Free Korean Learning Circle classes for beginners and intermediates continue at Carnegie Library in Oakland in July and August.

via the Republic of Korea's Flickr page.

The Carnegie Library Main Branch in Oakland will continue to host "We Learn: Beginner Korean Learning Circle" and "We Learn: Intermediate Korean Learning Circle" most Saturdays in July and August, though the intermediate class is closed to new registrants.

The beginners' class runs every Saturday from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.

In this beginner-level class, we will use the textbook published by the Korean government for foreigners who learn Korean as a secondary language. We will start from writing/reading Korean characters, ‘Hangul’, and learn how to organize sentence structures. Register for the event here.

And the intermediate class runs every Saturday from 11:00 to 12:00 pm.

In this intermediate-level class, we will cover the textbook published by the Korean government for foreigners who learn Korean as a secondary language. We will cover basic Korean grammar and vocabulary, and practice how to speak and write using what we’ve covered in each lecture.

Registration is required for the intermediate class as well, though it is not currently accepting new registrants.

The library is located at 4400 Forbes Ave. (map) and is accessible by buses 28X, 54, 61C, 61D, 67, 69, 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 93.

Japanese animated films Belle (竜とそばかすの姫), Paprika (パプリカ), The Deer King (鹿の王), Panda! Go Panda! (パンダ・コパンダ) at Row House Cinema, from July 15.

The Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville will present a collection of Japanese animated films from July 15 as part of a Fantastical Anime film series. Belle (竜とそばかすの姫), Paprika (パプリカ), and The Deer King (鹿の王) will play from July 15 through 21, while 1973's Panda! Go Panda! (パンダ・コパンダ) will play on the 21st only. Tickets are now available online.

The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler Street in Lawrenceville (map).

Japanese-English Social Hour, July 15 at Pitt.

"Tokyo," by Marc Veraart.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will host a "Japanese-English Social Hour" on July 15.

Language social hour for Japanese and English language learners. To RSVP, please email Samantha at sas715@pitt.edu

The in-person event starts at 4:00 pm at the Posvar Patio, and is open to the Pitt community, though RSVP is required.

HCL Technologies hiring Bilingual Japanese Identity Analyst - Google Pittsburgh for position onsite at Google in Larimer.

HCL Technologies is hiring a Bilingual Japanese Product Identity Analyst - Google Pittsburgh for a position onsite at the Pittsburgh Google offices in Larimer.  From the Indeed.com posting:

Bilingual Japanese Product Identity Analyst is a full-time job through HCL America, Inc., for Google Pittsburgh.

This position requires performing in-depth research, analyzing product specification data, using highly technical internal tools and processes to manage and enhance a large repository of knowledge about products. It is part of a fast-paced environment, partnering closely with operations and engineering teams.

Food delivery service Hungry Panda hiring Mandarin-speaking Marketing Specialist for Pittsburgh area.

Hungry Panda is again hiring a Mandarin-speaking Business Development Specialist for the Pittsburgh area. As PennsylvAsia noted in Summer 2020, more Chinese delivery options, like Fantuan and Chowbus, have made their way to Pittsburgh.

Main Objective: Activate new users and increase orders for existing customers, promote online and outdoor market campaigns to increase the branding visibility, conduct customer surveys to increase customer satisfaction, Responsible for new users acquisition, customer retention and satisfaction, daily sales volume and revenue.

• Utilize social media to attract new customers and increase engagement with existing customers
• Work closely with the design and content teams to build effective marketing strategy
• Conduct market research, design campaign cooperation with KOLs and related companies
• Responsible for the planning and execution of local market campaigns to increase daily average users
• Collect and analyze operational and marketing data collected from previous marketing campaigns, and adjust marketing strategies

2021 Japanese film The Deer King (鹿の王) in Pittsburgh, July 13 and 14.

The 2021 Japanese film The Deer King (鹿の王) will play in Pittsburgh on July 13 and 14. A synopsis from the distributor:

In the aftermath of a brutal war, former soldier Van toils in a mine controlled by the ruling empire. One day, his solitary existence is upended when a pack of wild dogs carrying a deadly and incurable disease attack, leaving only Van and a young girl named Yuna as survivors. Finally free, the pair seek out a simple existence in the countryside but are pursued by nefarious forces. Intent on protecting Yuna at all costs, Van must uncover the true cause of the plague ravaging the kingdom—and its possible cure.

