Starbucks Japan Launches 'Starbucks Youth Program' to Support Children and Youth for the Future

Starbucks Coffee Japan Co., Ltd. [Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kue Mizui] announces the launch of the 'Starbucks Youth Program,' a multi-faceted initiative to support children and youth who will shape the future. This program aims to create opportunities that nurture and expand the potential of each young individual. As part of this initiative, Starbucks is launching a new scholarship program for its employees (hereinafter 'partners') and enhancing the 'Hummingbird Program,' a donation initiative that delivers memorable, enriching experiences to support children's dreams and learning.

Starbucks' Commitment to Supporting the Next Generation

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Starbucks' entry into Japan. The company now operates over 2,100 stores across all 47 prefectures, growing alongside local communities with approximately 60,000 partners. Around 70% of these partners are from the youth generation (ages 18–29), and the brand has been supported by many young customers, fostering mutual growth with local areas.

The future of local communities will be shaped by the children and youth who live, learn, and work within them. Starbucks believes that thinking about the future of a community means thinking about the future of each individual in the next generation. As a member of local society, Starbucks has long committed to supporting children and youth. Under the umbrella of the newly launched 'Starbucks Youth Program,' the company will further strengthen its support for both partners and young people in local communities.

Launch of the Scholarship Program to Support Partners' Learning and Diverse Career Development

Marking its 30th anniversary in Japan, Starbucks is launching its first-ever scholarship program in the country. Drawing inspiration from long-standing partner scholarship programs in the U.S. and South Korea, this new initiative is tailored specifically for Starbucks Japan. The program supports partners who wish to pursue university education while working. Starbucks has partnered with ZEN University, an online institution that enables practical learning on social issues and regional revitalization from anywhere in Japan, to launch this program.

In an era of rapid change and high uncertainty, Starbucks believes that the ability for young people to identify and solve challenges based on their own values and judgment, along with opportunities for diverse career development, are essential foundations for expanding future life choices. The scholarship program aims to empower each partner to achieve diverse career paths and broaden their potential, while also connecting their academic learning to community-based store operations and social contributions.

Eligibility requires at least six months of employment at Starbucks by the end of September in the application year. Partners aged 18–29 will receive full coverage of entrance examination fees, enrollment fees, and annual tuition. Partners outside this age range will receive full coverage of entrance and enrollment fees, plus 50% coverage of annual tuition. The first cohort is expected to enroll in April 2027.

◆ About ZEN University

ZEN University is an online university operated by the Japan Foundation Niconico Academy, established through a partnership between the Nippon Foundation and Dwango Co., Ltd. It opened in April 2025. The university offers a Faculty of Intelligent Information Society, covering a wide range of fields including mathematics, information technology, culture, philosophy, society, economics, and digital industries. Through education in AI-era skills, practical classes taught by professionals, and fieldwork in collaboration with local communities and businesses, students develop real-world competencies. Aiming to provide accessible higher education regardless of location or financial background, ZEN University currently enrolls approximately 7,000 students in its second academic year. https://zen.ac.jp/

The 'Hummingbird Program' Launches July 22 to Address Summer Experience Gaps

The 'Hummingbird Program,' a donation initiative launched in 2012 that unites Starbucks and customers nationwide to support children and youth, will shift its implementation period from spring to summer. Starting July 22, 2026, and running through September 1, the program will align with the summer vacation season, a time when disparities in children's access to experiences tend to widen.

The program aims to create a future where all children can access enriching experiences through two main activities: donations via the issuance or use of the Starbucks Hummingbird Card, or the redemption of Stars earned through Starbucks® Rewards; and in-store 'experience offerings' where partners share their skills and personalities to deliver direct experiences to children.

Supporting Children's Dreams and Learning Through the 'Hummingbird Program'

The 'Hummingbird Program' is a donation initiative that supports children's dreams and learning by delivering memorable, enriching experiences. Focusing on the social issue of 'experience inequality among children,' the program supports diverse out-of-school experiences such as sports, arts, music, and camps, helping children discover their interests and passions and expand their future options. The hummingbird motif is inspired by the South American Andean folktale 'The Hummingbird's Drop,' symbolizing the message that even small individual actions, when combined, can create significant change. Donations from this program will support initiatives such as the experiential scholarship program for children operated by the nonprofit organization Chance for Children (CFC).

Hummingbird Program Details:

https://stories.starbucks.co.jp/stories/2026/hummingbird-program-2026/

In-Store Events Begin August 2 to Create Lasting Summer Memories for Children

As part of the 'Hummingbird Program,' Starbucks will once again host 'Hummingbird Experience Komikone,' events where store partners use their unique skills and personalities to provide experiences for local children. Activities include 'Chalk Art Experience' led by partners skilled in chalk art, 'Sign Language Café' for fun communication through sign language, and 'Barista Experience' where children wear green aprons and act as baristas. Partners themselves recall how formative, heartwarming experiences in childhood helped them discover their true selves, and they aim to pass on that inspiration.

Details about 'Hummingbird Experience Komikone' and other events for children will be published on the following website:

https://www.starbucks.co.jp/event/?srsltid=AfmBOopr6BS5erYgqa7