2025 Domestic Camper Van Ownership in Japan Reaches 173,000!

The Japan Recreational Vehicle Association (JRVA; Chairman: Kenji Araki; Location: Yokohama, Kanagawa) has published the 'JRVA Annual Report 2025,' which summarizes industry trends based on surveys of member manufacturers, dealers, and users nationwide. Domestic camper van ownership has continued to rise since the survey began, exceeding 150,000 in 2013 and reaching 173,000 in 2025, an increase of 8,000 from the previous year. Beyond being a means of transport, interest is growing in diverse applications such as new forms of leisure, emergency housing during disasters, and mobile offices for remote work, suggesting that the camper van culture is permeating new lifestyles. Looking globally, Germany, which has a land area similar to Japan, has approximately 1.6 million camper vans—about 10 times that of Japan—indicating significant potential demand. The domestic market is expected to continue growing. However, total sales for 2025 reached approximately 91.7 billion yen (81.4% of the previous year), showing a downward trend. The primary reason for this was the insufficient supply of base vehicles. Production also fell to 7,727 units (81% of the previous year), marking the second consecutive year of decline due to delays or lack of deliveries from automakers. Regarding usage, owners report increased opportunities to go out, lowering the barrier to travel and fostering more active lifestyles. Among families, 67.9% noted 'opportunities to share excitement' and 62.5% reported 'deepened family bonds.' About 80% of owners use their vehicles for travel, with 70% taking trips of two nights or more. Average travel expenditure is mostly between 30,000 and 60,000 yen, as savings on accommodation costs are redirected toward dining and sightseeing.