#Japan #Tokyo #Starbucks #Frappuccino

Celebrating 30 Years of Starbucks in Japan

As Starbucks Japan approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026, they are channeling nostalgia with a special launch that brings back five beloved Frappuccino® creations. Set to debut on April 8, 2026, 'THE STAR Frappuccino®' aims to celebrate the brand's rich history while inviting customers to experience these drinks with a modern twist.

The story of Starbucks in Japan began on August 2, 1996, when the first store opened in Ginza, Tokyo. Over the past three decades, the company has grown to encompass approximately 2,100 locations nationwide, serving up around 60 billion 'thank you's' to its patrons, courtesy of over 300,000 partners.

In a statement regarding this milestone, CEO Hisashi Morii highlighted Starbucks' commitment to fostering community connections and continuously enhancing the customer experience. 'Our ethos of combining romance and efficiency has guided us in protecting and evolving the third place concept over the years. This 30th anniversary marks an opportunity to deepen our investment in people, collaborate with local communities, and introduce fresh store experiences.'

Anniversary Events Throughout the Year

Starbucks has planned several anniversary initiatives to celebrate this significant milestone over the course of the year. The first phase will introduce 'THE STAR Frappuccino®', themed around the idea of 'returning to the roots and surpassing them.' Each Frappuccino® has enjoyed immense popularity since its original debut, totaling over 2 billion cups served. The featured flavors include creations that customers have cherished, like melon, fruit yogurt, coffee jelly, Kaga hojicha, and chunky cookie, now upgraded for a limited time.

The campaign encourages customers to embark on a quest to find these five unique drinks, with each one being available at different Starbucks locations nationwide. As an added incentive, customers who purchase three different Frappuccino® varieties will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win free Frappuccino® for an entire year.

The Special Frappuccino® Lineup

1. The Frappuccino® of Melon: Offering the ultimate melon experience, this drink features an abundant amount of domestic red-fleshed melon pieces, enhancing the taste with layers of refreshing melon essence. This particular version promises unprecedented amounts of melon pulp compared to previous iterations.

2. The Frappuccino® of Fruit-on-Top-Yogurt with Crushed Nuts: This delightful drink mimics the experience of enjoying yogurt with fruits, combining refreshing flavors and a rich texture, thanks to the addition of mixed fruit jellies and crunchy nuts.

3. The Frappuccino® of Coffee Jelly: A unique experience that balances sweet and bitter coffee jelly with a smooth coffee whipped cream on top, creating an indulgent treat for coffee lovers.

4. The Frappuccino® of Kaga Hojicha: Embracing Japanese culture, this drink offers a robust hojicha flavor along with a creamy texture, perfect for those seeking a taste of Japan's finest teas.

5. The Frappuccino® of Chunky Cookie: Ideal for cookie lovers, this drink is blended with a whole chocolate chunk cookie, delivering a satisfying crunch in every sip, highlighting a gourmet cookie experience.

Embrace the Quest

Through these ongoing campaigns, Starbucks aims to rekindle beloved memories while inviting customers to participate in all that the brand has to offer. From delicious beverages to community initiatives, this anniversary is not just about celebrating the past but also about investing in the future of Starbucks and its connections with its patrons.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new customer, these specially crafted Frappuccino® flavors promise a unique experience that’s hard to resist. Join us on this delicious journey and embrace the anniversary festivities at your nearest Starbucks starting April 8, 2026.