Kia PV5 becomes a camper: Direct Cars builds electric van for overnight stays in Japan

Honda Access, the developer of genuine Honda accessories, conducted a survey of 1,000 drivers aged 20–69 in September 2025 and released the '2025 Autumn Leisure and Car Sleeping Survey' in fall 2025. The survey found that about 28% of respondents (278 people) had experience sleeping in their car. Among them, 42% had done so 1–2 times, and 21% had done so more than 10 times. At the 'Outdoor Experience Photo Session' event, the company also showcased a conversion of the compact minivan Freed Crosstar (5-seater) for two adults, turning the vehicle into a home theater.

Nakamura Shido, a kabuki actor, attended the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026 on March 12. He shared that his motorhome serves not only for family trips but also as a dressing room backstage at the Kabukiza theatre when space is limited. Shido also received the 14th Camping Car Award for his active motorhome lifestyle.

Mapple Web magazine has published a selection of 20 auto campsites in the Tohoku region (northeastern Japan), out of a total of 134 listings. The list includes Aqua Green Village ANMON near the Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage site, Odaiba Auto Village next to a beach, Kinkasan Oshima Campground overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and others. Each entry provides address, site fees (ranging from 800 to 4,500 yen per night), operating season, and contact details.

Toy Factory has announced the new Da Vinci 5.4 camper, built on the Fiat Ducato platform. The vehicle will debut at the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026 on July 11–12 at Tokyo Big Sight, with sales starting at the event. Priced at 1,584,000 yen, the 5.4-meter model features a redesigned interior shared with the Da Vinci 6.0.

Stellantis Japan released a limited run of 100 Jeep Wrangler White Cap units based on Unlimited Sahara. Five come with a TripTop roof tent. Prices start at 8.94 million yen.

Nissan Peasefield Craft and Kato Motor have unveiled the Eleganza camper based on the Nissan NV350 Caravan Super Long High Roof. The debut will take place on July 11–12 at the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight, with sales in Japan starting the same day. The interior features separate zones: a seating area, a fixed sleeping space, and a cargo compartment. The body is 5,080 mm long and 2,285 mm high, allowing a person to stand upright inside. Handcrafted solid wood furniture and insulation tested in snowy Niigata are included. Buyers receive support through a dedicated Nissan service channel.