Four items that make sleeping in a car more comfortable

Oka Motors from Takamatsu unveiled the electric camper Miniature Shimauser CP based on the Honda N-VAN e:. The model debuted at the Japan Camping Car Show 2025. It has a range of 245 km. The built-in DC12V air conditioner can run for up to 40 hours on the 29.6 kWh traction battery. The bed system accommodates three people.

The city of Munakata and the Japan RV Association (Yokohama) have signed an agreement on dispatching motorhomes during disasters. Under the agreement, the association will provide vehicles upon the city's request to supplement evacuation centers and rest areas for personnel. The agreement follows cooperation since 2021 at the 'Michinoeki Munakata' roadside station. Mayor Misako Izu and association president Kenji Araki signed the document in late July. This year's October event will focus on disaster preparedness.

Japanese company Towa Motors unveiled the Kleinare camper based on the Suzuki Every microvan. It features a sleeping area of 188×136 cm (up to 248 cm with an extra mattress), a 15-liter fridge with freezing down to -20°C, a microwave, a ceramic heater, and an air conditioning system powered by a 200 Ah lithium-ion battery. The price has not been announced yet.

The Midorigaoka Forest Park Campground in Nakashibetsu, Hokkaido, has begun full operations after a large-scale renovation. The site now offers 14 powered auto campsites, free auto sites, dedicated overnight parking for camper vans, rider sites, and bungalows. Sanitary facilities have been upgraded with showers and laundry. The campground is now managed by the operator of the popular Fukuro no Keikoku campground in Abashiri. The season runs through October 31.

The campground at Ono Gokurakuji Park (Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture) will host trial overnight stays from September 18-23, September 25-27, and November 20-23. Rates range from 4,000 to 6,000 yen per site, with dog-friendly sites available (up to two dogs per site). Reservations are accepted by phone starting September 1.

The Kyushu Tourism Activation Consortium has launched a project to test a new stay model in northern Okinawa, combining car camping, camper van rentals, and local experiences. The project started in July 2026, with testing scheduled to begin after November 2026. The first phase will focus on Nakijin Village and Kouri Island, establishing a base for car camping and camper van rentals. The second phase will cover Iheya Island, and the third phase will expand to Kunigami, Ogimi, Higashi, and Ginoza villages. The goal is to extend tourist stays and promote dual-location living.