Daihatsu Taft vs Suzuki Hustler: Which is better for car camping?

In April, the Japan Meteorological Agency officially designated days with temperatures of 40°C or higher as 'extreme heat days'. Amid record heat, with five consecutive such days observed for the first time, Camping Car Co. is offering air-conditioned motorhome rentals for construction sites. The service is available at approximately 40 locations nationwide at a corporate rate of 14,900 yen per day. This follows last June's revision of occupational safety rules requiring employers to implement heatstroke countermeasures.

MDN Madonna has unveiled a one-off camper based on the Toyota HiAce Super Long, named 'J'ai Euro Camper'. The vehicle features a full VOGUE aero kit and 19-inch Fabre Valone RM-6 wheels, while the interior is tailored for fishing: cabinets, sink, 1500W inverter, dual battery, 50L fridge, and T-REVO 900 seats. Rear window extension panels increase the bed width to 180 cm. Price is available on request.

Nitori has started selling a sleeping bag that can also be used as a cushion for 3,990 yen. The product has three modes: sleeping bag, blanket, and cushion. In sleeping bag mode, it measures 75×185 cm; in cushion mode, 45×45 cm. It features a carry handle, antibacterial deodorant treatment, and water-repellent finish. The manufacturer recommends it for camping, overnight stays in vehicles, and as an emergency item.

Japanese camping YouTuber MAE CAMP warns that tents are not comfortable in summer heat. Even well-ventilated models become stuffy in direct sunlight. He recommends using a tarp for shade, placing the tent in the shade, and spending daytime under the tarp.

Professional bass angler Hirotoshi Mizuno chose a Mitsubishi Triton pickup with an FT PORTER camper shell as his base for fishing and camping. The bed is equipped with a sink, gas stove, refrigerator, auxiliary battery, heater, and air conditioning. The truck rides on Toyo Open Country M/T tires. Mizuno previously owned an FJ Cruiser and Land Cruiser 80/100. The vehicle was shown at a Toyo Tires event on July 18, 2026, in Aichi Prefecture.

A survey of 2,297 evacuees from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake found that 47.2% spent the longest period in a car. The main reason, cited by 79.1%, was the belief that a car was safer due to ongoing aftershocks. Experts note that a car is not a suitable living space and can pose health risks, while also making it difficult for authorities to provide support. In June 2024, the national government revised its basic disaster prevention plan, recommending measures such as distributing compression stockings and having nurses patrol. However, only 30% of municipalities have implemented such measures, and a system to manage evacuee information is not yet in place.