The Deer King is a sweeping fantasy epic that marks the directing debut of Masashi Ando, whose work on such landmark films as Spirited Away, Paprika, and Your Name. helped shape the world of modern animation.

It is scheduled to play on the 13th in Japanese with English subtitles at the AMC Loews Waterfront, the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson, and the Luxury Phoenix 14 in Chartiers Valley; on the 14th it will be dubbed in English and play at the Waterfront and in Chartiers Valley. Tickets are available online . .

芋见BAO to take over Lulu's Noodles spot in Oakland.

芋见BAO will move into the Lulu's Noodles spot in Oakland after the latter's owner sold the restaurant. 芋见BAO, opened at its current location at 114 Atwood St. in early 2021 and offers a menu of dim sum, noodle dishes, bubble tea, and more. A Pittsburgh City-Paper review last September wrote:

Dim sum are small dishes that originated in Guangzhou in southern China. The phrase typically calls to mind dumplings, buns, starchy or glutinous cakes, and light desserts, and 芋见BAO’s dim sum menu covers all of these. To try as wide a variety as possible, I ordered with my partner and we shared the dim sum dishes, which came with enough pieces for us to enjoy at least one or two of everything.

The name of the restaurant refers to 芋, or taro, a tropical root vegetable common in African, South Asian, and Oceanic cuisines. While 芋见 translates directly to “seeing taro,” it’s also a homophone for “meet” or “come across,” creating a secondary phrase “come across bao,” or “come across steamed buns.”

Living up to its name, 芋见BAO has several bao options, including Pork Buns 肉包, Vegetable Buns 菜包, and Pork and Dry Bamboo Buns 笋干肉包. Each comes with six buns and has the option between steamed or pan fried preparation. I opted for steamed Pork Buns 肉包, and the pillowy dough and subtle sweetness combined with a more robust savory flavor in the meat filling was an excellent start to the meal.

There is no timetable yet for Bao's opening. The Lulu's Noodles spot is located at 400 S. Craig St. (map).

Japanese guitarist Miyavi returns to Pittsburgh, October 15.

Japanese guitarist Miyavi will perform in Pittsburgh on October 15, part of his 20th anniversary North American tour.

MIYAVI is a musician, actor, and philanthropist, bridging cultures across the globe with his music and message. His unique style of guitar playing has taken him on 8 world tours in over 30 countries. Fans refer to MIYAVI as the “Samurai Guitarist.” He has released 13 studio albums.

In December 2018, MIYAVI released the groundbreaking collaborations album Samurai Sessions Vol. 3: Worlds Collide on Universal Music Group. The stellar list of U.S.-based collaborators included Oscar-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson, Grammy nominated R&B artist Gallant, Grammy nominated Pop artist Mikky Ekko, Grammy winning producer RAC, Malaysian born R&B songstress Yuna, South Central LA rapper DUCKWRTH, “Hood EDM” rapper Bok Nero, “laptop punk” artist NVDES, and Australian born Pop artist Betty Who.

MIYAVI returned to his releasing solo albums with 2019’s NO SLEEP TILL TOKYO kicked off by a concert at Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium followed by the 2020 release of Holy Nights. On September 15, 2021 MIYAVI released his latest album Imaginary with features from KPOP star Kang Daniel and Grammy winning pop artist Kimbra.

The concert takes place at the Thunderbird Cafe, and tickets for the 18+ show are available online. Miyavi last performed in Pittsburgh, at the Thunderbird Cafe, in October 2021. The Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall is located at 4023 Butler St. in Lawrenceville (map).

2020 Japanese film True Mothers (朝が来る) free at Northland Public Library, July 20.

Northland Public Library will present the 2020 Japanese film True Mothers (朝が来る) as part of its next Movie Matinee.

