Japan and Ibaraki Prefecture Expand Disaster Support for Those Staying at Home or in Vehicles

A survey of 2,297 evacuees from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake found that 47.2% spent the longest period in a car. The main reason, cited by 79.1%, was the belief that a car was safer due to ongoing aftershocks. Experts note that a car is not a suitable living space and can pose health risks, while also making it difficult for authorities to provide support. In June 2024, the national government revised its basic disaster prevention plan, recommending measures such as distributing compression stockings and having nurses patrol. However, only 30% of municipalities have implemented such measures, and a system to manage evacuee information is not yet in place.

At the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026, held on July 11–12 at Tokyo Big Sight, DIRECT CARS exhibited a special camper version of the Toyota HiAce developed with tuning house WALD. Only five units will be produced. Pricing and specifications have not been disclosed.

On August 29-30, 2026, the PLACE in Nikoniko event at Nikoniko Campground (Kasama, Ibaraki) will feature the new air-frame tent HANARE. Discounts up to 50%, giveaways, and gifts for overnight guests.

Following the Kumamoto earthquakes in Japan, power and water outages persist, and damage to shelters has led to a surge in victims living in vehicles. As of July 30, about 10,000 people were in 400 official shelters, but the actual number of displaced is higher, with many sleeping in cars or yards. Experts warn of isolation and health risks for those in vehicles, urging authorities to conduct on-site visits and expand aid distribution.

An author with eight years of car-sleeping experience lists four items to beat summer heat. A Japanese outlet also tested budget heat gear from Muji and Nitori.

Gasoline shortages are spreading in Kumamoto Prefecture after a magnitude-7 earthquake on July 28. In hard-hit areas, queues of up to 1 km formed at gas stations on July 30. Widespread power outages have forced residents to sleep in cars with air conditioning, driving up fuel demand. Temperatures are forecast to approach 40°C from July 31. ENEOS resumed shipments from its Yatsushiro depot on July 31, but some storage facilities remain closed. Power supply is expected to be restored by the evening of July 31, though local line damage may persist.