Howard Schultz, who joined Starbucks as a marketing manager in 1982, foresaw the increasing demand for premium coffee in the United States during the 1980s. In 1985, he left Starbucks and opened a cafe named “Il Giornale” in Chicago.
“Il Giornale” grew rapidly, and within three years, Schultz acquired Starbucks, the company where he had previously worked as a marketing manager, transforming it into its current form.
The Starbucks we know today is the result of the changes made by Howard Schultz. The name “Starbucks” is derived from the name of a sailor in the 19th-century American novel “Moby Dick.”
“The Highest Density of Starbucks in South Korea”
Nowadays, Starbucks stores can be found everywhere in South Korea. The first Starbucks store in Korea opened its doors on July 27, 1999, in the Ewha area, marking the brand’s introduction to the Korean market. Initially, Starbucks faced criticism for selling coffee at prices higher than typical meals, but over time, this negative image faded away, and Starbucks grew to become the most successful cafe brand in South Korea.
Particularly, in the Gwanghwamun Square area in the heart of Seoul, there is the highest density of Starbucks stores within a 1-kilometer radius, boasting more stores than even New York, making it a place with an impressive concentration of Starbucks locations.
“Providing the Third Place: Starbucks”
Starbucks maintains the concept of providing the third place, and this concept continues to be upheld. Based on this concept, Starbucks stores are particularly popular in South Korea, and you can still find them everywhere.
“Starbucks Easily Found in Japan”
Starbucks is popular not only in South Korea but also in Japan. Thanks to this popularity, Starbucks stores are as easily found in the central areas of major Japanese cities as they are in South Korea.
“Starbucks Official Book Published in Japanese, Starbucks Official Book”
Although not purchased in Japan, I came across a unique book in the overseas book corner while visiting Kyobo Bookstore, one of South Korea’s representative bookstores. From its name, it was a book titled “Starbucks Official Book.” Intrigued, I purchased it.
The book was wrapped in plastic, so I couldn’t see the content before purchasing it. However, the price at the time of purchase was 10,580 won, which was not a significant burden.
As it is a magazine made in Japan, all the content is written in Japanese. However, some parts such as place names are written in English, and since it is a magazine-style book with many photos, it was not difficult to understand the content.
“The Book Introducing 15 Starbucks Locations in Japan”
The book covers three main topics:
- Fifteen unique Starbucks stores in Japan
- Starbucks Reserve
- Starbucks’ history
The book introduces fifteen unique Starbucks stores in Japan, scattered across the country. While it may not be easy to visit all the stores, utilizing this information for travel can make your trip more enjoyable.
Among the fifteen stores, four Starbucks locations are clustered in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. When traveling in the Kansai region, visiting the Starbucks stores introduced in the book could be meaningful.
Below, I have organized the fifteen Starbucks locations introduced in the book on Google Maps:
- “2019 Japan Starbucks Cafes in Official Book”: Link
“Starbucks Cards Available in Japan”
As an appendix, there is a Starbucks card that can be used in Starbucks Japan. It is called the “Limited Edition Starbucks Card,” commemorating the opening of Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo.
You can charge the Starbucks card and use it, but to receive rewards, you need to download and register with the Starbucks Japan application, which may be a bit cumbersome. (It is not applicable to the Starbucks application in South Korea.)
Published in Japan in 2019, the Starbucks Official Book is a unique booklet covering Starbucks, reminiscent of a travel souvenir.
“2019 Starbucks Official Book”
- Author: Starbucks Japan
- Publication Date: February 19, 2019
- ISBN: 9784800292483
- Kyobo Bookstore: Link