1989 Japanese film Tetsuo: The Iron Man (鉄男 Tetsuo) at Row House Cinema, October 13 - 17.

The 1989 Japanese film Tetsuo: The Iron Man (鉄男 Tetsuo) will play at the Row House Cinema from October 13 - 17. A 1992 New York Times review shares the story:

Early in Shinya Tsukamoto's film "Tetsuo: The Iron Man," a character identified only as a metals fetishist (Mr. Tsukamoto) scours a junkyard, slices open his thigh and sticks a piece of scrap metal into the wound. Gasping in ecstatic agony, he lurches into the street where he is nearly run over by a car driven by a white-collar worker called the Salaryman (Tomoroh Taguchi).

While shaving the next morning, the Salaryman notices a metal spike growing in one cheek. It is the first sign of his gradual transformation from a human being into a walking metal scrapheap of rusty metal plates, dangling cables and a rotating metal drill that extends from his groin.

. . .

"Iron Man" makes little sense as a story, but it is driven by a perverse sense of humor. As the Salaryman's transformation proceeds, it becomes increasingly hard for him to differentiate between his waking state and nightmares in which he is attacked by machinery.

Tickets and showtime information is not yet available. The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler Street in Lawrenceville (map).

Poetry Reading : Takako Arai, September 18 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will host a poetry reading with Takako Arai on September 18.

Please join us for a poetry reading by Takako Arai at the Humanities Center (Cathedral of Learning Rm 602) on September 18 at 4pm. Ms. Arai will read a selection of her poems in Japanese and with English translation. She is in the U.S. as part of The University of Iowa’s prestigious creative writing residency, the International Writers Program. Arai is known for writing socially engaged poetry. She writes in particular about the lives of working women as they are affected by such forces as globalization, economic decline, and the 2011 triple disaster in northeastern Japan.

Takako Arai was born in 1966 in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture to a family engaged in textile manufacturing, a traditional industry in Kiryu.

The event starts at 4:00 pm in 602 Cathedral of Learning (map) and is free and open to the public.

Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival (匹茲堡龍舟節), October 5 at North Park.

The annual Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival (匹茲堡龍舟節) will take place on October 5 at North Park.

The Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival is not only a fun day at beautiful North Park Lake, it's an amazing opportunity for friends, family, and co-workers to form community teams for friendly competition in genuine dragon boats! The 40 ft canoes are a sight to behold on their own, let alone when they're being paddled in sync by 20 people! The races are an excellent team bonding experience! And it's all for a great cause! Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel a Dragon Boat Racing Team for BCS (Breast Cancer Survivors) uses all proceeds to promote awareness and the benefits of the sport of dragon boating racing for breast cancer survivors. If you, or someone you love, has been affected by the disease, this is an awesome way to "do something about it"! There are also cultural demonstrations, food and marketplace activities that are free to the public! Join us to race, or join us to watch, it's a great day! More information on how to sign up a team can be found at:
www.pghdragonboatfestival.org

The event starts at 8:30 am and runs until 3:00 pm, with cultural demonstrations running from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. It will be held at and around the Boathouse at North Park Lake in the North Hills (map) and is free and open to the public.

Science on the Screen: Akira at Row House Cinema, September 19.

Row House Cinema will host CMU's Molly Wright Steenson to accompany the September 19th screening of Akira (アキラ).

Akira’s future has finally become present day! The 1988 film predicts life in Tokyo in 2019. Join us for a discussion with Professor Molly Wright Steenson from Carnegie Mellon University, who will be exploring the potential of Akira’s science fictions becoming reality. Sit back and enjoy watching the film with all that you’ve learned in mind!

The evening begins at 9:15 pm and tickets are available online. Akira is one of four movies playing from September 13 through 19 as part of Row House Cinema's Anime Film Series. The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler Street in Lawrenceville (map).

Chinese calligraphy workshop downtown, October 12.

"Chinese calligrapher," by David Boté Estrada (Creative Commons).

The downtown branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host a Chinese calligraphy workshop on October 12.

A Chinese calligraphy expert will show us pictures of her home in China, give background on the art of calligraphy, and lead a Chinese calligraphy workshop for all ages! No registration is necessary for these sessions. Seating for all workshops is available to 20 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll want to come early to be sure you MAKE it on time.

