Everything You Need to Know About Starbucks Sakura History

Starbucks Japan lovers out there - this one's for you!

Starbucks is no wonder one of the most popular and in-demand coffee chains in the world. Founded in 1971, Starbucks has continuously given everyone a great coffee experience because of its variety of drink and food menus. Needless to say, Starbucks creations have been serving everyone up until today, whether it's their classic coffees, cold and hot drinks, pastries, or everyone's favorites - limited edition merchandise in every season!

Starbucks in Japan: The Birth of Starbucks Sakura

Quick throwback about Starbucks and Japan, the first-ever Starbucks retail in Japan was opened on August 2, 1996, in the heart of Tokyo located at Ginza. Since then, Starbucks Japan has also been dominating the world with its creation of unique drinks that not only revolve around coffee but also tea, milk, and so on.

Meanwhile, its popularity increased when Starbucks started to adopt and embrace its symbol of Japan - cherry blossoms or sakura. Starting in 2002, Starbucks Japan showed its respect for Japanese culture by creating drinks and collections inspired by cherry blossoms and releasing them during every year's season. Furthermore, the Starbucks pink drinks also became the symbol that these beautiful cherry blossoms bloom again and that spring is yet to arrive.

Each year, they release different themes and new lines of cherry blossom-designed drinks, coffees, and collectibles. What makes the yearly release special is that Starbucks Japan only releases limited editions for a limited time and is sometimes exclusive only in Japan. Hence, the cherry blossoms season becomes more exciting because of the much-awaited Starbucks Sakura releases.

A Look Back: Cherry Blossom-Themed Starbucks Releases

When the spring season comes around in Japan, Starbucks lovers highly anticipate the news of what's about to come in the world of Starbucks merchandise series. They're also excited about the new drink creations and flavors to try, new limited edition collectibles, such as their famous stylish stainless steel bottle, and new creative designs to watch out for. You can't deny that when it comes to cherry blossom design, Starbucks Japan carefully crafted its collections so that locals and even foreigners would fall in love with them.

Now, let's take a look at some of the famous releases of Cherry Blossom-themed Starbucks over the past years.

Sakura Full Milk Latte and Sakura Full Frappuccino 2019

The 2019 spring season beverages are the Cherry Blossom Full Milk Latte and Cherry Blossom Full Frappuccino. Both drinks used cherry blossoms and strawberries as the base flavor. The Full Milk Latte is a mix of strawberries and milk, giving that sweet and creamy flavor. Meanwhile, The Full Frappuccino is made of cherry blossom, strawberry sauce, and strawberry and topped with cherry blossom jellies.

Starbucks Sakura 2023 Color Changing Mug

Out of the variety of mugs that have been released through the years, we found this cute mug in particular very interesting. In the 2023 Collection, Starbucks released this unique mug design that changes color from soothing purple to white when it's in contact with hot water.

Starbucks x Stanley Japan Sakura 3-Way Tumbler

With the recent hype around the Stanley Tumblers series, this collaboration with Starbucks just makes sense. And of course, just when you think it can't get any better, this stainless steel, soothing pink-colored tumbler is a part of the most awaited 2023 Cherry Blossom Collection.

Starbucks Collection by Sugoi Mart

Here at Sugoi Mart, we also have some Starbucks Japan collectibles that you can get exclusively and add to your collections. Whether it's mugs, tumblers, cups, or even cup sleeves, we got you! Check them out below!

If you haven't known yet, there's a special brand name under Starbucks that serves a collection of an exclusive menu and products. It's called Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo. This Pink Sakura Glass under the brand represents the full-bloom cherry blossom of Nakameguro in the daytime. You can see the carefully crafted art details in the glass as it is handcrafted by traditional techniques from Aomori, Japan.

Starbucks Japan Been There Collection: Mugs

The huge success worldwide is the reason behind this Starbucks Japan Been There Mug Collection. It's a limited and exclusive stoneware mug that features the iconic symbols and landmarks of Japan, like Sakura, Mount Fuji, and Darumas.

Starbucks Japan Been There Collection: Stainless Bottle

Same with the Starbucks Japan Been There Collection, this stainless bottle is part of the same collection that features the iconic landmarks of Japan, such as Mount Fuji, Sakura, and Darumas.

Starbucks Sakura 2024 Item Release

With cherry blossom seasoning upcoming, Starbucks has announced its theme for Starbucks cherry blossom items. This year, Starbucks is focusing on bold, colorful designs in each store, making Sakura season even more exciting. These Starbucks Japan item categories range from the newest Starbucks Sakura Tumbler offering to Japanese Starbucks cups, mugs, and more. This year's collection includes sakura-themed notebooks (for notes, stories, etc.), and even an adorable mini cup with a section for a message. The price for these items is also a range, making finding products that fit your budget more manageable.

One item worth mentioning is the SAKURA2024 Cold Craft Paper Shopper S, an adorable Sakura flower-covered reusable bag made with kraft paper and lined with aluminum (to help keep cold items cold). It's a great way to be eco-friendly while shopping for the new Starbucks Sakura items.

Starbucks will also sell the SAKURA2024 Stainless Steel TOGO Cup Tumbler Colorful Petal 355ml mug, a vibrant option perfect for hot and cold drinks (like matcha lattes). Its vacuum double-walled stainless steel walls provide security temperature security for your beverages, helping them stay hot or cold for longer.

Final Takeaways

The success of Starbucks in Japan is truly on another level. It's not just the brand's name but also the dedication of Starbucks Japan in giving their consumers the worth-the-wait feeling for their most-awaited collections every year. For those who are fond of collecting, Starbucks Japan's strategy of releasing exclusive and limited-edition merchandise is indeed winning the hearts of collectors. Plus, it's admirable how Starbucks Japan seems to have never-ending ideas of what to release and continuously thinking outside the box to surprise its consumers with fresh and unique collections.

Starbucks Merch On Sale!

Here at Sugoi Mart, we are passionate about bringing top-notch quality and exclusive products, goods, snacks, and collections from your favorite Japanese brands! We strive harder and better to give you nothing but seamless shopping and the best customer service experiences.

Sugoi Mart offers a variety of exclusive products that range from anime collectibles, sweet goodies, Japanese snacks, children's toys, plushies, and other Kawaii items, kitchen utensils, household goods, Japan-exclusive drinks, collections that feature different characters, and many more. If you haven't checked our website yet, visit and shop now!

Can't wait for the release of these new Starbucks Sakura products? Then, head to Sugoi Mart to check out the extensive Sakura collection. This collection includes cherry blossom sweet treats, Disney plushies, drink mixes, drinkware, and more. Each item is made with sakura flowers, essence, or a beautiful cherry blossom design. Stock up on your favorites as you prepare for Starbucks' 2024 Sakura product launch!