Difficulties of Car Evacuation 10 Years After Kumamoto Earthquake

The Kyushu Tourism Activation Consortium, together with the Saga International Balloon Fiesta organizing committee, will conduct a demonstration in 2026 allowing overnight stays in vehicles within the event venue. This year, in partnership with Venus Travel, a limited travel package combining ferry travel, car touring, and on-site vehicle overnight stays will be offered starting August 2026. The initiative aims to test whether such stays can be integrated into a broader travel product that attracts visitors from distant regions and encourages regional exploration. In 2025, 329 applications were received for 50 spots, indicating strong demand.

Kumamoto Prefecture has launched a telephone consultation service for evacuees living in vehicles after the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake. The hotline operates daily from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., staffed by nurses. The aim is to prevent deep vein thrombosis (economy class syndrome) and to better understand the situation of vehicle-dwelling evacuees. The prefecture is also distributing leaflets with hotline numbers and nighttime medical facilities through police officers patrolling affected areas.

Nuts RV has unveiled the Aletta Evolution Type X, a compact camper built on the Toyota Camroad chassis. At 4.85 meters long, it offers up to five sleeping places and six seats, featuring a pull-out alcove bed (180×180 cm) and a rear bed (126×180 cm). Prices start at 10,050,000 yen (about 54,119 euros) for the rear-wheel-drive petrol version with automatic transmission and 132 hp; a diesel (144 hp) and 4x4 are optional.

Oka Motors from Takamatsu unveiled the electric camper Miniature Shimauser CP based on the Honda N-VAN e:. The model debuted at the Japan Camping Car Show 2025. It has a range of 245 km. The built-in DC12V air conditioner can run for up to 40 hours on the 29.6 kWh traction battery. The bed system accommodates three people.

The city of Munakata and the Japan RV Association (Yokohama) have signed an agreement on dispatching motorhomes during disasters. Under the agreement, the association will provide vehicles upon the city's request to supplement evacuation centers and rest areas for personnel. The agreement follows cooperation since 2021 at the 'Michinoeki Munakata' roadside station. Mayor Misako Izu and association president Kenji Araki signed the document in late July. This year's October event will focus on disaster preparedness.

Japanese company Towa Motors unveiled the Kleinare camper based on the Suzuki Every microvan. It features a sleeping area of 188×136 cm (up to 248 cm with an extra mattress), a 15-liter fridge with freezing down to -20°C, a microwave, a ceramic heater, and an air conditioning system powered by a 200 Ah lithium-ion battery. The price has not been announced yet.