As part of Starbucks ongoing commitment to inclusion, the upcoming store will be the first of its kind in Japan and fifth for the company globally.

Today, Starbucks announced that the company will open its first Signing Store in Japan in early summer 2020 in Kunitachi City, Tokyo. The store will feature Deaf and hard of hearing partners (employees) working alongside hearing partners to provide service to customers in Japanese Sign Language. The Kunitachi area has a long history as part of the Deaf and hard of hearing community, and the new store will be located near a school for Deaf students.

One of Starbucks core values is creating a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome. Starbucks aspires to become a people positive company where we uplift each other, our customers, and the communities we serve. Since 2018, Starbucks Japan has taken a “no filter” approach to Diversity & Inclusion to create a place of belonging where partners can bring their best selves to work, without prejudice, assumption or bias toward race, age, gender, position, employment status, disability, personal values, or any other basis. Through this ongoing commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Starbucks Japan aims to foster a culture rooted in human connection that embraces each individual.