If it wasn't so small, it would probably win a lot fewer sympathy points. Its tongue-twisting name Kayoibako-K comes from the transport containers commonly used in Japan; and that's exactly what it looks like, with its cube-like shape. It belongs to the class of kei-cars, which are promoted in Japan with lower vehicle taxes, reduced tolls and other concessions thanks to their space- and energy-saving design.

The Kayoibako-K is logically marketed primarily as an urban transportation vehicle. However, there will also be a leisure version. This has a roof tent, a ladder at the rear to climb up to it and the indispensable awning. Toyota has not yet presented any interior fittings. However, this is likely to be the smallest challenge on the way to series production. The 339-centimetre tiny vehicle will also be part of a series of vans of different lengths.

Kayoibako-K can also drive itself

The self-driving capability of the Kayoibako-K is another spectacular feature of the concept. It is supposed to roll independently to its next destination on routes defined by the driver. In the promo video, this is illustrated by a kayaker paddling downstream while his camper follows him along the riverbank and waits ready to serve his master at his destination.

The micro-transporter could also serve as an autonomous shuttle: the rider gets on his bike at the top and enjoys the trails, while the car rides down the mountain road on its own and takes the rider and bike back on board at the bottom. This is still a dream of the future in Switzerland for a while yet, but so is the concept camper van.

However, the wonderfully quirky and very Japanese image video alone is worth giving the Kayoibako-K another two and a half minutes. The idea seems to be that the protagonist earns a few yen on the way to his kayak tour with courier services. Or something.