Aomori recruits participants for vehicle-sleeping trial to ease hotel shortage during Nebuta Festival

At the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026, held July 11–12, 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight, DIRECT CARS showcased a limited edition of 7 campers based on the Toyota Hiace, themed after the anime Fist of the North Star. The model is called 'Century-End Car Sleeping Legend: Fist of the North Star'.

Lawson, a Japanese convenience store chain, has introduced an overnight parking service at select locations. The fee is 2,500–3,000 yen per night, including electricity, restroom access, and trash bags. About 80% of users are retired couples aged 50 and above, and 30% bring pets. Cooking and tent setup are prohibited, which has prevented complaints from residents.

In Japan, convenience store parking lots are emerging as new spots for 'chabak' (car camping). 80% of users are retired couples aged 50 and over, choosing free overnight stays instead of hotels. Observers are watching whether this trend will spread to South Korea.

Japanese company MYS Mystic has introduced the second-generation compact motorhome Registro Owl, based on the Toyota TownAce Van. The vehicle measures 4700 mm in length, 1920 mm in width, and 2700 mm in height, with interior height increased by 150 mm to 1920 mm. It is powered by a 1.5-liter petrol engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The Registro Owl II seats six and sleeps five, with a starting price of 5.88 million yen in Japan. Standard equipment includes a microwave, a 49-liter refrigerator, and 100 V and 12 V outlets. Optional features include a roof-mounted air conditioner and a sodium-ion traction battery.

Sanpo, a real estate company based in Komagane, opened the 16-unit 'Trailer Hotel SP-BASE MINOWA' on October 24 along National Route 153 in Minowa, Nagano Prefecture. Targeting long-term business travelers, each compact unit is equipped with home appliances. Rates start at 7,900 yen per night.

At the West Japan Kei Truck Camper Festival 2026, a homemade camper based on a Daihatsu Hijet Truck was showcased. Owners Hiroshi and Megumi Ito from Kagoshima Prefecture installed a self-built folding triangular roof on the cargo bed, turning the vehicle into a mini-house. The structure uses an AFC body and provides sleeping space.