The event runs from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. The Downtown & Business branch is located at 612 Smithfield St. (map).

Japanese/Chinese restaurant to replace China Palace in Shadyside.

Shadyside's China Palace closed in July after nearly 30 years in business, and handwritten signage went up to announce a Japanese / Chinese restaurant will fill the space at 5440 Walnut St. Below that sign, and slightly obscured by the fold, is another note that says both the China Palace and Mt. Everest cuisine will be available; Mt. Everest sushi is the name of a restaurant in Oakland.

"We Are Here: Asian Pacific Islander American Artists in Pittsburgh" part of Gallery Crawl in Cultural District, September 27.

by @pattytran.art

The exhibition "We Are Here: Asian Pacific Islander American Artists in Pittsburgh" at the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council is part of this month's Gallery Crawl through the Cultural District on September 27.

Although Asian Pacific Islander Americans (APIA) have been present in Pittsburgh since the 1870s and represent an ever-growing community in the city and in the country at-large, APIA’s continue to struggle for representation. This exhibition aims to provide visibility for this community: for the first time in Pittsburgh’s history, every exhibiting artist in "We Are Here" identifies as APIA. While some of these artists create work directly informed by their race, family backgrounds, and sociopolitical history, all possess an identity created in the context of omission and discrimination.

By giving a physical space for viewers to look at and engage with these artists’ work, we hope to set a precedent for the local art scene, educate the larger public, develop dialogue, and voice that "We Are Here," we have been here, and we will continue to create.

All art will be for sale. The event is free but online RSVP is required. It runs from 5:30 to 8:00 pm on the 12th in the GPAC Big Room on the 7th floor of 810 Penn Ave. (map).

"Sonic and Visual Trajectories: Taiwan's Pop Music in Chinese-Speaking Asia," September 26 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will host Marc Moskowitz and his talk "Sonic and Visual Trajectories: Taiwan's Pop Music in Chinese-Speaking Asia" on September 26.

Taiwan's popular music has shaped China's music and culture to a surprising degree. The roots of Taiwan's music industry can be found in the 1930s Jazz era in Shanghai. Sixty years later, Taiwan was the hub of the Chinese-language pop music industry--a sonic movement that shaped CHinese understandings of music, gender, and individuality in the contemporary age. Today, music videos and mash-ups that are posted to YouTube (and its Chinese counterparts Youku and Tudou) demonstrate cultural proximity between China and Taiwan that reveals both shared cultural understandings and ongoing regional tensions that arise out of their distinctive pasts.

The talk starts at 5:00 pm in 144 Cathedral of Learning and is free and open to the public.

2017 Japanese zombie comedy film One Cut of the Dead カメラを止めるな!) back in Pittsburgh, October 18 - 23.

The 2017 Japanese zombie comedy film One Cut of the Dead (カメラを止めるな!), which first came to Pittsburgh in January and was part of the last Japanese Film Festival, will play in McKees Rocks from October 18 through 23. A 2018 Variety review says:

Viewers get three films for the price of one in “One Cut for the Dead,” a terrific Japanese horror-comedy that proves there’s somewhere the zombie apocalypse movie hasn’t yet gone. Writer-director-editor Shinichiro Ueda’s cleverly conceived and executed debut feature opens with an unbroken 37-minute shot of monster mayhem before hitting the reset button and turning into a funny satire of low-budget genre filmmaking — and eventually becoming a charming family comedy-drama. Packed with witty nods to classic horror movies, “One Cut” is a natural for genre fests and has such a warm and winning heart it could also fit into mainstream festival programs.

The movie runs from October 18 through 23 at the Parkway Theater in McKees Rocks (map). Showtimes are available via Facebook but tickets are not yet for sale.

2019 film Promare (プロメア) in Pittsburgh, September 17 and 19.

The 2019 Japanese animated film Promare (プロメア) will play in Pittsburgh on September 17. The distributor summarizes:

The first feature-length film from the acclaimed studio TRIGGER, creators of the hit series KILL la KILL and Little Witch Academia, and director Hiroyuki Imaishi (GURREN LAGANN, KILL la KILL), Promare uses a bold cel-shaded visual style to tell a blistering action-adventure story, and is the spiritual successor to many of director Imaishi’s former works.

