Why not follow the same path as the bikes?
The vans are cheap however, because it is costly to pay road tax + inspection. Better buy a van that has some inspection lasting on it for more than your travelling time in Japan.
However, the inspection/road tax will run out when you are abroad. So try not to use a private person for registration or address. Because I think they want the license plates back at some point.
About the vans:
Use yahoo auctions among other to find vans. But the car export sites have better pictures (pictures of bottom, very important).
You have to choose between luxury/space or how good the 4x4 is.
The Toyota vans offer more space, and I think a bit more luxury. They also sometimes come as camper, or at least with a high roof making a big difference. However, Hiaces on the local market are only permanent 4wd.
The Mitsubishis are smaller but have proper 4x4 with low-gearing.
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2011 Overland from Amsterdam to Nepal and back
2018 Overland from Amsterdam to Tokyo via Central Asia and Mongolia
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