
After a long, hard day at work or school, there’s nothing like a nice, hot bath. But then again, a lot of people also like to unwind by kicking back and sending a few emails, watching a video or two, or perusing the Internet’s most profound sources of knowledge on their smartphone.
Rather than choose between the two options, some people opt to take their phone into the tub with them. But if you’re so tired you’re craving two indulgences at once, having to grip your phone in your hand while you soak can really put a damper on maximizing your rejuvenating/loafing time.
So instead of doing that job yourself, why not get one of these inflatable bath pillows that double as a smartphone holder to do it for you?
Between their Zero Gravity Armchairs, USB-powered anti-allergy masks, and upside-down laptop desks, we’re not sure if the designers at Thanko are geniuses or madmen. What we do know, though, is that their latest product is something we could actually see ourselves using.
Officially called the Ofuro Demo Chotto Mottete (a play on words that loosely translates to “Hold this for me in the bath”), the clever product was released earlier this month. The larger of its two pieces is rectangular, with a small circular opening into which a separately inflated arm with a 90-degree curve can be inserted.
With the pillow placed behind your head, the surface of the arm directly in front of your face is covered with a patch of Velcro. You’ll find another strip of Velcro on the exterior of the waterproof smartphone case that comes bundled with the set, so slip your smartphone into the sleeve, close it up, attach it to the arm, then sit back and enjoy your soak without the need to worry about dropping your phone into the soapy water.
As shown in the image above, the length of the arm is adjustable. In addition, simply flipping the pillow around will easily allow you to choose whether you want the arm to wrap around you from the right or left.
▼ We assume this is the environment in which everyone reads RocketNews24, and the face they make while doing so.
While the pillow is likely to get most of its use in the bathtub, that doesn’t mean it won’t come in handy in other rooms of the house, too. After all, any bath pillow can also double as a normal pillow, and the smartphone holder will still work even after you’ve toweled yourself off and blow-dried your hair.
As this video from Thanko demonstrates, the holder has a remarkably strong grip.
That’s good to know, because it means you can rest easy, knowing that the pillow won’t be dropping your smartphone directly onto your face if you doze off.
The Ofuro Demo Chotto Mottete is available here directly from Thanko for 2,480 yen (US$21). Customers have their choice of white, pink, or gray, and the included case will fit smartphones of up to 160 millimeters (6.3 inches) in length and 82 millimeters (3.2 inches) in width.
Oh, and just in case you’re one of those suave sophisticates who’s still rocking a flip phone, you’ll be happy to know there’s nothing stopping you from removing the arm and using the Ofuro Demo Chotto Mottete like a regular old pillow.
▼ Thanks, Thanko!
Source: Niconico News, Thanko
Images: Thanko (edited by RocketNews24)









Sandwiched Between Twintails Pillow: For if you don’t know to hug your pillow or let it hug you
The goose is loose! Video shows off swan smartphone-holder, the ultimate hands-free device 【Vid】
The dream of playing smartphone games on packed Tokyo commuter trains comes true thanks to Thanko
Japan gets Captain America chest pillow, Thor hammer tissue holder in new Marvel lifestyle line
Japanese cushion promises to turn video gamers into prisoners, make them happy about it【Photos】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
McDonald’s Japan adds new Hello Kitty and Pompompurin drinks to the menu for a limited time
A Kyoto factory vending machine sells gourmet mystery meals at bargain prices
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Free Wi-Fi is coming to Mt. Fuji this summer
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Oodles of noodles! Udon chain pays homage to all 47 prefectures of Japan with 47 dishes【Photos】
Is Tokyo’s ultra-expensive Satsuki sweet bean bread worth it?【Taste test】
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro 2026 Corn Gift to its anime store for Mother’s Day
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Can’t put your smartphone down when you’re eating? This clever plate has a solution【Photos】
Can Japan’s one-person granite plate cooker take you to solo stone steak paradise? Let’s find out