Hachioji City, Bellnet, and Japan Special Body Conclude Tripartite Agreement for Social Implementation of Phase-Free Certified Camper Vans

Japan Special Body Co., Ltd. has concluded an agreement with Hachioji City and Bellnet Co., Ltd. on April 24, 2026, regarding the "Provision of Camper Vans and Promotion of Phase-Free Awareness Activities."

This agreement aims to utilize phase-free certified camper vans during disasters and simultaneously promote awareness activities during normal times, initiating the "Hachioji Model" that connects disaster response with everyday use.

This is the first initiative nationwide that combines the provision of phase-free certified camper vans with awareness-raising activities.

Tripartite Agreement Signing Ceremony (Left: Hachioji City Mayor Hatsushuku, Center: Bellnet Representative Director Suzuki, Right: NTB Representative Director Hachiya)

Phase-Free Mobility Special Site: https://ntbcamp.co.jp/striker-phasefree/

■ Comments on the Agreement Signing Ceremony

Hachioji City Mayor Kazuo Hatsushuku's Comment:

"The phase-free concept, which utilizes everyday items in emergencies, is highly compatible with city administration and a crucial perspective. We feel great significance in this new resource, the camper van, not only serving in disasters but also contributing to raising citizens' disaster awareness in normal times. We look forward to the initiatives at Lots Hachioji, opening in June, and intend to continue working together."

Bellnet Co., Ltd. Representative Director Kazuhiro Suzuki's Comment:

"In addition to providing support vehicles during disasters, we want to expand opportunities for people to enjoy and experience the phase-free concept in normal times. Starting from Lots Hachioji, we hope to nurture this initiative into an 'Hachioji Model' that can be rolled out nationwide."

Japan Special Body Co., Ltd. Representative Director Shingo Hachiya's Comment:

"Our goal is to spread mobility that is easy for anyone to use and helpful in both normal and emergency situations. Through this agreement, we aim to further advance the social implementation of phase-free mobility."

■ Background of the Agreement

In recent years, with the intensification and frequent occurrence of natural disasters, there has been a growing need for flexible support measures to supplement evacuation center functions. Camper vans, as 'mobile living spaces' equipped with power, communication, and living functions, are expected to serve as temporary living bases and support activity hubs during disasters.

Japan Special Body views such vehicles as 'social infrastructure mobility' and has been exploring their potential. In particular, "EXPEDITION STRIKER" and "KAGAYAKI" are phase-free certified models, highly regarded for balancing everyday comfort with emergency response capabilities.

Against this background, this agreement involves the three parties collaborating to create a system that integrates the provision of vehicles during disasters with awareness-raising activities in normal times.

■ What is the "Hachioji Model"?

The characteristic of this initiative is that it is not merely a disaster agreement, but rather:

1. Phase-free awareness promotion in normal times

2. Provision of mobility during disasters

3. Social implementation utilizing regional hubs

These three aspects are advanced in an integrated manner.

The "Lots" facility, opening at Aeon Hachioji Takiyama in June 2026, will also be utilized as a regional contact point. Through the first permanent phase-free certified product corner, among other things, the initiative aims to create opportunities for citizens to regularly experience the potential of phase-free concepts and camper vans. This model, connecting normal times and emergencies, will be promoted as the "Hachioji Model."

■ Main Initiatives

Based on this agreement, the three parties will promote the following initiatives:

* Priority provision of camper vans during disasters
* Utilization of vehicles as evacuation center supplements and on-site support bases
* Implementation of disaster prevention drills in normal times
* Creation of disaster prevention and mitigation experiences utilizing camper vans
* Promotion of phase-free awareness and social implementation

Furthermore, through citizen-participatory events, the aim is to foster an awareness that disaster prevention is not "something special" but an "extension of daily life."

■ Role of Japan Special Body

Japan Special Body, leveraging its design and manufacturing technologies cultivated as a specialized vehicle manufacturer, will be responsible for providing mobility that contributes to disaster response.

In addition to technical elements such as habitability, power supply, and insulation performance, we will embody the phase-free philosophy of "popularizing vehicles useful in emergencies during normal times," including user-friendly operability and safety.

Moreover, the knowledge gained from this agreement will be fed back into future product development, advancing the sophistication of mobility contributing to disaster prevention and mitigation, and further expanding the potential of utilizing mobility as social infrastructure.

■ Future Outlook

Starting with this agreement, our company will position camper vans not just for leisure but as social infrastructure, working to create new value. In the future, we will expand cooperation with local governments and private companies, promoting regional disaster prevention, creating related populations, and disaster education.