Don Quijote and Workman: New Gear for Vanlife and Camping

Kumamoto City is considering closing designated car-sleeping evacuation sites after low usage during recent earthquakes. Despite guidelines established in spring, evacuees concentrated in facilities within their living areas rather than the designated spots. The city plans to review its response.

The article, based on experience with the Toyota Yaris, explains how to set up a sleeping area in a compact car. By folding the rear seats and using diagonal space, you can create a bed about 195 cm long. It recommends using leveling mats to smooth out height differences and sunshades for privacy. For temperature control, proper ventilation and heaters powered by a portable power station are advised.

In the Kumamoto earthquake zone, record heat of 40.3°C was recorded, the first extreme heat day. A woman in her 70s who stayed overnight in a car died of suspected heatstroke, possibly the first quake-related death. Experts advise placing sunshades outside the vehicle, using external air circulation, and drinking water with a pinch of salt to reduce bathroom trips.

Nissan has introduced the Interstar-e Camper, a fully electric camper van designed for long-distance travel and camping. The vehicle features a sleeping area, a kitchen with a stove, sink and refrigerator, and an onboard power supply system. It offers a sufficient driving range and supports DC fast charging. The model targets the growing market for electric recreational vehicles.

A free summer campsite for tourists participating as haneto dancers has opened in Aomori, where the Nebuta Festival began on August 2. The campsite is located on municipal land about 3 km from the central festival venue and will operate until August 8. This year, the city has installed barriers around bushes as a bear countermeasure. Visitors arriving by motorcycle form a self-governing organization and use 'camper names' to communicate.

The author, an astronomy and camping enthusiast, purchased three titanium items for making coffee on the road: a filter, a kettle, and an alcohol stove from TITAN MANIA. He notes that titanium is lightweight, durable, and does not affect the taste of the drink. The entire kit fits compactly into a pouch that can be stored in a camera bag. The author also warns to use the alcohol stove only outdoors due to risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire.