At the JCCS 2026 show, FLEX displayed four custom Toyota Land Cruisers modified for overnight stays. The vehicles, under the Renoca brand, feature sleeping accommodations for two adults while retaining off-road capability. The models are based on Land Cruiser 60, 80, 100, and Prado 95 with retro styling.

Japanese automaker Toyota has unveiled the Renoca, a custom motorhome built on the Land Cruiser 70 chassis. The vehicle was developed by a tuning atelier for the Japanese market and features a sleeping area, kitchen module, and storage system.

A motorhome designed for dog owners was presented at the Japan Camping Car Show 2026. The vehicle features a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of at least 200 Ah to power a 12V air conditioning unit, allowing pets to stay inside for several hours. It also includes soundproofing, thermal insulation, and tinted windows.

The Japanese tuning shop Body Line, known for Nissan Caravan, showcased two custom models at Osaka Auto Messe 2026. The 'Caravan Mini' and 'Caravan Mini Truck' are based on the Nissan Clipper Rio van and Clipper Truck. Both vehicles feature off-road styling, lift kits, and camping equipment while retaining their utility as work vehicles.

The owner of a work-use Nissan NV350 Caravan commissioned a professional vehicle upgrade. The interior received soundproofing and a new audio system to enhance comfort and sound quality. The work was carried out by the specialist company BREEZE.

A motorhome designed for dog owners was presented at the Japan Camping Car Show 2026. The model features a high-capacity lithium battery to power an air conditioner for up to 10 hours, a remote monitoring system, and scratch-resistant interior materials. The manufacturer offers different base vehicles, from compact cars to vans, chosen according to the dog's size.

A Japanese company has unveiled the Grasshopper camper, built on a kei truck chassis. The vehicle is designed to transport a motorcycle and pets while providing sleeping accommodations. It features a pop-up roof and a modular interior layout.

Former Tokyo office workers spent a year DIY-converting a used microbus into a camper van. After four years of travel, they settled in Miyazaki Prefecture, integrating into the local community by caring for horses and assisting on a persimmon farm, highlighting a shift in lifestyle choices.

White House Camper showcased the Jimny Nomad with a pop-up roof at the Japan Camping Car Show 2026. The conversion retains the off-road capability of the base vehicle while adding a 202cm x 108cm flat bed for two adults. The manually operated roof includes a ventilation fan and is designed for quick setup.

At the Japan Camping Car Show 2026, White House Camper presented a new model based on the Suzuki Jimny. The key feature is a unique pop-up roof that creates sleeping space exceeding the typical dimensions of a kei car.

At the Japan Camping Car Show 2026 in Makuhari, White House presented a modified camper van based on the Suzuki Jimny Nomad. The vehicle features a JAOS lift kit, 16-inch wheels, and a pop-up roof tent for two people. The popular model, which has a waiting list for delivery, has been reclassified as a standard passenger car due to its increased size.

Two Japanese travelers lived for about 500 days in a converted American school bus despite numerous challenges. They cite the confined space forcing conflict resolution, the empowerment from DIY problem-solving, and the conscious choice of this lifestyle as main reasons for continuing.

An owner converted their fifth Toyota Hilux pickup truck for vanlife purposes. The most significant expense was the custom-made canopy for the truck bed, with its production cost reaching 500,000 Japanese yen.

Japanese company Direct Cars has developed the Dune Rover, a camper van based on the Daihatsu Hijet mini-truck. The interior features two sleeping areas, a mini-kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave, and an autonomous power system with a lithium battery. The fully equipped version is priced at approximately $45,800.

The Japanese specialty shop 350 Motoring has presented two customization packages for the Nissan NV350 Caravan van, tailored for car camping. The first, based on a standard-width, standard-roof model, features a custom bed kit and a roof basket. The second, using a wide-body, high-roof base, is equipped with a sub-battery, inverter, auxiliary heater, and a remote-controlled ventilation system.

