New emperor of Japan enthroned in wordless ceremony

The Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 is "already the most over-budget Games for absolute dollar values at around $7.2B over budget," reports Safe Betting Sites. That figure includes $2 in postponement costs. Meanwhile, 36% of Japanese surveyed say the Olympics should be postponed again, while 34% want them canceled outright. READ THE REST

Starbucks Japans' online store has a bunch of cute new mugs for sale. Here are my favorites: READ THE REST

Electronicos Fantasticos! is a Japanese band that makes and plays instruments made from "various retired consumer electronics such as Electric Fan Harp, CRT-TV Drums, Air Conditioner Harp, etc." [Thanks, Jane!] READ THE REST

Thanks to Netflix's wildly popular series, The Queen's Gambit, chess, a game invented about 1,500 years ago, is surging back into public consciousness. But while the Game of Kings may be riding a wave of increased awareness right now, it is, by no means, the only game that has survived the test of time into… READ THE REST

Only 20% of American students learn a foreign language. While that's low, it ends up feeling downright pathetic when you consider that more than 9 out of 10 European students are schooled in at least one other tongue.  Sure, there are so many languages in Europe that residents there have to learn a few to… READ THE REST

You love your family and friends. You love your spouse. You love your kids. But, even among those things you treasure most in this world, there's still a special kind of love you hold only for your pet.  For as much as we shower our love and affection over these furry family members, there isn't… READ THE REST