Japan holds disaster drill for sleeping in cars

Toyota Mobility Kanagawa has introduced the Alto Piano Mini camper, built on the Toyota Pixis Van. The vehicle measures 3395×1475×1890 mm, allowing it to enter multi-storey car parks with height restrictions. The interior seats four and converts into a double bed measuring 1940×1200 mm. Three two-tone colour options are available, along with optional mosquito nets, sunshades and a portable EcoFlow Delta 2 power station.

Japanese idol and survival expert Kahonan Sabaidoru conducted a 72-hour experiment in overnight car camping without electricity, gas, or water. She highlighted three key points: ensuring comfortable sleep, creating privacy, and preparing for heat and cold. Recommendations include parking on level ground, using curtains or cardboard for windows, and carrying fans, cooling wipes, hand warmers, and portable power sources.

Recvee conducted a test in which a household air conditioner in a camper based on the Nissan Caravan ran continuously for 26 hours and 15 minutes. The test used the company's proprietary 300 Ah battery, with the refrigerator and lighting also operating. This is 3.3 times longer than in a similar 2020 test with lead-acid batteries. Compared to a standard lithium-ion camper battery, which provided 16 hours and 15 minutes of operation, the difference was 10 hours.

The Chikazawa Lace Shop from Motomachi is launching a mobile shop project, traveling across Japan in a caravan starting August 30. The first stop will be Omiya. A departure ceremony with a prayer for road safety was held on August 21 at Motomachi Itsukushima Shrine. The caravan, decorated in the brand's signature lace pattern, was built by Wayne's Toyota Kanagawa, with tires provided by Yokohama Rubber. Exclusive handkerchiefs and popular lace tote bags will be sold. The initiative marks the brand's 125th anniversary and aims to offer customers a shopping experience that cannot be replicated online. The main Motomachi store is temporarily operating from a different location due to renovations, with the reopening scheduled for September 9.

Japanese company Recvee has unveiled a camper based on the Nissan Caravan SL Camper Special Edition Wide Width. The 5230 mm vehicle features a bunk bed for four people, a kitchen, and an optional rear room. The All Season version with the bunk bed costs 8.2 million yen, while the base price is 6.7 million yen.

Ito City signed an agreement with the Japan RV Association to provide campers as temporary housing for support staff during large-scale disasters.