Japan holds evacuation drill in extreme heat with car sleeping

Japanese company PAPA BUILD has introduced the 'BASE+1' light camper, priced over 5 million yen, designed for travel with dogs. The model features a bright interior, quilted leather-like mattress, and climate control to protect pets from heatstroke during hot weather.

Gizmodo Japan has highlighted three items that improve the comfort of sleeping in a car. These include the Jackery SolarSaga 100 Prime portable solar panel for device charging, the SEIWA magnetic curtain for window privacy, and the Yamazen portable fridge-freezer. The solar panel mounts on a roof rack and charges a portable power station even while parked. The magnetic curtain installs without drilling and must be removed before driving. The fridge-freezer runs on household AC and a cigarette lighter socket, with a minimum temperature of -18 °C.

Japanese company Gordon Miller Motors, a division of Autobacs, introduced the GMLVAN V-01 based on the Toyota HiAce. The vehicle features a solid acacia wood interior, a four-mode convertible layout (living, bed, couch, luggage), and a sleeping area of 1400×2450 mm. Sales of the V-01 have tripled annually since 2019. Also available are the C-01 on the Nissan NV200 and the S-01 on the Daihatsu Hijet Cargo.

Chiba TV broadcast a report about a camper van trip through the mountainous areas of Nara Prefecture. During the day, travelers visit an onsen, and at night they sleep in the vehicle at a roadside station (Michi-no-Eki), enjoying the starry sky.

The Hokkaido Camping Car & Outdoor Show 2026 will take place on August 29–30 in Sapporo. Organised by the show committee with the Japan RV Association, Bushiroad Move, and Neo Project, the event at Access Sapporo will feature the latest and most popular camper models from across Japan for comparison and inspection.

A visitor intended a day trip to Mutsuyazaki Beach Auto Campground (Takashima, Shiga) but ended up staying overnight after securing a prime lakeside spot. Overnight fee is 2000 yen per person, day use 1500 yen. Facilities include cooking area, drinking water, and trash station; no showers. Toilets are bio-toilets; water may appear brownish due to system design. Weekdays recommended due to weekend crowds.