Japanese television personality Imoto Ayako has recently shared how the purchase of her new Toyota Hiace van has transformed her daily life, allowing her to blend relaxation with family activities. The popular host, known for her role as the chief editor of the web magazine 'Yokan Biyori' and her YouTube channel 'Yokan Biyori Channel by Imoto Ayako,' celebrated this new chapter during her participation at the Japan Camping Car Show 2025.
Imoto revealed the story of acquiring the customized van, known as the GORDON MILLER MOTORS ‘GMLVAN V-01,’ which she showcased on her YouTube channel last November. During the event, she appeared on stage to address the audience, who greeted her with enthusiastic cheers, showcasing her popularity.
Speaking with moderator Yoshinari Tsuji, Imoto conveyed the joy and novelty of her experience owning the vehicle. “This van has not only become my prized possession but also my new companion for various family outings,” she stated. She shared how her new vehicle has seamlessly fit its way not just for fun but also daily routines, emphasizing its practicality.
One of her favorite activities includes utilizing the van for short trips with her family, particularly taking her son to preschool. "I find myself taking him back and forth every day, and it’s been fantastic!" she shared. Despite initially feeling intimidated by the vehicle's size, Imoto remarked on the comfort it provides, allowing her to carry out everyday errands with ease.
She particularly recalled a moment when she and her family parked the Hiace at the seaside parking lot of Shichirigahama beach. "I found relaxation just by drinking coffee after parking at the Shichirigahama beach parking lot, which was quite luxurious!" she said, evoking smiles from her listeners.
For Imoto, simple moments like enjoying coffee at beachside parking and indulging in takeaway meals transformed mundane outings. She described how, even without going on actual camping trips, the atmosphere created by stopping at such locations provides rich experiences. “It’s great to think of mundane parking lots as settings of joy and comfort—that's something unique,” she expressed with delight.
Imoto emphasized how her new lifestyle, enriched by the adventures offered by the van, has helped her appreciate life’s little pleasures. With her vehicle parked conveniently, she can explore various supermarkets and engage with the outdoors effectively, benefiting both her family adventures and her own peace of mind.
Her experiences reflect the broader appeal of outdoor leisure, showcasing how one doesn’t need to stray far from home to enjoy the essence of community and nature. Imoto's anecdote is not just about owning a new vehicle; it's intertwining simplicity with adventure, adding value to the everyday hustle.
Moving forward, Imoto plans to continue utilizing her van for family trips, conveying the enthusiasm for the possibilities it brings. She reflected, “It’s nice to embrace outdoor experiences without the need for long getaways. I look forward to many more moments like drinking coffee with my family.”
Through sharing her story, Imoto Ayako offers insights on how new beginnings can transform daily routines, inspire relaxation, encourage family bonding, and find joy even in life's simplest moments.