Honda unveils compact travel trailer for city dwellers

Direct Cars presented a limited-edition camper based on the Daihatsu Hijet Truck, developed in collaboration with workwear brand Dickies, at the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026. The vehicle seats four, includes a kitchen, refrigerator, air conditioner, 200 Ah lithium-ion battery, and 2000 W inverter. Sales are limited until June 28, 2027.

The Japan RV Association has certified 32 new 'RV Park' overnight parking facilities as of the end of July. Of these, 23 are 'Convenience RV Parks' located at Lawson parking lots. The remaining nine include 'RV Park Shodoshima Daikanon' in Kagawa Prefecture, where visitors can tour the inside of a Kannon statue, and 'Tamagawa Gorge RV Park' in Wakayama Prefecture, situated along a river. The total number of such sites across Japan now stands at 676.

Actress Ai Tensho, eldest daughter of actor Fujioka Hiroshi, reported her appearance on the BS Asahi program 'KINCHO presents Natsu nandesu' aired on August 15. On Instagram, she posted family photos, saying they traveled in their own camper using knives and belts inherited from her father, and also visited a ryokan that served as a model for a famous work.

At the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026, Smile Factory presented the Off Time Traveler 3 based on the Suzuki Every. The vehicle features a main bed measuring 1800×1200 mm and a loft bed of 900×1200 mm, which can serve as a child's bed or storage space. The base price is 3,039,000 yen, while the display model costs 3,237,000 yen.

ATV Gunma, a camper builder in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, has released the RS1+, a kei-class camper based on the Suzuki Every Wagon. The vehicle uses a passenger car platform with a turbo engine, power sliding doors, and 14-inch alloy wheels, improving ride comfort and sound insulation over commercial vans. It features a bed mattress system equivalent to high-end models, providing a 180 cm by 120 cm sleeping area. A roof box and folding step solve storage issues, and a 15.6-inch flip-down monitor is optional. The purchase plan starts at 11,000 yen per month with zero down payment and 4WD availability.

Japanese convenience store chain Lawson has begun full-scale provision of an overnight car parking service at its store parking lots. The service targets travelers during holidays and is offered at 2,500–3,000 yen per night. Benefits include access to restrooms, power supply, and the ability to purchase food. The company plans to expand the service to 70 stores within the current fiscal year.