A young man who traveled around the country in a light van chose a vanette van when he got a job
On 6-7 April 2024, the “Japan’s largest collection of DIY Bongos in Minano Town in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture” (official name undecided) was held at the “Bokurano Minano Base” campsite. We spoke to the owner of a 2009 Nissan Vanette Van, which was one of the few entries.
“I’m glad I got a manual license on my parents’ advice!”
Hiroto Sugiyama has been traveling around Japan in a minivan since he was a student. Three years ago, he got a job and thought it would be a good time to change cars, and he was gathering information on regular one-box cars.
“I was looking for a car that would be more comfortable to stay in than the light van I had been driving, but smaller than a Hiace or Caravan, when I found out about the Vanette Van.”
However, the column shift of the AT models in this Bongo series was not to Sugiyama’s liking. On the other hand, the MT model’s shift stood up from the floor, a style he preferred.
“When I got my license, my parents told me that I should get a manual license, which was why I got a manual license in the first place, and it helped me when I chose this car. When I put up a tarp or set up my tools at the campsite, for example, I can push the car by simply releasing the side brake without starting the engine, which is also convenient when I want the car to be a little further back.”
Simple and beautiful interior finishes that showcase our attention to detail
After acquiring a Nissan Vanette van on a flea market app that met his requirements in terms of mileage and condition, Mr. Sugiyama immediately started to work on the interior to “traveling specifications”. The interior is simple and functional, with neat and well-concealed storage for personal items that he doesn’t want to show, making the interior feel like a living room.
“Now I finally feel satisfied with the interior, but this is the fifth form of the interior since I bought it three years ago, trying out different styles. There is another Bongo rider called ‘Nao’, and with her advice, I’ve finally achieved a finished product.”
The luggage space, an important living space in van life, is covered entirely in white wood, giving Sugiyama’s vanette a simple finish, but what makes it look even cleaner is the use of a method called “diagonal hammering”, in which the heads of the screws are hidden. It was the aforementioned “Nao”, who runs CouchWheels, a builder that supports the van-life lifestyle, who told us about this method of diagonal hammering, which not only makes the van look cleaner, but also keeps it stronger.
“I also added the exterior lines at the CouchWheels workshop. Even if you look at video sites, you can’t normally paint a car unless someone pushes you to do it. They held such workshops on a regular basis and were a strong ally.”
Sugiyama and his vanette van were completed with the help of friends who share the same hobby. They will continue to actively enjoy participating in events in the future.
translated by DeepL
