Coffee giant Starbucks has reaffirmed its confidence in the Japanese market with the opening of the new Starbucks Meguro store in Tokyo.

The store design and experience has been inspired by the traditional Japanese ‘Ichi-go ichi-e’ service spirit (literal translation: one time, one meeting). Opened within the same building where the new Starbucks Coffee Japan Support Center is located, the new store aims to highlight Starbucks’ mission – “to inspire and nurture the human spirit, one person, one cup, one neighbourhood at a time”.

The Meguro store features locally inspired, simple design solutions that takes queues from traditional tea houses, as well as modern craftsmanship and translucent elements that allow consistent interactivity between customers and partners. Parts of a green garden and local contemporary art are also featured in the store.

The new store marks approach of Starbucks’ 1000th milestone in Japan.

“We will soon exceed 1000 stores in Japan, an important milestone in our development, and we are confident that there is plenty of opportunity for more innovative growth and development in this dynamic market,” said Starbucks chairman, president and CEO Howard Schultz.

“Starbucks will continue to grow in a way that reflects our local customer and the communities we serve – through innovative store designs and formats, locally-relevant beverage and food offerings, continued investments to build an even more engaging digital experience, and an unparalleled in-store Starbucks Experience.”

The Starbucks Meguro store is built to LEED certified standards and Japan today ranks fourth in overall number of stores that are LEED certified across Starbucks markets.

The coffee giant opened first Japan store in 1996 in Ginza, Tokyo.