Interest in camper vans is growing in Japan, mainly among retired people. Owners use them for trips without fixed transport schedules and as temporary accommodation during earthquakes and heavy rain. Sapporo resident Shunichi Minabe, 69, and his 68-year-old wife travel by camper van around Kyushu for about two and a half months each year starting in March; this year is their fifth trip. Camper vans are also available for rental.