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Using RVs for Disaster Response and Promoting Phase-Free Technology | Hachioji City, Bellnet, and Nippon Tokushu Body Sign a Three-Party Agreement

2026.04.28

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On April 24, 2026, Bellnet Ltd. entered into an “Agreement on the Provision of Camper Vans and Other Vehicles and Awareness-Raising Activities for Phase-Free” with Hachioji City and Nippon Tokushu Body Co., Ltd.

This agreement aims to establish the “Hachioji Model,” which bridges disaster preparedness and everyday life by combining the use of recreational vehicles during disasters with public awareness and promotion efforts during normal times.

Furthermore, according to our research, this is the first agreement in Japan to combine the provision of Phase-Free-certified motorhomes with public awareness and promotion activities.

■ Comments at the Agreement Signing Ceremony

Comment by Kazuo Hatsushuku, Mayor of Hachioji

"The 'phase-free' concept—which involves applying everyday practices to emergency situations—is highly compatible with municipal governance and represents an important perspective. I expect this agreement to contribute to raising citizens' awareness of disaster preparedness."

Comment by Shingo Hachiya, Representative Director of Nippon Tokushu Body Co., Ltd.

"It is important to promote the widespread adoption of mobility solutions that are easy for everyone to use and that are useful in both normal and emergency situations. We hope to advance the implementation of these solutions in society through this agreement."

Comment by Kazuhiro Suzuki, Representative Director of Bellnet, Ltd.

"We want to do more than just provide vehicles during disasters; we also want to expand opportunities for people to experience Phase-Free in a fun way during normal times. Starting with Lots Hachioji, we hope to develop this initiative into a 'Hachioji Model' that can be rolled out nationwide."

■ Background and Purpose of the Agreement

In recent years, amid frequent large-scale disasters such as earthquakes, windstorms, and floods, there has been a growing need to secure flexible and responsive support measures in addition to the conventional management of evacuation shelters.

Under this agreement, we will establish a system to quickly provide Hachioji City with motorhomes and other vehicles owned by Bellnet and Nippon Tokushu Body in the event of a disaster or when there is a risk of one occurring.

We will also work to promote the “phase-free” concept—which “seamlessly connects everyday life with emergency situations”—to society through disaster preparedness drills and hands-on experiences conducted on a regular basis.

Furthermore, this initiative also aims to collaborate with community hubs within Hachioji City.

A facility operated by Bellnet within Aeon Hachioji Takiyama By utilizing facilities such as “Lots” (opening in June 2026) within Aeon Hachioji Takiyama, which is operated by Vernet, we aim to create opportunities for citizens to learn about the “phase-free” concept, related products, and the potential of camper vans during normal times, and to provide flexible support as a private-sector operator with ties to the local community in the event of an emergency.

■ What Is the “Hachioji Model”?

A key feature of the agreement is that it goes beyond a mere disaster relief agreement to comprehensively promote public awareness and outreach during peacetime, foster community ties, and ensure readiness for emergencies.

The “Hachioji Model” is an initiative in which Hachioji City, Bellnet, and Nippon Tokushu Body are collaborating to concretely implement the “Phase-Free” concept in society by simultaneously fostering community connections within the region and promoting the use of vehicles to support disaster response efforts.

In the Hachioji Model,

1. Phase-Free Awareness and Promotion During Normal Times
2. Providing Mobility During Disasters
3. Social Implementation Leveraging Regional Hubs

We will work toward this.

■ Main Areas of Collaboration

Under this agreement, the three parties will promote the following initiatives.

1.  Priority Provision of Recreational Vehicles and Related Equipment During Disasters
2.  Using Vehicles as Evacuation Shelters and Disaster Relief Hubs
3.  Conducting Disaster Preparedness Drills During Normal Times
4.  Holding a Disaster Preparedness Experience Event Using a Camper Van
5.  Promoting Phase-Free Awareness and Outreach Activities for the Public 

In particular, motorhomes—as “mobile living spaces”—are expected to serve as a new disaster preparedness resource, both in terms of ensuring privacy and as a measure against infectious diseases.

■ Bellnet's Role and Strengths

Bellnet is distinguished by its ability to leverage the vehicle management expertise and operational flexibility it has cultivated through its campervan rental business, while also utilizing its regional hubs, “Lots,” to create opportunities for daily interaction with customers.

In addition, we have established a system to provide free assistance to the extent possible in the event of a disaster, in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

In addition, at “Lots,” which is set to open at Aeon Hachioji Takiyama, we will serve as a hub for fostering everyday connections with the community. We will work to disseminate information to local residents and create opportunities for them to experience our services, thereby promoting understanding of Phase-Free and supporting its implementation in society.

■ Future Outlook

Through this agreement, the three parties will work to enhance regional disaster preparedness and aim to implement the new concept of “phase-free” in society.

Going forward, we will expand our efforts to raise disaster preparedness awareness in daily life, while also exploring opportunities for collaboration with local residents, businesses, and educational institutions.

By refining our initiatives in Hachioji as a pilot project, we will promote them as the “Hachioji Model,” which demonstrates how to achieve phase-free adoption and disaster response by leveraging regional hubs.

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