Eversince the pandemic began, people had more time in their homes and in their gadgets like their smartphones. A lot that we used to do have shifted online now and so more time is spent on phone. There may be advantages to sticking online with your phone but it also has its disadvantages. Aside from eye strain, your hands may also get exhausted from holding your phone. At worst case, you might develop the carpal tunnel syndrome.
I am someone who uses the smartphone a lot. I would spend hours on it even though I know it's unhealthy. I was able to reduce my smartphone time back in 2018 but I went back to the unhealthy habit this pandemic. My hand hurt more when I began playing the kalimba and drawing more often. I knew back then that I should at least have a smartphone stand to reduce the effort my hands have to do when using the phone.
Before, I made a DIY stand so I could bring my phone to the bathroom to see the time. However, I don't think I will be bringing my phone inside the bathroom again because there's a study that germs from the toilet fly whenever you flush it and there's a big chance for it to cling on your phone. Yikes!
My DIY smartphone stand: DIY Phone Stand Made From Toilet Paper Roll
So last year, one of my favorite singer, LiSA, posted an announcement of pandemic-themed merchandise called "LIFE is Smile Always". Items that are supposed to help ease your stay at home. Comfy slippers, shirt, pajama, mugs, blanket which can turn to a pillow, etc. But what caught my attention was the smartphone holder. I had a long debate whether to purchase it or not because it's expensive for a smartphone stand. "But I need a smartphone stand and it will be my first LiSA merch if I bought it", said my inner self. Lol.
I let a couple of weeks past and on the last day of the pre-order date, I went back and asked myself if I would go for it or not. Of course, this post wouldn't be posted if I hadn't bought it. After waiting four months, I received my LiSA smartphone stand. Japan residents received their LiSA merch only after two months but mine took long because aside from I had it shipped late, the international shipping process takes a loooong time.
The smartphone stand is chibi or little version of LiSA, pink hair with her trademark "yaeba teeth" or the tooth which looks like a fang. The chibi is wearing a white sleepwear dress while holding out her arms forward as if ready to catch and support something. Little LiSA is made from PVC and screwed to a thick PVC platform. Then on the platform there are two bumps to support the phone.
I find it very amusing that her arms and fingers can bend slightly which makes her palms look like a cushion when you place your phone. What makes this LiSA smartphone stand cute is that her hands can support your phone when your phone is tilted horizontally.
However, when you tilt your phone vertically, it will be her forehead providing the support. It looks cute and hilarious at the same when you see how it looks on the side.
She may be pricey compared to the regular smartphone because it's like having a nendoroid at the same time, she will be a special collection because it's my first LiSA merch after being a fan for several years. Just to be clear, I am not the kind of fan who collects EVERY merch and has to buy something on every release because you're a fan. I don't have the luxury to do that and I don't have enough space in my room already because of too much things. While this is my first LiSA merch, I am not looking near soon to add another. When I buy a merch, I want it to be something I can use. :)
Well, I am so happy chibi LiSA arrived safely at home. Her box was in perfect shape while she was encased in a plastic toy clamshell so she was very safe on the way here. Plus points to the drop shipping company who made this purchase possible. I now believe that Japan takes packaging on a different level.
For sure, this will be my smartphone stand for the years to come. Hopefully, I can take care of it very well so it will last long.
Just in case you want to see, I have an unboxing video of the item. :)
LiSA's merchandise was produced by Sony Music Japan.