Do I need a visa? Traveling to New York from Hiroshima (flying from Dalian and then Beijing

Hello,
Does anyone have any finite information on if I need to apply for a visa before I leave Japan? I am flying from Hiroshima to Dalian international airport I’m China then somehow I am flying to Beijing which takes me to New York. Do I need entry permit so I don’t get in some trouble I don’t want? If so how do I apply and what is a good return period?