Thirty years has passed since the appearance of Burnish, a race of flame-wielding mutant beings, who destroyed half of the world with fire. When a new group of aggressive mutants calling themselves “Mad Burnish” appears, the epic battle between Galo Thymos, a new member of the anti-Burnish rescue team “Burning Rescue,” and Lio Fotia, the leader of “Mad Burnish” begins.

It will play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and AMC South Hills Village, Southside Works Cinema, and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and Robinson. The September 17 shows are dubbed in English while the September 19 ones are in Japanese with English subtitles. Tickets are available online.

"Storytime: Japanese and English" at Carnegie Library in East Liberty, September 17.

via archdaily.org

The next installment of the monthly program "Storytime: Japanese and English" will take place on September 17 at the Carnegie Library in East Liberty.

Celebrate our city’s diverse culture as we explore new words through songs, action rhymes and stories in both English and Japanese for children and their parents or caregivers. For children age birth – 5 and their caregivers.

It runs from 11:00 to 11:30 am. The library is located at 130 S. Whitfield St. (map).

"Fall Flower Show: Japanese Inspirations" at Phipps, October 19 - November 10.

Phipps Conservatory will present "Fall Flower Show: Japanese Inspirations" from October 19 through November 10.

Starting Sat., Oct. 19, Phipps’ Fall Flower Show: Japanese Inspirations will take you on a spectacular journey to experience an inspiring celebration of harmony and nature. Join Phipps for a trip to Japan, where festivals are spectacular and the colorful chrysanthemum reigns as king. Explore the festivities as you wander through room after room of stunning Japanese-inspired botanical displays with hundreds of vibrant blooms in dramatic cascades, giant disbuds and other exciting forms. From the show’s giant origami peace cranes, dry garden and serene floating lanterns to a vibrant dragon festival display, Japanese Inspirations will capture the imaginations of visitors of all ages. Phipps’ new show lasts for just three weeks — don’t miss this grand celebration of the season!

Visit the Phipps website for more details about events and exhibitions. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is located at 1 Schenley Drive in Oakland (map).

Love Tea, formerly Love Ramen and Love Yogurt, is now open in Oakland.

Love Ramen, which closed its Atwood St. location in May for renovations, is now open as Love Tea. It is located at 229 Atwood St. (map). Love Ramen's noodle operations moved to Fifth Ave. over the summer. The Atwood St. space was formerly called Love Yogurt, but changed its name to Love Ramen in 2017.

Japanese punk band Shonen Knife returning to Pittsburgh, October 5.

Japanese punk band Shonen Knife will return to Pittsburgh on October 5 for a show at Cattivo (map) as part of its 2019 US tour.

Since their pure DIY beginnings in 1981, Osaka, Japan’s Shonen Knife have been building a faithful following of music enthusiasts and the alternative rock elite. Their relentless journey secured the band’s place as one of the pioneer ambassadors of Japanese rock music and culture on the international stage.

The band features original members (and sisters) Naoko on Vocals and Guitar, Atsuko on Bass and Vocals and introduces their newest member, Risa, on Drums and Vocals.

Akira (アキラ) with Pitt Gamelan, September 18 at Row House Cinema.

Row House Cinema will host Pitt Gamelan for a performance before the September 18 screening of Akira (アキラ).

Celebrate the musical roots of this anime masterpiece! Pitt Gamelan (the University of Pittsburgh’s Indonesian Gamelan group) will be joining us for a pre-show performance to accompany this screening of Akira! Six musicians will be playing a sampling of the music that inspired the film’s iconic soundtrack.

The evening begins at 7:00 pm and tickets are available online. Akira is one of four movies playing from September 13 through 19 as part of Row House Cinema's Anime Film Series. The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler Street in Lawrenceville (map).

Art in Smog documentary at Pitt, September 17.

The University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center will present Lydia Chen's documentary Art in Smog on September 17.

