DIY pop-up roof on a kei truck: couple from Kagoshima realize car-sleeping ideas

R&I Company Limited (Sapporo) will open three takeout shops in Tokushima Prefecture using its own 'BIBox' trailers. The first, Shiokuma Bakery, specializing in salt buns and scones, will launch on July 31 on the premises of a Docomo shop in Yoshinogawa. This marks the company's first entry into the prefecture.

Shohta Suzuki, a 30-year-old horse racing reporter who gave up permanent residence, has equipped a workspace in his kei camper 'Indy 727'. He uses rooftop solar panels for off-grid power, two Jackery portable power stations (1000W and 700W), and an extension table that serves for eating, working, and cooking. A battery-powered mobile monitor provides dual-display capability for up to 6 hours. Suzuki selects parking spots based on sunlight and free Wi-Fi (1.1 Mbps), enabling him to write race predictions without external power for up to three weeks.

On July 11–12, 2026, the Tokyo Camper Show 2026 was held at Tokyo Big Sight, featuring a record 100 companies and 238 vehicles. Route Six from Mito presented the CONFFY model based on the Daihatsu Atrai/Hijet Cargo, featuring triple ceiling insulation, door and floor insulation, a built-in Webasto FF heater, and a 12V air conditioner. Power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery and a roof-mounted solar panel (optionally replaceable with a pop-up roof for 990,000 yen). Three layouts are available: CONFFY 1 (4-section mattress, outdoor table), CONFFY 2 (sink, table with adjustable poles), and CONFFY 3 (6-section mattress, largest sleeping area). Prices for the Atrai RS Turbo base: CONFFY 1 — 4,213,000 yen (2WD) / 4,367,000 yen (4WD), CONFFY 2/3 — 4,488,000 yen (2WD) / 4,642,000 yen (4WD). The show model CONFFY 2 POP with options was priced at 5,483,500 yen.

Route6 exhibited the CONFFY camper based on the Daihatsu Atrai at the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026. The vehicle features a pop-up roof, allowing it to sleep up to four adults. It comes fully equipped for comfortable travel.

At the Honda Access Outdoor Experience Photo Session held at Camp Nano Koshigaya in Saitama Prefecture, a concept was shown that turns the Honda Freed Crosstar into a mobile cinema. The rear seats fold flat, and a white roller blind from a hardware store is attached to the roof rack as a projection screen. A privacy shade provides blackout for daytime viewing.

From August 1 to 7, a paid parking area for sleeping in vehicles will operate at Aomori Port. The project was organized by local comedian Ono Masanori. Prices range from 35,000 to 70,000 yen.