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.
Majority of Japanese want to postpone or cancel Olympics
Look at this beautiful website for a Japanese family office launched by Nintendo founding family
Investopedia defines family offices as "private wealth management advisory firms that serve ultra-high-net-worth investors." Yamauchi Family Office No. 10 was established in 2020 by Nintendo's founding family, which is not surprising given the colorful design and delightful song for its website. Got there and just start scrolling. From the site: "Seeking stability only clouds your… READ THE REST
Watch: 1926 surreal film from Japan called "A Page of Madness"
"A Page of Madness" is an experimental Japanese horror film from 1926. It was directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa. Here's a good review on Letterboxed: Set in a remote mental hospital, the film focuses mostly on the experiences (both internal and external) of an old janitor, whose delusional wife is one of the hospital's patients. As… READ THE REST
A visit to the world's biggest capsule toy store in Tokyo
Whenever we go to Japan, we like going to Akihabara and visiting the capsule toy (gashapon or gachapon) stores there. The little toys are much cooler than the ones that you'll find in U.S. vending machines. I took some photos of my most recent visit to a capsule toy store in 2108 (see below). There… READ THE REST
Can you defeat the Queen's Gambit? This training unlocks all you need to know
One fun element of pop culture is that you never know exactly when some film, TV show, or song is going to spark an out-of-left-field craze — or exactly how deep the obsession will run. While the pandemic may be starting to recede into history, Netflix's The Queen Gambit is oddly still riding shotgun inside… READ THE REST
This 10-foot solar-powered umbrella blocks the sun and lights the night with LEDs
To say we're creeping up on umbrella weather season is an understatement. And no, we don't mean "rain and wind protection against the fierce elements-type" of umbrella season. We're talking about lazing casually, safely protected from the sun's rays, soaking in the majesty of summer. Whether you've got a comfy patio lounge arrangement, an outdoor… READ THE REST
Square Off is a smart chessboard that lets you challenge opponents anywhere
In a world of apps, digital gaming, and virtual reality, there's something oddly comforting about sitting down behind an actual, physical chess board, lining up your soldiers, then charging into battle. Sounds crazy, right? Who actually plays on real-world boards anymore? And if you do, what if you don't have somebody in your immediate vicinity ready… READ THE REST