Japan Tightens Oversight on Overloaded Trailers and Special Vehicles

At the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026, held July 11–12 at Tokyo Big Sight, 238 campers and sleep-capable vehicles were displayed. Organizers noted growing interest from casual users rather than just enthusiasts. Exhibits included models based on the Mitsubishi Delica D:5 and Suzuki Jimny Nomad with pop-up roofs, designed for daily driving and short trips.

At the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026, Direct Cars (Mie Prefecture) presented a special version of the Toyota HiAce called the 'Miyabi-Quint'. Based on the 10-seat HiAce Wagon GL (2.7L petrol, 2WD), it was converted into a 5-seat camper. With an optional pop-up roof (1.65 million yen), the vehicle offers two sleeping levels for four adults. The base price starts at 6.05 million yen; the fully optioned show car was priced at 9,338,900 yen. The vehicle is registered as a passenger car (3-number plate), not as a camper (8-number plate).

A car camping festival took place on January 4–5, 2026, at the Merkari Stadium in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture. Co-hosted by the Kashima Antlers football club and car dealership Charisma Japan, the event featured vehicle displays, yoga sessions, and overnight stays in cars.

Camper Atsugi unveiled the Grand Puppy Atlas SG at the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026, based on the Nissan Atlas (Isuzu Elf Mio OEM). The compact motorhome measures 4970 mm by 1740 mm, seats 7, sleeps 6, and can be driven with a standard license. Prices start at 12,892,000 yen for 2WD and 13,398,000 yen for 4WD.

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'.

Japanese company Camper Atsugi has introduced the Grand Puppy Atlas SG camper based on the Nissan Atlas truck. The rear-wheel-drive version costs about $78,700, while the all-wheel-drive version is $81,800. The vehicle is 4,970 mm long and 1,740 mm wide. The interior offers seven seats and six berths: a lower bed measuring 1,830x1,640 mm for three people and an overhead sleeping area 1,900 mm long. At the rear, there is a kitchen unit with a sink, a 65-litre refrigerator, and storage compartments. Standard equipment includes three auxiliary batteries, an independent heater, air conditioning, an inverter, and a charging system while driving. The vehicle is powered by a 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive or part-time all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive option costs about $3,100.