Uber Japan is about to launch UberEats, with advertisements for bicycle and motorcycle delivery positions appearing on its Japan Facebook page last week, as well as a related video.
An UberEats Japan website is already up, but only with a link for Tokyo restaurants to register.
Launched in March, UberEats is available in 28 cities internationally.
Generally, Uber has struggled in Japan, reports Tech in Asia. As regulations prevent drivers from accepting money from passengers in a private vehicle, Uber works more like a taxi. Its trial program in Fukuoka last year was shut down for paying drivers, and protests from taxi companies have prevented similar trials in other regions. There was also backlash from the taxi industry when Toyota invested in Uber this year.
However, non-professional drivers can accept payments in areas where public transport is not available. Uber took advantage of this by launching a service with a non-profit organisation in Kyotango city.