NTB has updated its compact camper van, adding a dedicated multipurpose room while keeping the vehicle under 16 feet long.
Japan has a thriving camper-van market, with the number of companies building recreational vehicles continuing to grow. One of the country's established manufacturers is Nippon Tokushu Body (NTB), which has recently unveiled an updated version of its Kagayaki Long camper, built on an Isuzu Travio chassis.
The Kagayaki Long rides on a purpose-built Isuzu Travio chassis designed specifically for camper applications. Power comes from a 1.9-liter diesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment also includes unintended-acceleration prevention, collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and driver-drowsiness monitoring systems.
The Kagayaki Long measures 16.2 feet in length, 6.3 feet in width, and 9.5 feet in height. The new version is about 2.8 inches longer than the regular Kagayaki, but it still stays under the 16.4-foot mark.
The biggest change is a separate multipurpose room. Its addition comes directly from requests made by existing Kagayaki owners who wanted dedicated space for a portable toilet. NTB expanded an area that was previously used as storage and converted it into a separate compartment.
The room can be accessed from inside the camper or directly through an exterior door in the cargo area. That arrangement allows the space to serve as additional storage while also making it easier to install and maintain a portable toilet.
The fixed bunk beds at the rear remain in place. Their dimensions are similar to those in the regular Kagayaki, although the width near the foot of the beds had to be reduced slightly to make room for the new compartment. Cargo space is located underneath the bunks, with access available from both outside and inside the camper.
Another update is a larger refrigerator. It's positioned to the left of the entrance, allowing occupants to access it from outside the vehicle while parked or preparing food outdoors.
The house electrical system has also received an upgrade. Instead of a 12-volt setup, the camper now uses a 24-volt, 200-Ah battery. That's equivalent to 400 Ah when calculated at 12 volts. The system can power more demanding electrical appliances and extends the amount of time the air conditioner can operate.
The interior retains its three-zone layout. The dining area occupies the front section, followed by the kitchen and multipurpose compartment, while the fixed bunk beds are positioned at the rear. The camper can accommodate up to six people for sleeping.
The dining area consists of two opposing benches with a table positioned between the second and third rows. When converted into a bed, the table is lowered, the cushions are placed over the seatbacks, and an additional mattress fills the aisle. The resulting sleeping area can accommodate two adults.
A folding bed is located above the cab. It measures approximately 6.5 feet long and 5.4 feet wide, while its base slides forward to increase the available sleeping area. Combined with the rear bunks, it can accommodate four or five people without having to convert the dining area.
The kitchen unit on the left side features an integrated sink with a glass cover. Water containers can be loaded and unloaded through the exterior cargo door. A microwave is built into the upper kitchen cabinets, with additional storage space beside it. A roof ventilation hatch is also fitted overhead.
A household-style air conditioner is mounted above the entrance and runs from the 24-volt battery system. The interior also features overhead storage compartments and warm-toned LED lighting, with additional illumination for individual areas.
The Kagayaki Long is priced at 10,516,515 yen, including taxes, in Japan, which works out to approximately $67,100 at current exchange rates.