JP STAR unveils HAPPY1+City Turbo kei camper with pop-up roof and turbo engine

Elm Stay Takaoka, a hotel made of 20 trailer homes, will open on July 3 on the grounds of Iruka Kotsu bus company in Takaoka. Rooms of 16 sq m cost from 5,500 yen per night.

Kyokuto Kaihatsu Kogyo has released a detachable body vehicle, the 'front-hook roll-off full trailer', enabling container exchange from the front. Compared to the conventional model, the working space during loading and unloading is reduced by approximately 60%, improving operability in confined sites. The price excluding tax is 8.76 million yen for the tractor (excluding chassis) and 13.1 million yen for the trailer. The company aims to sell 15 sets annually.

A Japanese company unveiled a camper based on the Daihatsu Atray with a mountain cabin-style interior. The model features a convertible layout and sleeping space. Prices start at 2 million yen (approx. $13,300).

Tory, a video creator running the YouTube channel Tory Delury, has built a workspace in his camper van that deploys in just three seconds. He used a GEEKOM AX8 Max Mini PC, a portable monitor attached to a drawer with heavy-duty Velcro, and wireless peripherals. An initial plan for three monitors was abandoned due to setup complexity and information overload. The key takeaway: in a confined space, simplicity and ease of daily use matter more than feature count.

BRAVO MOUNTAIN has published recommendations for sleeping in a car during rainy weather. Key issues include condensation, dampness, and noise. Proper interior layout is highlighted as the main solution.

Model Shiho Takechi, who moved from Tokyo to Okinawa after childbirth, shared her experience of a first camper van trip in Hokkaido with her five-year-old twins and sister. The trip took place on her 41st birthday. The itinerary was flexible, based on weather and mood, including a visit to the Blue Pond. The return flight was canceled due to a typhoon, forcing last-minute changes.