Japan begins overnight stays in trailers at roadside station

Direct Cars presented a limited-edition camper based on the Daihatsu Hijet Truck, developed in collaboration with workwear brand Dickies, at the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026. The vehicle seats four, includes a kitchen, refrigerator, air conditioner, 200 Ah lithium-ion battery, and 2000 W inverter. Sales are limited until June 28, 2027.

Towa Motors has updated its Buddy 108 mini motorhome, built on the Hijet truck platform. The model now features a DC air conditioning system while retaining its compact dimensions and pop-up roof. It seats four people, is available in two layouts (Type S and Type L), and includes an auxiliary battery. The price in Japan is 5,560,500 yen.

The Japan RV Association has certified 32 new 'RV Park' overnight parking facilities as of the end of July. Of these, 23 are 'Convenience RV Parks' located at Lawson parking lots. The remaining nine include 'RV Park Shodoshima Daikanon' in Kagawa Prefecture, where visitors can tour the inside of a Kannon statue, and 'Tamagawa Gorge RV Park' in Wakayama Prefecture, situated along a river. The total number of such sites across Japan now stands at 676.

Actress Ai Tensho, eldest daughter of actor Fujioka Hiroshi, reported her appearance on the BS Asahi program 'KINCHO presents Natsu nandesu' aired on August 15. On Instagram, she posted family photos, saying they traveled in their own camper using knives and belts inherited from her father, and also visited a ryokan that served as a model for a famous work.

ATV Gunma, a camper builder in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, has released the RS1+, a kei-class camper based on the Suzuki Every Wagon. The vehicle uses a passenger car platform with a turbo engine, power sliding doors, and 14-inch alloy wheels, improving ride comfort and sound insulation over commercial vans. It features a bed mattress system equivalent to high-end models, providing a 180 cm by 120 cm sleeping area. A roof box and folding step solve storage issues, and a 15.6-inch flip-down monitor is optional. The purchase plan starts at 11,000 yen per month with zero down payment and 4WD availability.

Smile Factory unveiled the Off Time Traveler 3 based on Suzuki Every at Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026, featuring a two-tier sleeping layout with a loft for storage.