New JINKU camper: high insulation and affordable price without pop-up roof

Direct Cars Atsugi (ATSUGI BASE) is holding a two-week event for its 5th anniversary. Visitors can expect gifts, discounts, and raffles, plus four models from the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026.

Japan's Toy Factory launched a bed kit for the Kia PV5 Passenger, adding a full double bed and storage without a full camper build. The kit includes a 1850x1400 mm sleeping platform, accessible cargo space underneath, and the option to keep one seat raised. Prices in Japan start at 330,000 yen for fabric trim and 341,000 yen for premium suede. The kit will be shown on July 11–12 at the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026.

Honda Access, the developer of genuine Honda accessories, conducted a survey of 1,000 drivers aged 20–69 in September 2025 and released the '2025 Autumn Leisure and Car Sleeping Survey' in fall 2025. The survey found that about 28% of respondents (278 people) had experience sleeping in their car. Among them, 42% had done so 1–2 times, and 21% had done so more than 10 times. At the 'Outdoor Experience Photo Session' event, the company also showcased a conversion of the compact minivan Freed Crosstar (5-seater) for two adults, turning the vehicle into a home theater.

Nakamura Shido, a kabuki actor, attended the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026 on March 12. He shared that his motorhome serves not only for family trips but also as a dressing room backstage at the Kabukiza theatre when space is limited. Shido also received the 14th Camping Car Award for his active motorhome lifestyle.

Japanese company Direct Cars unveiled the DC EVLIFE, a camper based on the Kia PV5 Passenger, at the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2026. The vehicle features a sleep module, LED lighting, USB-C ports, AC100V outlets, and an AC-DC converter. It has two sleeping spots, suitable for a couple or a family with one child. The electric platform allows quiet operation and powering external devices without running a diesel engine. Direct Cars plans to expand Kia PBV dealer points, including Suzuka, Atsugi, and Fukuoka-Higashi.

In Japan, as hotel prices rise, camper rentals are gaining popularity. Camping Lab in Sapporo offers the 'Serengeti' vehicle for 19,580 yen per two nights, which, when shared by seven people, costs under 3,000 yen per person. The rental includes free use of folding furniture and cheap lantern rental.