TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced it will open a Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Japan, in 2018. Located in the Nakameguro district, an upscale neighborhood known for its exclusive boutiques and art galleries, the Roastery will be a one-of-a-kind retail environment. Designed in collaboration with Kengo Kuma, a world-renowned architect and founder of Kuma Lab at the University of Tokyo, this new location will give customers an immersive coffee environment unlike any other in the market.

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Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room - Seattle, WA (Photo: Business Wire)

Starbucks debut of its first Roastery in Seattle in 2014 was the most successful store opening in the company’s history and since then the company has announced new locations coming to Shanghai in 2017 and New York in 2018. Tokyo will be the company’s fourth Roastery, globally.

“As it was when we opened Japan as our first market outside of North America in 1996, the country continues to be an important and dynamic coffee community for Starbucks. We are proud to bring our customers a distinct, immersive and innovative retail experience that celebrates the craft of coffee in an unprecedented way,” said Howard Schultz, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks. “We are honored to be collaborating with Kengo Kuma in creating an experience that will bring our Japanese customers closer to our coffee and partners (employees) than ever before.”

Recognized around the world for his cutting-edge designs and innovative theories on architecture and society, Kengo Kuma’s work blends art and nature with the use of natural materials to create spaces of warmth and harmony in his designs. The new Tokyo Roastery will infuse Japanese design with the fresh, modern aesthetic Starbucks is known for in a space that will pay tribute to coffee artistry and craft. This is Starbucks second design collaboration with Mr. Kuma, whose award-winning Starbucks store design in Fukuoka, Japan, is one of the most recognizable stores in the country and, indeed, the world over.

“It is a privilege to lead the design for the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Tokyo where my friends, family and the coffee-loving community will be able to experience this unique retail environment,” said Kuma. “I look forward to building on my longstanding relationship with Starbucks to create a place that reflects the culture and people of this exquisite neighborhood to become one of the most iconic destinations in the city of Tokyo.”

The interactive 13,000 square feet (1,200 square meters) space will provide customers with an all-sensory environment where they can deepen their appreciation and understanding of the craft of roasting and brewing some of the most unique coffees from around the world. At the Roastery, customers will be able to watch green coffee beans arrive, connect with Starbucks coffee specialists and master roasters, and enjoy a curated selection of handcrafted beverages. This Roastery will also include artisan food and breads baked onsite by acclaimed Italian food purveyor, Princi.

The opening of the Roastery marks an important growth opportunity for Starbucks in the China and Asia Pacific region. With more than 20 million customers visiting over 6,200 Starbucks stores across 16 markets in the region each week, China and Asia Pacific will continue to be at the forefront of Starbucks global innovation and coffee excellence.

About Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality Arabica coffee. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.

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