After a long and unsuccessful time to get pregnant, a young couple decide to adopt. Six years after a young woman claims that she is the biological mother and wants him back. A deeply touching and compassionate celebration of two mothers.

So come join us. No registration required.

It runs from 1:30 to 3:30 pm and is free and open to the public. The library is located off of McKnight Road and Rt. 19 in McCandless Township (map).

Pitt (still) hiring Assistant Instructor in Korean Studies.

The University of Pittsburgh's Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures is still hiring an Assistant Instructor in Korean Studies.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures seeks an Assistant Instructor in Korean Studies to teach/instruct graduate and undergraduate courses. Will also be responsible for: (i) preparing for and teaching all levels of Korean classes as required, (ii) training and observing less experienced instructors, (iii) coordinating teaching and work with the Korean coordinator and other instructors, (iv) evaluating student performances and assign grades, (v) meeting with students as needed to advise study progress, (vi) assessing program performance, (vii) holding office hours, (viii) participating in department service and professional development.

Must have a master’s degree (or foreign equivalent degree) in Korean Languages or a related field plus one (1) year of experience teaching Korean at the college level in a North American institution of higher learning.

Must also have any experience with or knowledge of: (i) Korean and foreign language pedagogy in American higher education setting; (ii) linguistic knowledge of the Korean language; (iii) pedagogical technology; (iv) excellence in teaching as measured through student evaluations; (v) research in the field of Korean as a foreign language; (vi) teaching courses related to the Korean language (e.g., hanja); and (vii) coordination and administrative.

Must also be fluent in Korean (speaking, reading, and writing).

Experience can be concurrent.

Pitt hiring professor with focus on East Asian media studies.

The University of Pittsburgh is hiring an appointment-stream (non-tenure track) professor focused loosely on East Asian media studies for a position shared among the School of Computing and Information, the Department of Communication, and the Department of East Asian Languages & Literatures.

The School of Computing and Information and the Dietrich School of Arts and Science at the University of Pittsburgh invite applications for a joint Teaching Assistant Professor position, pending budgetary approval. This is a full-time, appointment stream position. The initial appointment is for three years and will begin on September 1, 2022. The course load is six courses per year, divided among the School of Computing and Information (3 courses), the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures (1 course), and the Department of Communication (2 courses).

The ideal candidate will address the curricular needs in an interdisciplinary area of media studies in East Asia, including issues such as privacy, social, political, and ethical implications of data in today’s society, media and consumer culture, data privacy, and data-oriented courses that may use quantitative methodology.

Asian Lantern Festival returns to Pittsburgh Zoo, August 12 - October 30; tickets available from July 1 for members.

The Pittsburgh Zoo will host the second annual Asian Lantern Festival from August 12 through October 30.

Something big is roaring back to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium this fall: the Asian Lantern Festival will return with an all-new display!

Explore the Zoo at night among more than 50 glowing, larger-than-life handcrafted sculptures, featuring extinct and endangered animals. Learn about Asian culture and enjoy themed food and entertainment.

You won’t want to miss the all-new Asian Lantern Festival, select nights Friday, August 12 – Sunday, October 30.

Tickets for members are available July 1.

Japanese animated films Belle (竜とそばかすの姫), Paprika (パプリカ), The Deer King (鹿の王), Panda! Go Panda! (パンダ・コパンダ) at Row House Cinema, from July 15.

The Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville will present a collection of Japanese animated films from July 15 as part of an Anime film series. Belle (竜とそばかすの姫), Paprika (パプリカ), and The Deer King (鹿の王) will play from July 15 through 21, while 1973's Panda! Go Panda! (パンダ・コパンダ) will play on the 21st only. Tickets are now available online.

The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler Street in Lawrenceville (map).

