Japanese firm Direct Cars launches Ninja camper van based on Toyota Camroad

One-way motorhome rentals by foreign tourists in Japan have increased approximately 3.5 times compared to the previous year. Japan Camping Car Rental Center has strengthened its Tokyo-Hiroshima route and reopened its Hiroshima branch on February 18, 2026, to accommodate the growing demand for long-distance, inter-city travel.

The Suzuki Every minivan is gaining traction as a base vehicle for conversion into a light camper van. The model is noted for its easy entry and exit, as well as top-class payload capacity in its segment. This positions it as a practical choice for building a compact camper.

At the Japan Camping Car Show 2026 in Makuhari, LAC Holdings unveiled two prototype electric motorhomes, the LAC EV CAMPER. Based on the Kia PV5, the models feature a 71.2 kWh battery with a range of approximately 520 km and a 1500 W outlet for unrestricted use of household appliances.

A demo version of Outbound, a multiplayer slow-life camper van adventure game, has been released on Steam. The demo features one of four planned biomes and offers about three hours of gameplay for up to four players. The full version is scheduled for release in Q2 2026 and will also be available on consoles.

Japanese tuner Direct Cars has unveiled the Dune Rover camper van, based on the Daihatsu Hijet Kei mini-truck. The 3.4-meter-long vehicle features two double beds, a mini-kitchen, and air conditioning, but lacks a toilet. The base price starts at 32,100 euros.

Japanese outdoor blogger Genya Films outlined the main advantages of vanlife for newcomers. The list highlights travel freedom, major savings on accommodation, proximity to nature, the ability to create a comfortable sleeping space, and a lower barrier to entry compared to traditional tent camping.