Chanpon

Few things seem to be so international as the game of Rock-Paper-Scissors. Usually reserved for killing time or settling local disputes in physical games, a Japan-based businessman pushed the game to an international stage by asking the two premier auction houses to play rock-paper-scissors to settle who might sell the Maspro Denkoh Corporation art collection.

The New York Times has coverage: "Rock, Paper, Payoff: Child's Play Wins Auction House an Art Sale" (registration required). Fantastic fun to see simple games wreak serious havoc on big businesspeople! That's another international pleasure, perhaps.