Japanese iPhone sensation Itotooshi hits UK App Store

Of the many achievements enjoyed by the iPhone, one of the biggest has to be attaining a measure of success in Japan. It’s relatively rare for any western technology firm - especially when it comes to mobile technology - to get any meaningful traction there.

The success of iPhone game Itotooshi shows just how far Apple has come - it’s enjoyed more than 10 million downloads in its native Japan.

The good news is that the app has hit the UK App Store under the title Itotooshi: Thread & Needles. The even better news is that it’s free.

The game is one of those impossibly simple, hair-tearingly tough but un-put-downable-all-the-same experiences that the iPhone has made its own. You must thread the eye of a needle - numerous needles, in fact - using a single touch command.

Your length of thread travels from left to right automatically, but naturally pulls towards the ground. Holding the lone button causes the thread to rise sharply, so steering it through each needle requires some skilful manipulation.

Well worth a spin.