The Japanese animated movie DAN DA DAN: Evil Eye, which opened in Pittsburgh on June 6, will remain here through (at least) June 19.

In celebration of the return of DAN DA DAN, the theatrical premiere, releasing as DAN DA DAN: EVIL EYE, kicks off the thrillingly eerie EVIL EYE arc, which began in the last episode of the first season. The DAN DA DAN: EVIL EYE theatrical event screens last season’s start of the EVIL EYE arc, along with the first three episodes of the new second season, in addition to an exclusive interview with series co-directors Fuga Yamashiro and Abel Gongora. DAN DA DAN follows Momo, a high school girl from a family of spirit mediums, and her classmate Okarun, an occult geek. In this new arc, Momo and Okarun set out on their latest adventure, traveling to a hot springs town home rented by Jiji, Momo’s childhood friend and former crush, with the goal to solve the mystery surrounding his family. When they arrive, strange locals derail their investigation before it can begin, and the group soon learns there’s more lurking under the surface of the town than they could possibly have imagined.

It is scheduled to play locally at the Cinemark theater in Robinson, the AMC Classic South Hills Village 10, the AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, and tickets are available online.

Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar in Cranberry eyes late-June soft-opening, early-July grand opening.

Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar, coming soon to the Cranberry Mall spot formerly occupied by Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing (map), is aiming for a late-June soft opening, with a grand opening tentatively scheduled for the first week of July. 

Numerous all-you-can-eat Korean-style BBQ places were announced for the Pittsburgh area in 2023 and 2024, and after a series of delays, several have started to open this month, including Top Pot Hotpot in Southside Works and Shabu Shabu Hotpot & Grill in Robinson.

Dancing Crab Thai opens East Liberty location.

Dancing Crab has recently opened an East Liberty location to go along with its Dormont restaurant and its Dancing Crab Noodlehouse on the Southside.

Authentic Thai cuisine features a complex interplay of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, often incorporating fresh herbs and spices.

It is located at 6018 Broad St. in what was formerly The Bridge (map). A menu is available online.

Enson Market, previously known as Fresh International Market, and Ineffable Cà Phe soft opening today, June 7.

Enson Market and Ineffable Cà Phê will soft open in Point Breeze's Rockwell Park today, June 7. Previously going by its parent company name Fresh International Market, Enson Market "will bring fresh groceries, prepared foods, and Asian-inspired dishes to the heart of Point Breeze North," according to the latest press release.

Located inside the historic Apollo building at 7511 Thomas Blvd, the 40,000 square foot space has been fully restored and reimagined as a modern grocery and café destination. It’s a big moment for the neighborhood—and for anyone looking for quality ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, and something a little different for dinner.

. . .

Enson Market will offer a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, along with everyday grocery items and unique international finds. You’ll find snacks, sauces, and prepared foods that introduce new flavors, while still being able to shop for your regular weekly staples—all in one place.

With a fresh bakery, hot food counter, and grab-and-go meals like sushi and spring rolls, the store is set up for convenience, discovery, and everyday use.‍

Just beyond the grocery aisles, Ineffable Cà Phê adds another layer to the experience. Known for its original Lawrenceville location, the café will serve Vietnamese coffee, bánh mì, phở, rice bowls, and weekend brunch. It’s a place to grab breakfast, meet a friend, or wind down with a beer or glass of wine.

The release did not give an explanation for the new name, which had been used in recent weeks on job advertisements for the store. The Pittsburgh branch of this US-based chain of Asian grocery stores was first announced for Pittsburgh in March 2023 with a Summer 2024 target, and will be among the largest Asian groceries in the region. It had previously announced openings for February, April, May, and June 6. It will be located at 7511 Thomas Blvd. (map), and the cafe will be open today 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (the grocery store did not provide its hours).