
Arms tired from holding your smartphone in front of you all day? We’ll show you how to make this ingenious “Poké-Han“ mobile gaming accessory!
Following the recent video message from the creators of Pokémon Go to stay safe and keep our heads up while playing the game, our Pokémon-loving Japanese writing team decided to come up with an ingenious new device to help increase safety and game-playing stamina at the same time. Proving that simple designs are often the most effective, the new invention uses just two everyday items, a clothes hanger and some rubber bands, to improve posture and relieve the annoying effects of painful “gamer’s arm” that results from holding your smartphone out in search of Pokémon all day.
Dubbed the “Poké-Han” (short for “Pokémon Hanger“), the new invention rests smartphones at a comfortable level so players can keep their backs straight and heads up, increasing their field of vision and awareness of their surroundings while playing the game. It also saves your arm and hand from unnecessary strain caused by holding the device in one hand.
The new invention was passed around the office and, despite looking a little ridiculous, it got the thumbs-up from everyone, including passionate mobile gamer Mr Sato.
To see just how easy it is to make the Poké-Han, check out the short DIY video below. Not only is it simple to construct, each piece will set you back just 100 yen (US$0.94)!
To truly put the invention to the test, the team sent three gamers from the office out into the field to see how the Poké-Han fared in the real world of gameplay.
According to the trio, once they started playing the game, any embarrassment they felt about wearing the strange-looking contraptions quickly disappeared. It actually made gaming much easier than usual, increasing their excitement for playing the game.
▼ There were no problems at all with swiping and catching Pokémon.
▼ And it really did help with increasing their field of vision, making them more aware of the scenery around them.
Our gaming trio loved the handmade gadget. Not only was it cheap and easy to make, it made them feel like they could expertly navigate their way through crowded streets and explore the city for hours without succumbing to any bodily aches and pains. The only hurdle was the fact that it’s not the most fashionable of accessories, attracting looks from passers-by, which makes this a bit of a challenge to wear when out on your own. There’s a lot less embarrassment when out with a group of like-minded friends, of course!
What do you think about the Poké-Han? Do you think it might catch on and become a worldwide phenomenon? Let us know in the comments section below!
Photos © RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]
Follow Oona on Twitter for more information about Pokémon news from Japan.







DIY Pokémon Go lifehack from Japan: Hands free “Poké-Han” device gets a rainy day edition
Pokéball Aimer 3-D printed iPhone case makes news among Pokémon Go Trainers in Japan
Here’s how the awesome new Pokémon GO mobile game will look on your smartphone
Pokémon Go players can now keep phones charged with hand-made Poké Ball portable battery charger
Pokémon Go players discover unusual gym locations around Japan
Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service returns to theaters with first-ever IMAX screenings and remaster
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Boro the Caterpillar anime now showing at the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo 【SoraReview】
Official Totoro reclining sofa makes naps on the Ghibli star’s tummy a real-life option【Photos】
Japanese manhole covers become a hit with foreign tourists in off-the-beaten path Tokyo area
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Totoro ceramic dishware will have your kitchen looking Ghibli elegant in 2025 and beyond【Pics】
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
Legendary pie cafe Anna Miller’s finally returns to Tokyo after three-year absence
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Is Sapporio’s Snow Festival awesome enough to be worth visiting even if you hate the snow? [Pics]
Japan has trams that say “sorry” while they ride around town…but why?
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Starbucks Japan adds new sakura Frappuccino and cherry blossom drinks to the menu
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
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
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
6 things people in Japan should watch out for when Pokémon Go lands in the country
Pokémon GO players in Japan discover strange new hybrid species of monsters in the game
Before Pokémon Go, there was Ingress, and its first “XM-Profiler Illumination Portal” is in Japan
Pokémon Go Trainers in Japan take over parks in huge crowds on first weekend of game’s release
We catch a rare Glasses Farfetch’d in Japan with world’s first Pokémon Go master, Nick Johnson
Pokémon GO now doctor-approved thanks to Tokyo University study
Pokémon Go released in Japan? We spot a rare “Glasses Pikachu” at Tokyo’s Nintendo headquarters
China creates its own version of Pokémon Go called “City Spirits Go”
Giant Pokémon Go video display at Shinjuku Station brings our reporter to tears
Pikachu cosplayer delights Pokémon Go gamers in Japan
We catch up with world’s first Pokémon Go master, Nick Johnson, in Tokyo
Creators of Pokémon Go apologise for game’s late arrival in video address to players in Japan
6 reasons why Pokémon GO might make a comeback, according to P.K. Sanjun
Is Pokémon Go helping prevent deaths at one of Japan’s most notorious suicide spots?
We asked a Niantic insider 30 questions about Pokémon Go, learned a lot of useful information