Art in Smog offers an intimate encounter with four artists and a curator in China. Vivid art merges with thoughtful voices to evoke the human search for meaning. Featured are international artists Su Xinping and Xia Xiaowan, painter and antiques connoisseur Mushi, brash curator Cui Cancan, and painter Chen Hui, who expresses a woman’s sense of self in a challenging world.

Their pursuit of art takes them from quiet dreams in the 1990s to the extremes of the 2000s to their different paths forward today. Their lives and their work provide a visually rich glimpse of humanity in a tumultuous society. Footage from 1991 and 2016 documents China’s transformation.

It starts at 4:30 in 4130 Posvar Hall (map) and is free and open to the public.

Chuseok (추석) at Pitt, September 15.

The Daehwa Korean Conversation Group at the University of Pittsburgh will present a Chuseok (추석) celebration on September 15.

Join the Daehwa Korean Conversation Club in celebrating one of the most important Korean holidays: Chuseok (추석)!

Chuseok aka mid-autumn festival, is a day for families to gather and give thanks to their ancestors for plentiful harvest. We will have Korean games, opportunities to learn more about Korean culture and most important of all there will be FOOD! Come out and celebrate with us!!

It runs from 1:30 to 4:00 pm in the William Pitt Union Kurtzman Room.

VSA x CASA Mid-Autumn Festival at Pitt, September 22.

The Vietnamese Student Association and the Chinese American Student Association at the University of Pittsburgh will host a Mid-Autumn Festival on September 22.

It is that time of year to celebrate the moon and harvest with Pitt VSA & CASA as we are proud to present our 2019 Mid-Autumn Festival! Our theme this year is UNITY and it is all about how we all are brought together during this special time of year.

**Headlined by: the JROD TWINS**
The JROD Twins have been featured on Superstar K - Kpop Reality Show, WongFu and LeendaDProductions videos!
Check out their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/jrodtwins
A meet and greet will follow after the event.

Come out to the WPU Assembly Room for an evening filled with some amazing performances, cultural activities, mooncakes, and food catered by Golden Palace Buffet. We hope you gather all of your friends and family to come celebrate the festival with us!

It runs from 5:00 to 8:00 pm in the William Pitt Union and is free and open to the public.

3D-animated Chinese movie Ne Zha (哪吒之魔童降世) to stay in Pittsburgh through September 18.

The new 3D animated Chinese film Ne Zha (哪吒之魔童降世), which opened in Pittsburgh on August 29, will remain in town through at least September 18. From the distributor:

A young boy, Nezha, is birthed from a heavenly pearl by the Primeval Lord of Heaven. Born with unique powers, Nezha finds himself as an outcast who is hated and feared. Destined by prophecy to bring destruction to the world, the young boy must choose between good and evil in order to break the shackles of fate and become the hero.

It is the highest-grossing Chinese animated film of all time. It will play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront theater and tickets are available online. The theater is located at 300 West Waterfront Dr. in the Waterfront shopping complex in Homestead (map), across the Monongahela River from Greenfield, Squirrel Hill, and the rest of Pittsburgh.

2019 Japanese movie Tokyo Ghoul S (東京喰種 【S】) in Pittsburgh, from September 16.

The 2019 Japanese movie Tokyo Ghoul S (東京喰種 【S】) will play in Pittsburgh on September 16. From the distributor:

Now a member of Anteiku, Ken Kaneki grows closer to the ghouls around him. Determined to protect his new home against anti-ghoul forces, he trains his powers in secret. But when the infamous gourmet, Shu Tsukiyama, wishes to
savor some half-ghoul flavor, Kaneki’s training is put to the test of a lifetime.

Based on the thrilling supernatural manga, Tokyo Ghoul.

It will play in the US on September 16, 18, and 20, and locally at the Southside Works Cinema, and tickets are available online.

Tuvan throat singers Huun Huur Tu in Pittsburgh, October 10.

Tuvan throat singers Huun Huur Tu will perform in Shadyside on October 10.

Huun-Huur-Tus style could be best described as profoundly mysterious. This comes as a consequence of their traditional, ritual laryngeal chants descending from Central Asian land of Tuva. This unique song technique reside on developing an enthralling sound cosmos rich in undertones and overtones.