RV Park Awaji Canvas Opens on Elevated Site in Awaji

The Midoriko Fureai Hiroba motorhome campsite in Nanbu, Tottori Prefecture, resumed operations on October 4 after a four-month suspension caused by the bankruptcy of its designated management company. The site is now run directly by the town and will be open only on weekends and holidays. It offers 24 powered pitches for motorhomes, six tent sites, and shower facilities. Last year it recorded 1,435 visitors, and 20 reservations have already been made through the end of October, mostly from the Kansai region. The town is considering whether to solicit a new designated manager for the next fiscal year.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has published recommendations for staying in vehicles during disasters. The guidance covers measures against heat and cold, prevention of economy-class syndrome, securing water and toilet facilities, choosing safe parking spots, and the importance of registering with local authorities. The agency advises preparing vehicles in advance, including storing water, blankets, and portable toilets, and checking fuel and battery levels.

Mitsubishi has unveiled the Delica Mini Active Camper concept at the Delica Festival, held alongside the Tokyo Motor Show. It is the first camper based on the Delica Mini, featuring an integrated pop-up roof that creates an additional sleeping area. The vehicle also includes an ARB awning, auxiliary lights, and underbody protection. The concept is based on a four-wheel-drive version, with a length of 3.4 meters and a 659 cc three-cylinder petrol engine producing between 51 and 63 hp. No production plans have been announced, but if built, it would likely be reserved for the Japanese market.

Actress Minako Tanaka, 58, posted on Instagram that she drove her camper to the Omagari fireworks festival in Akita Prefecture. She shared photos from behind the wheel and said traveling by RV was a new experience for her. Fans responded with comments such as "Cool" and "It suits you well."

Japan RV Association certified 12 new RV parks by end of August, bringing total to over 686. New sites include ocean-view baths, glass workshops, and rural landscapes.

At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, Toyota presented the Daihatsu Kayoibako-K concept, a compact kei van under 340 cm in length that seats up to four people. The model evolves the 2023 Kayoibako concept and serves both commercial purposes (deliveries, mobile retail) and leisure: the modular interior can carry sports gear or a roof tent. The vehicle features autonomous driving capabilities, including self-driving to the owner and returning to a parking spot. Toyota plans a family of modular vans, with smaller models sold under the Daihatsu brand and larger ones under Toyota.