Uber Premium Surpasses 500 Vehicles, Welcomes Manami Hashimoto as New Image Character

Celebrating a New Era: Uber Premium's Milestone Achievement

Uber Premium, operated by Z Corporation based in Tokyo's Ginza area, has recently surpassed a remarkable milestone of 500 vehicles as of the end of July 2026. This achievement reflects Z Corporation's commitment to redefining the traditional notions of transportation through its brand "Z-Mobility," which has been expanding steadily since its launch in May 2021.

In an exciting announcement on August 1, 2026, Z Corporation appointed Manami Hashimoto as the new image character for Z-Mobility, marking a new chapter in its growth journey as it aims to reach its next milestone of 1,000 vehicles. Hashimoto, a prominent talent in Japan, is expected to embody the spirit of Z-Mobility and inspire both potential employees and customers alike.

The Evolution of Z-Mobility

Z Corporation has made significant strides in the hire and taxi business, with expansions resulting in nine operational bases across the city. Notably, the company leads the industry in the number of its Alphard vehicles, boasting a remarkable 80% of its new hires coming from non-experienced backgrounds. This impressive statistic has been fundamental in reaching the 500 vehicles in operation, showcasing Z's commitment to inclusivity and opportunity for those looking to enter the transportation sector.

The partnership with Uber has played a crucial role in making the Uber Premium service more accessible to everyday users, transforming the perception of luxury transport from something seldom used to a viable everyday option. This service has been meticulously designed to create an experience that juxtaposes the luxuriousness associated with traditional hire vehicles and the practicality of everyday usage. As a result, customers can now enjoy a premium mobility experience that was previously considered out of reach.

Market Expansion and Inbound Demand

The Japanese travel market is currently experiencing an unprecedented influx of foreign visitors. In 2025, the number of inbound tourists hit a record 42.68 million, with accommodation numbers soaring to nearly 180 million nights. As the Japanese government targets 60 million foreign visitors by 2030, Z Corporation stands ready to capitalize on the growing demand, particularly in the Tokyo area, making the company an attractive choice for travelers seeking quality service.

Furthermore, the Japanese market has begun to diversify with tourists from the US and Europe reaching record levels, further expanding Z Corporation's potential customer base.

This growing market presents an urgent challenge for Z Corporation to expand its workforce. Recognizing its role in the transportation infrastructure, Z is actively seeking to bolster its driver recruitment efforts, having recently launched a planned recruitment budget of 300 million yen to invite potential candidates to consider joining the team.

Manami Hashimoto: A Symbol of Change

Manami Hashimoto embodies resilience and adaptability in her career as a mother and performer. As a successful actress and talent known for her memorable roles in NHK dramas and commercial television hits, Hashimoto’s journey resonates with those looking to embark on new career paths. Her choices reflect a fearless approach to life’s transitions, paralleling Z Corporation's core values of fostering innovation and service diversification.

The Z Corporation hopes that by aligning its image with an inspiring figure like Hashimoto, it can attract diverse talents to join its evolutionary journey as it aims for its next goal of 1,000 vehicles.

Conclusion

With around 80% of drivers at Z starting with no prior experience, the company offers robust support systems, including assistance in obtaining a second-class license and comprehensive training. As Z strives to build on its recent achievement and aim for a future with expanded vehicle numbers, it looks forward to welcoming applications from those ready to turn their career transitions into opportunities for success in the growing mobility sector.