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AssetID: 40687353

Headline: Starbucks Opens First Signing Store In Japan For The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing

Caption: Continuing the company’s commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity, Starbucks has opened its first signing store in Japan. Situated in Kunitachi City, Tokyo, the new coffee shop celebrates deaf culture and sign language through clever design tools and vibrant artwork. The location of the new signing store has been chosen due to the area’s long history as part of the deaf and hard of hearing community. In addition to providing local coffee lovers with a welcoming and inclusive space, the opening of the store also means career opportunities for 19 new and existing deaf and hard of hearing Starbucks employees. “Starbucks has been hiring Deaf and hard of hearing partners (employees) since we entered Japan in 1996, and these partners have made incredible impacts in their communities,” said Takafumi Minaguchi, ceo, Starbucks Coffee Japan. “Inspired by their passion, we created this store as a place of belonging, where our partners and customers can stay true to who they are and be inspired. This store truly represents infinite possibilities for all.” With 208 square meters (approximately 2,240 square feet) of space, the store interior was designed with accessibility and human engagement at the heart. Customers have several options when ordering in the store, including contactless speech-to-text voice recognition through a tablet at the register, pointing to items on the menu, or writing on a notepad. Digital signage lets customers track the progress of their order through the number printed on their receipt. When orders are ready, a sign language animation invites customers to pick up their purchases. The digital signage also shows frequently signed phrases of greeting for all customers to enjoy and immerse themselves in the world of sign language. Throughout the store, original artwork inspired by sign language creates a window for customers to explore Deaf culture in Japan. The art is designed by Hidehiko Kado, a child of deaf adults (CODA), who takes inspiration from sign language to produce artworks that connect people with or without hearing difficulties through bright, whimsical expressions. “The opening of Japan’s first Signing Store is an important moment that represents the incredible passion of our Deaf and hard of hearing partners across Japan,” said Ryotaro Sato, shift supervisor. “We want to showcase how the talent of the Deaf and hard of hearing community can spark connections, inspire new possibilities, and help our partners grow their careers with Starbucks. We’re looking forward to sharing new experiences with our customers and demonstrating the diversity of communication that they can experience at the Signing Store.”

Keywords: feature,photo feature,photo story,Starbucks,diversity,deaf,hard of hearing,sign language,signing,coffee,chain,branch,brand

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