Motorhomes to be used as temporary shelters for vulnerable people during disasters

Japanese actress Minako Tanaka, an official ambassador for the Japan RV Association, shared her experience of traveling by motorhome. Over five years, her family visited 46 prefectures in the country, saving on accommodation: an overnight stay at a dedicated RV park costs around 4,000 yen, compared to 60,000-70,000 yen for a hotel for four people.

Seibu Railway has introduced mobile rest areas using motorhomes to combat heatstroke among employees working outdoors during summer. A trial in summer 2025 used a Vantech Cordobanks motorhome for six people, equipped with air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a microwave. Positive employee feedback on improved comfort and work efficiency led to the decision for permanent implementation.

Japanese comedian and member of the group "Yasuda Daicircus" Hiro (age 49) has taken delivery of a new light van intended for vehicle overnight stays. The acquisition of a new vehicle for vanlife purposes became news due to his public profile.

The Carstay service provided four motorhomes as a mobile operations base for the organizers of the Rainbow Disco Club music festival in Higashiizu. The motorhomes were used from April 9 to 22, 2026, for staff accommodation, equipment storage, and as an office, solving logistics issues experienced in previous years.

Management company Con Spirito is expanding production and sales of trailer houses for investment purposes. The segment's revenue is projected to reach 20 billion yen by fiscal year 2025, a 2.9-fold increase from 2023. The company plans to boost output to 140 units next year, with each large model occupying 37 sq m and requiring three months for road transport permit processing.

Sleeping in vehicles is being reconsidered as an evacuation option during disasters. Following the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, which saw cases of deep vein thrombosis, experiments are being conducted on safely organizing such accommodations. The findings from these trials are being incorporated into national guidelines.