A custom camper van based on the Toyota Town Ace was showcased at the 2026 auto salon. Its exterior is inspired by the 1950s American Ford F100 truck, while the interior features wood and leather trim. The conversion is a collaboration between two builders: Blow handled the exterior, and Craft Plus crafted the interior.

At the 4×4Meets event in October 2025, a participant showcased a Toyota Hilux modified for sleeping in the cargo bed. The owner, who has owned five pickup trucks, built an extended canopy using tent material and items from a home improvement store. The total cost of the DIY conversion was approximately 500,000 yen.

The owner of a fifth-generation Toyota Hilux pickup truck converted it for camper van living. The cost to build the custom camper canopy was approximately 5 million yen. The project highlights the trend of DIY vehicle conversions for the vanlife movement.

Japanese tuner Direct Cars has unveiled the Dune Rover camper van, based on the Daihatsu Hijet Kei mini-truck. The 3.4-meter-long vehicle features two double beds, a mini-kitchen, and air conditioning, but lacks a toilet. The base price starts at 32,100 euros.

Japanese company Direct Cars has introduced the Dune Rover camper based on the Daihatsu Hijet pickup. The 3.39-meter-long model is equipped with two double beds, a kitchen, and a refrigerator, but lacks a bathroom. The price starts at around 36,500 euros.

Japanese company Direst Cars has presented a motorhome based on the compact Daihatsu Hijet truck. The 3.4-meter-long model features a living module with four sleeping berths, a kitchen, and air conditioning. The price starts from 4.39 million yen (approx. $28,000).

The Japanese Suzuki Carry van is presented as an example of a compact camper van for travel. The model demonstrates the possibilities of organizing living space in a small-sized vehicle.

Kia has introduced an official conversion kit to turn its PV5 electric van, the 'International Van of the Year 2026', into a camper van. Developed with Vanlab, the kit includes a kitchen with an induction hob and a fold-out bed, and can be installed by the owner using just a screwdriver while retaining the second-row seats. Priced at around $2000 in Japan, it is scheduled to launch soon in Europe and the UK.

At the Japan Camping Car Show 2026, Smile Factory presented the Offtime Base camper van based on the Suzuki Every. The model features a pop-up roof that opens sideways and two sleeping areas for four people. The vehicle has a lifted suspension co-developed with TEIN and is equipped with a lithium-ion battery and an inverter.

Japanese company Rocky2 has unveiled a camper version of the Mitsubishi Delica D:5, named MV. The interior features transformable sleeping berths measuring 2100 mm in length, a kitchen, an air conditioning system, and a 100 Ah battery that can be charged via optional solar panels. Sales in Japan will begin in the coming months, starting at 5.45 million yen.

Japanese company Direct Cars has introduced the Dune Rover motorhome based on the Daihatsu Hijet truck. Despite its compact size, the model can sleep up to four people and is equipped with a kitchen, refrigerator, and air conditioning. Pricing starts at ¥5,980,000 (approx. $38,100).

A video from the 'Masa and DIY' channel shows winter vanlife with a cat at -1.5°C. The owner used DIY insulation, a heater, electric kotatsu, and a thermal camera to monitor conditions. The footage gained traction by demonstrating the pet's comfort in a customized vehicle during extreme cold.

One Publishing released the revised edition of the book 'DIYでキャンピングカーを作る 改訂版' on February 13, 2026. The publication features 16 examples of converted trucks and vans, plus a detailed report on customizing a Suzuki Every microvan. The book also covers basic conversion knowledge and essential DIY techniques for beginners.

Japanese company Dirt Freak launched its Phantom Black bed kit series for Toyota Hiace vans on February 12. The kits, including full-flat and half-bed options, can create a sleeping area extending up to 2.5 meters in length. The product line starts at 261,800 yen.

Japan's White House Camper has created a camper van conversion of the five-door Suzuki Jimny. The vehicle features an integrated electric pop-up roof that raises the height by 150 mm and is designed to sleep two adults. The prototype debuted at the Tokyo Camper Show in July 2024.