Starbucks on Thursday will open the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo, a four-story tribute to premium coffee quality, innovation and human connection. This will be the fifth Roastery globally, reaffirming the company’s 23-year commitment to Japan.
The Roastery introduces customers to more than 100 unique coffee and tea beverages and merchandise, as well as a menu of artisanal Princi Italian fare for the first time in Japan. It also celebrates the Japanese culture of connection and craftsmanship through the first AMU Inspiration Lounge – from the Japanese amu, meaning “knit together”- to host community gathering events and is planned to become Starbucks first Specialty Coffee Association certified training location in Japan.
“As the first international market outside of North America, Starbucks Japan has contributed 23 years of innovation for the company globally,” said Kevin Johnson, CEO, Starbucks Coffee Company. “The opening of the Tokyo Roastery will further amplify what Starbucks Japan has done across all stores in the market for more than two decades-innovating and delivering the finest quality coffee one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.”
Takafumi Minaguchi, CEO, Starbucks Japan, added, “The Roastery will amplify and inspire coffee passion across all Starbucks stores, and will serve as a catalyst for a new wave of growth centered on the customer experience and passion for coffee and service. Beginning with the ‘Make It Yours’ campaign that will commence at every store in Japan upon the opening of the Roastery, customers will be invited to experience the first Starbucks coffee roasted exclusively in Tokyo, for Japan, and available in a variety of coffee beverage styles.”
Located in Tokyo’s vibrant and creative neighborhood of Nakameguro, the Roastery’s enchanting design was inspired by the famous cherry blossom trees lining the Meguro River. The building’s glass walls and terraced floors seamlessly fold into the fabric of the neighborhood, bringing visitors eye-level with the cherry blossoms and the four seasons of the river to reflect the natural beauty and sense of harmony found across Japan.
The Tokyo Roastery is the only Starbucks Roastery location designed in collaboration with a local architect from the ground up. The exterior was brought to life in collaboration with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Envisioned by Liz Muller, Starbucks chief design officer and lead designer for all five Roasteries globally, the Roastery highlights the work of local craftsmen and women to create an enchanting destination for coffee exploration and discovery. The Tokyo Roastery merges traditional and modern design to deliver a unique and inspired experience across all four floors.
