Safety tips for sleeping in cars during evacuation: economy class syndrome

Rocky 2 showcased its Mountain Village camper conversion of a popular minivan at the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026. The vehicle is designed for both everyday driving and comfortable sleeping inside. The event took place on July 11–12, 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight.

Miri Kyodera, who survived the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and lived in a car with her dog for about two months, shared her experience of electricity shortage. She noted that food and water can be stockpiled or received as aid, but electricity does not arrive immediately during a blackout. In 2016, she bought an Anker PowerHouse portable power station and has been running a specialized blog on portable power since 2018, testing over 90 devices.

A day after a magnitude 7 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, the city of Yatsushiro (intensity 6+) reported numerous collapsed houses. Many residents are sleeping in cars due to the heat in evacuation centers without air conditioning. Roads near the epicenter are buckled, power and water are cut, and gas stations and convenience stores are closed. Authorities warn of heatstroke and economy class syndrome among those staying in vehicles.

Following a magnitude-7 earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture on April 28 (or August 28, per some sources), 8,698 people took refuge in 420 shelters. Some evacuees chose to sleep in cars despite health risks.

PAPA BUILD unveiled the 'Doggy' camper based on the Daihatsu Hijet Truck at the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026. It features an ultra-fast charging system and an optional monitoring camera for pets. Two interior layouts are available: L-type with a side sofa and S-type with a rear-facing seat.

Blogger Katō Yoshiya published guidelines for safe overnight stays in vehicles during summer disasters. Key points include strict heatstroke prevention using sunshades and air conditioning, prevention of economy class syndrome (thrombosis) through frequent leg movement and hydration, carbon monoxide poisoning prevention when idling the engine, proper sleeping posture with elevated feet, security and privacy measures (door locks, curtains), and choosing a safe parking spot away from flood zones, landslides, and direct sunlight.