Some people asked me why I am writing about Starbucks. I understand that some people disregard Starbucks as high-end coffee.
I will be honest with you; I like Starbucks.
I have a personal reason, and this is a short story about Starbucks and me.
If you are not interested in reading my story, please skip to the bottom to go straight into articles about Starbucks Japan.
Starbucks and Me – 30 years ago
As some of you know, I came to the USA when I was a kid. One of my first experiences in the USA was a visit to Seattle, and my host family hosted me. (The host family is still “my family,” and we are in close contact.)
It was back in early 1990, Starbucks did not have a store in Japan. So my host family took me to Starbucks in Seattle. It was the first time I had a latte, and I still remember I was very inspired by it. I was so excited about the “new” drink I “discovered,” and I ended up bringing home an espresso machine from that trip. No one around me had drunk any espresso drink, never seen an espresso machine.
Something went wrong with the machine, though (the voltage difference, I think – still a mystery to this day); on the first try after a long trip from the USA to Japan, I put water in the Espresso machine and turned the power on. After few minutes, a vast explosion brews up the machine and spilled all the milk, coffee, and everything around. Luckily no one was hurt.
The espresso machine didn’t work as I imagined, but that was my first experience with Starbucks and the USA.
To this day, I do enjoy stopping at Starbucks, maybe reminding me of the sweet and bitter youth days of visiting the USA and Starbucks.
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About the author
Kei Nishida
Author, CEO Dream of Japan
Certification: PMP, BS in Computer Science
Education: Western Washington University
Kei Nishida is a passionate Japanese tea and coffee connoisseur, writer, and the founder and CEO of Japanese Coffee Co. and Japanese Green Tea Co., both part of Dream of Japan.
His journey began with a mission to introduce the world to the unparalleled quality of Japanese green tea. Through Japanese Green Tea Co., he established the only company that sources premium tea grown in nutrient-rich sugarcane soil—an innovation that led to multiple Global Tea Champion awards.
Building on this success and his passion for Japanese craftsmanship, Kei expanded into the world of coffee, pioneering the launch of Japanese Coffee Co., the first company to bring Sumiyaki charcoal-roasted coffee to a global audience. His dedication to authenticity and quality ensures that this traditional Japanese roasting method, once a well-kept secret, is now enjoyed worldwide.
Beyond tea and coffee, Kei has also introduced Japan’s legendary craftsmanship to the world through Japanese Knife Co., making handmade katana-style knives—crafted by a renowned katana maker—available outside Japan for the first time.
Kei’s journey continues as he seeks out and shares the hidden treasures of Japan, one cup and one blade at a time.
Learn more about Kei