2016 Japanese film One Piece Film: Gold (ワンピースフィルムゴールド) in Pittsburgh, July 24 and 26.

The 2016 Japanese film One Piece Film: Gold (ワンピースフィルムゴールド) will play in Pittsburgh on July 24 and 26. A synopsis from the distributor:

The glittering Gran Tesoro, a city of entertainment beyond the laws of the government, is a sanctuary for the world’s most infamous pirates, Marines, and filthy rich millionaires. Drawn by dreams of hitting the jackpot, Captain Luffy and his crew sail straight for the gold. But behind the gilded curtains lies a powerful king whose deep pockets and deeper ambitions spell disaster for the Straw Hats and the New World alike.

It plays locally at the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville, North Hills, and Robinson, and tickets are available online. The July 24 shows are dubbed in English while the July 26 shows are in Japanese with English subtitles.

2022 Japanese animated film Fruits Basket: Prelude (フルーツバスケット－prelude－) in Pittsburgh, June 25, 28, 29.

The 2022 Japanese animated film Fruits Basket: Prelude (フルーツバスケット－prelude－) will play in Pittsburgh on June 25, 28, and 29. A synopsis, from the distributor:

Before there was Tohru and Kyo – there was Katsuya and Kyoko. Discover the turbulent beginning of Tohru’s mom’s dark past, and the man who breathed new hope into her. Watch the evolution of their love story and the birth of the Honda family, as this chapter completes the full adaptation of the heartwarming Fruits Basket story.

It will play locally at the Cinemark theater in the North Hills, and tickets are available online. The shows on the 25th and 29th are dubbed in English while the shows on the 28th are in Japanese with English subtitles.

2002 Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns (猫の恩返し) in Pittsburgh, June 26 and 27.

The 2002 Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns (猫の恩返し) will play in Pittsburgh on June 26 and 27 as part of this year's Studio Ghilbli Fest. A synopsis, from the distributor:

In this sequel to Whisper of the Heart, a quiet suburban schoolgirl, Haru, is pitched into a fantastical feline world and must find her inner strength to make her way back home. Walking with her friend after a dreary day at school, Haru eyes a cat with a small gift box in its mouth attempting to cross a busy street. The cat fumbles the package in the middle of the road as a truck is rapidly bearing down. Haru manages to scoop the cat away to safety. To her amazement, the cat then gets up on its hind legs, brushes itself off, and thanks her very politely.

Strange behavior indeed, but this is nothing compared to what happens later that evening when the King of Cats shows up in a feline motorcade replete with vassals, maidens, and even Secret Service cats. In a show of gratitude for saving his son’s life, the king cat showers Haru with gifts – including a large supply of individually wrapped live mice – and decrees that she shall marry the cat prince and come to live as a princess in the secret Kingdom of Cats.

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson, and tickets are available online. Please note, the June 26 show at 3:00 pm is dubbed in English, while 7:00 pm and June 27 shows are in Japanese with English subtitles.

Japanese films Macross Frontier: The False Songstress (劇場版 マクロスF 虚空歌姫 〜イツワリノウタヒメ〜) and Macross Frontier: The Wings of Farewell (劇場版 マクロスF 恋離飛翼 〜サヨナラノツバサ〜) in Pittsburgh, June 16 and 30 (respectively).

The Japanese animated films Macross Frontier: The False Songstress (劇場版 マクロスF 虚空歌姫 〜イツワリノウタヒメ〜) and Macross Frontier: The Wings of Farewell (劇場版 マクロスF 恋離飛翼 〜サヨナラノツバサ〜) will play in Pittsburgh on June 16 and June 30, respectively. A synopsis of 2009's The False Songstress:

It is the year 2059. Following the near destruction of the human race 50 years prior, humankind has embarked upon an interstellar emigration project. The Macross Frontier fleet is on its way towards the center of the galaxy when it encounters a hostile alien species known as the Vajra. A concert by touring popstar Sheryl Nome becomes ground zero of an attack where both flight school trainee Alto Saotome and aspiring singer Ranka Lee are caught up in the chaos. Shocked by the experience, Alto resolves to join a private military contractor, the Strategic Military Services (S.M.S.) to protect his friends and soon finds himself piloting the latest state-of-the-art variable fighter, the VF-25 Messiah. All the while, with both Alto and Sheryl’s encouragement, Ranka begins the rigorous pursuit of becoming an idol singer. As a budding love triangle starts to bloom between the three, suspicions are raised as to what the Vajra’s actual objective is and who is really behind the attacks. When Sheryl learns that her home, the Macross Galaxy fleet, has been attacked, she calls the S.M.S. into action and Macross Frontier becomes the stage for an epic showdown!

