Thunderbirds 60th anniversary in Japan to feature camper van and VR collaboration

The RV Park at Kamishizu Midori no Mura Park in Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture, has started full operations. A trailer for visitors has been installed, and 24-hour showers are available. The facility is designed for overnight stays in vehicles.

Instagram user @douminfufu, who documents camper van travels, shared a meal inside the vehicle featuring local Fukui delicacies. The post has received over 758 likes. The article also includes data on average pension amounts by age.

At the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026, held in July at Tokyo Big Sight, 238 camping and overnight vehicles were displayed. Over 19,000 visitors attended the two-day event. Among the exhibits, five models drew particular attention: a limited-edition collaboration with the anime 'Fist of the North Star' by Direct Cars (7.77 million yen, only 7 units), the PLAT Model Dickies by Direct Cars (7.12 million yen, on sale until June 28, 2027), the 40th-anniversary ZiL(L) by Vantech (16 million yen, 40 units), the new NTB AOSAGI PREMIUM by Japan Special Body (12.98 million yen, co-developed with a popular YouTuber), and the SEEK PREMIUM by Route6 (5.3 million yen, featuring a new battery system).

A Fukushima TV survey found about 80% of pet owners prefer sleeping in their car during disaster evacuation. Experts advise training pets to crates, stocking 10 days of food, and guarding against heat as cabin temps can exceed 45°C.

A report has been published in Japan about a two-day motorhome trip with a dog from Fukuoka to Shimonoseki via the Kanmon Strait. The route included driving through the Kanmon Tunnel, visiting the pedestrian section of the tunnel, and the Karato market, where sushi festivals are held. The article describes the features of the Osteria motorhome, equipped with a kitchen and heating, as well as an overnight stay at the RV Park Smart campsite.

In Kumamoto Prefecture, where a magnitude 7 earthquake was recorded, about 3,800 people are still in evacuation centers. However, there are also those who cannot or will not go to shelters, staying at home or in their cars. Local authorities are urging such people via loudspeakers to use evacuation centers, but support is slow to reach them.