Former Line Yahoo chairman quits, takes camper van trip to launch new startup

Daigo and Ayaka Tsuji, former owners of a popular bakery in Sapporo, will pre-open the campsite "PIMS OTARU" in the Momonai area of Otaru, Hokkaido. The pre-opening is scheduled for August 1, with a full opening on April 15 next year. The campsite will accommodate up to 5 groups per day and features tent sites, forest trails, a barrel sauna, and a trailer tent. The couple sold their bakery business in June last year and spent a year clearing a 10-hectare abandoned plot. Due to delays in container toilet delivery caused by the Middle East situation, the pre-opening was postponed by one month. Bear attacks occurred in the area last year, so local hunters will patrol the campsite.

SEIWA has released magnetic curtains that attach to the metal frames of car windows. Installation takes a few minutes, removal takes one second per curtain. The product leaves no residue after removal and is suitable for camping or short naps in the vehicle. Various sizes are available; buyers should check if the magnet sticks to their car's window frame before purchasing.

Japanese builder Nuts RV released the 'Leak III EVOLITE' based on the Toyota HiAce Super Long. The camper features a household air conditioner and a proprietary 'Evolite' fast charging system that replenishes the battery in 4–8 hours of driving after a night of AC use. The vehicle uses 'Airforia' polyurethane insulation and has FASP multi-function seats that convert into a dinette and a flat bed.

On July 11–12, 2026, the Tokyo Camper Show 2026 was held at Tokyo Big Sight, organized by JRVA. 74 companies displayed 238 motorhomes and travel trailers. Highlights included HiAce-based camper vans (despite ongoing supply shortages), Fiat Ducato-based models, and the first Japanese debut of an EV camper van based on the Kia PV5. Light camper vans based on Suzuki Every and Daihatsu Hijet also drew strong interest.

Yamazen will start pre-selling the COALAN CL-725 outdoor carbon monoxide alarm for tents and car interiors on July 21 via the Makuake crowdfunding platform at 15,345 yen. The device runs on a built-in lithium battery lasting six years and alerts users with voice and LED flashes when CO levels reach 25 ppm for 15 minutes or exceed 100 ppm. It features IP54 dust/water resistance, a shock-absorbing rubber guard, and a test mode that triggers at 50 ppm.

Honda Access unveiled a Stepwgn minivan version for overnight stays and remote work. It features a sleeping area over 2 m long, a fold-out laptop table, and a 15.6-inch monitor.