And 2011's The Wings of Farewell:

In the aftermath of the events of The False Songstress, Sheryl Nome remains aboard the Macross Frontier as her health begins to rapidly deteriorate. Meanwhile, Ranka Lee has become a singing sensation in her own right and prepares for her debut concert just as a joint military operation to hunt down the Vajra Queen gets underway. After losing his VF-25 variable fighter as a result of the skirmish, Alto Saotome is hospitalized and the two songstresses rush to his side. Just as their love triangle is about to reach its climax, the architects behind the Vajra attacks are uncovered and Sheryl finds herself behind bars, accused of treason. It’s now a race against time for Ranka and the Strategic Military Services (S.M.S.) to rescue their friend and stop the real conspirators controlling the Vajra, all while trying to protect their alien homeworld. The climactic finale of emotions, music and mecha action comes to a close as Alto must face one of the most important choices of his life.

They will play in Japanese with English subtitles at the AMC Loews Waterfront and Cinemark theater in Monroeville, and tickets for False Songstress and The Wings of Fairewell are available online.

1964 film Mothra vs. Godzilla (モスラ対ゴジラ) at Row House Cinema, June 9.

The 1964 Japanese film Mothra vs. Godzilla (モスラ対ゴジラ) will play at Row House Cinema on June 9.

Journalists Ichiro Sakai and Junko cover the wreckage of a typhoon when an enormous egg is found and claimed by greedy entrepreneurs. Mothra’s fairies arrive and are aided by the journalists in a plea for its return. As their requests are denied, Godzilla arises near Nagoya and the people of Infant Island must decide if they are willing to answer Japan’s own pleas for help.

The show is in Japanese with English subtitles, and tickets for the 7:25 pm show are available online. The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler Street in Lawrenceville (map).

Pittsburgh Pirates acquire Taiwanese baseball player Yu Chang (張育成).

The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Taiwanese baseball player Yu Chang (張育成) from the Cleveland Guardians today for cash considerations. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes of the infielder:

Chang, 26, was designated for assignment on Thursday. He has played parts of four years in Cleveland, hitting .208 with a .637 OPS in 131 games, with his best year coming in 2021.

Chang played 89 games that season and hit .228 with a .693 OPS, compiling 14 doubles, three triples, nine home runs, 39 RBIs and 32 runs scored.

. . .

He’s been worth 8 Outs Above Average, per Baseball Savant, and is capable of playing all four infield positions.

Assuming he plays for the Pirates he will be the second Taiwanese player in team history, after Wei-Chung Wang in 2019, though there have been numerous Taiwanese prospects in the minor league system over the last two decades.

Kpop Dance Workshops at Yanlai Dance Academy, July 31, August 7, 14, 21.

Yanlai Dance Academy will once again offer Kpop Dance Workshops, with this summer's sessions scheduled for July 31, August 7, 14, and 21.

Join us for an hour-long class where you will learn a popular K-pop dance! Or join us for all 8 classes!
Ages 10 and up. All dance levels welcome!
Drop-in $15. All 8 classes $100.
Specific song schedule will be released June 10.
Class 1: July 31 | 3:45-4:45pm | TBD
Class 2: July 31 | 4:45-5:45pm | TBD
Class 3: Aug 7 | 3:45-4:45pm | TBD
Class 4: Aug 7 | 4:45-5:45pm | TBD
Class 5: Aug 14 | 3:45-4:45pm | TBD
Class 6: Aug 14 | 4:45-5:45pm | TBD
Class 7: Aug 21 | 3:45-4:45pm | TBD
Class 8: Aug 21 | 4:45-5:45pm | TBD
Follow Yanlai Dance Academy on Facebook or Instagram for up-to-date-information

Yanlai Dance Academy is located at 2260 Babcock Boulevard in the North Hills (map).