Whatever that means, Japan is currently experiencing overtourism, and Uber itself, the world’s number one ridesharing app, and a city near Mount Fuji are seconding this motion. Ridesharingforum.com has more.
‘Overtourism’
Uber Japan and a municipality at the foot of Mount Fuji signed an accord today, Friday, to go in cooperation to fight and combat overtourism, and to address problems, such as traffic congestion and littering.
Shiro Yamanaka, the general manager of Uber Japan, stated during the signing ceremony, "We would like to balance the growth of tourism with local livelihood and well-being. I hope this cooperation will write the book for tourist destinations across the country.”
Sustainable Travel International, categorized as an organization, defines overtourism as that moment when too many visitors crowd a destination, harming the environment, straining tourism services, and lowering the quality of life for residents.
Is overtourism is Japan true and real? Let’s take a look at the figures. Recent statistics show that the number of tourists visiting Japan last June 2026 actually dropped from the figures years before. This year, the number is at a little over three million. So, the claims could be questionable.
However, the two parties involved are headstrong. Uber is to set pick-up spots away from these congested areas, and use advertisements on the Uber Taxi app to raise awareness among the area’s customers, and travel etiquette and manners.
Fujiyoshida Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi said, "Since we have so many foreign tourists, it is reassuring to know that Uber will help us using their international business expertise.”
So, the city involved near Mount Fuji is Fujiyoshida. Mount Fuji is a landmark destination in Japan, which could be seen in its full glory right across Tokyo.
This city in Yamanashi Prefecture faces growing problems associated with booming tourism, including littering, traffic congestion, and illegal parking around popular tourist spots.
Mass Uber layoff in Chicago
Aaand, it’s official! Over 300 employees in Uber Chicago will be affected by a massive layoff as Uber seeks to reduce its workforce by 10 percent, NBC News reported recently. Whether it’s due to AI or robotics, RSF does not know yet.
Here’s the statement of Uber from the memo released last Tuesday, “We’ve built new products, expanded into new businesses, reached more consumers and supported more earners, and become a much larger and stronger company. But that growth has also brought complexity: more layers, more coordination, more fragmented ownership, and in some cases structures that made sense when businesses were smaller but no longer serve us well at our current scale.”
According to a notice that the RSF team obtained, the layoffs include 363 positions from Uber’s Chicago office, at 433 West Van Buren Street.
However, the first layoff won’t happen until November 2nd. Pat those Uber workers on the back when you open your account now on RSF to share your opinions! Or, share this story around with your family and friends!