CNN 5 Things 5 Good Things: Mahjong: It’s Not Just Your Grandma’s Game Anymore
Sep 13, 2025
Discover how mahjong is captivating a new generation, reconnecting players with cultural roots. Hear about a woman's touching tribute to her firefighter dad during her wedding, ensuring his spirit lives on. A man turns personal tragedy into advocacy, leading to breakthroughs in drug research. Plus, older women dive into local ponds to clean up trash, proving age is no barrier to making a difference. And explore how jazz music empowers youth, fostering creativity and life skills in underprivileged communities.
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Mahjong's Modern Resurgence
- Mahjong has shifted from a family pastime to a social, intergenerational nightlife activity that builds community.
- Eventbrite recorded a 179% increase in U.S. mahjong events from 2023 to 2024, showing broad renewed interest.
Family Rules Passed Down
- Nicole Wong learned mahjong from her grandparents and now documents family rules through The Mahjong Project.
- She helps adults relearn childhood games and adapts traditions across the Asian diaspora.
Seniors Diving For Pond Cleanups
- Susan Bauer founded Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage after falling for Cape Cod's pond turtles and starting with two friends.
- The group grew into organized dives that recover heavy trash and recruit long wait lists of women aged 65–85.
