A couple from Hokkaido, who experienced a massive power outage after the 2018 Iburi earthquake, bought a camper van and began a journey across Japan. They retired at 63 and ordered a specially equipped vehicle, using their severance pay.
The couple says the trip has brought them new friendships and freedom, but requires daily management of water, electricity and waste, which limits freedom yet brings new experiences. They plan to complete the trip in 10 years, not aiming to cover the entire map but to enjoy each place. They emphasize that the main point of the journey is not the number of places visited, but the encounters with people.