JP STAR (Moon Star Export), a manufacturer and retailer of camper vans, unveiled a concept model of the “HAPPY1+City Turbo”—a turbo-powered kei camper van equipped with a pop-up roof—at the TOKYO OUTDOOR SHOW 2026 (Makuhari Messe).
The company has been marketing the “HAPPY1” series of cab-conversion-style camper vans based on the Daihatsu Hijet, but because the 660cc engine is somewhat underpowered for such a heavy body, the vehicles have faced challenges with hill-climbing performance.
Consequently, in 2025, the company launched the “HAPPY1 Turbo,” based on the turbocharged Atrey. While this addressed concerns regarding driving performance, the vehicle could not fit into multi-story parking garages in urban areas with height restrictions, so there was a strong demand for a model with a pop-up roof.
The concept model unveiled this time is based on the Atrey, just like the HAPPY1 Turbo, but features a pop-up roof that keeps its height to approximately 2 meters. Because it features a pop-up roof, some equipment—such as storage compartments—has been omitted; however, it retains the basic features of the HAPPY1 Turbo while incorporating minor specification changes.
Although the price and release date have not yet been determined, the company plans to gather feedback through exhibitions at various events and continue making improvements in preparation for the launch.
In addition, a prototype of the diesel version of the “DISCOVERY 1”—based on Toyota’s Camroad—is also on display, though its price and release date have not yet been determined.
© Source travel watch