MUSASHI JAPAN Appoints Kazumi Minoguchi, Key Figure Behind Starbucks Japan's 550-Store Expansion, to Lead Manager Training Program

TAIMATSU Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Wei-Han Wang, hereinafter 'TAIMATSU'), which promotes the charm of traditional Japanese craftsmanship globally through its Japanese kitchen knife brand 'MUSASHI JAPAN,' has conducted a human capital development training program for store managers, inviting Kazumi Minoguchi, who played a central role in launching approximately 550 stores during Starbucks Coffee Japan's expansion phase. By incorporating the practical perspectives of an experienced operator who has supported growing brands, the company aims to transform store operational capabilities and autonomous employee growth into long-term competitive strength.

Launching First-Ever Manager Training with Kazumi Minoguchi, a Driving Force Behind Starbucks Japan's Growth

MUSASHI JAPAN, operated by TAIMATSU Inc., has held its first training session for store managers, inviting Kazumi Minoguchi, who led Starbucks Coffee Japan's growth to approximately 550 stores during its expansion phase. This initiative marks the first step in a systematic effort to enhance MUSASHI JAPAN's human capital by incorporating the insights of a seasoned practitioner who has supported global brand growth.

Kazumi Minoguchi

### Instructor Profile

Kazumi Minoguchi

After graduating from university and working at foreign-affiliated companies, Minoguchi joined Starbucks Coffee Japan in 1997. He played a central role in overseeing store development and operations during the startup phase, growing Starbucks in Japan to approximately 550 stores.

Subsequently, he was recruited by Walmart and served as Senior Vice President of Development at Seiyu. He also served as President and CEO of Chaya Macrobiotics (food and beverage), leading brand operations.

Currently, as CEO of Diversity Management Inc., he provides management support to numerous companies, focusing on store expansion strategies, brand strategies, and organizational development.

Applying Insights on the Essence of Hospitality to MUSASHI JAPAN's Frontline Operations

Minoguchi shared his philosophy on the essence of customer service and talent development, cultivated through years of experience launching and operating diverse stores. The fundamental principles he presented are universally applicable to enhancing frontline performance and directly align with MUSASHI JAPAN's goal of improving service quality.

The aim of this training is to practically apply these insights to MUSASHI JAPAN's operational environment.

- Flexible Customer Service Judgment

Cultivating the ability to make optimal responses based on customer situations, rather than relying excessively on manuals.

- Operations That Respect Autonomy

Creating an environment where store managers and staff can think and act independently, ultimately leading to improved sales and customer satisfaction.

- Growth Initiated by Awareness

Establishing systems that enable staff to gain 'awareness' through daily customer interactions and store operations, fostering continuous growth.

The training was centered on role-playing, adopting an experiential learning format where managers learn through direct participation. It covered themes directly linked to MUSASHI JAPAN's store operations, such as 'omotenashi with the spirit of ichi-go ichi-e (treating each encounter as unique),' 'communicating product backgrounds,' and 'team-based problem-solving processes,' resulting in content that effectively enhances frontline capabilities.

Continuing Training Programs to Strengthen the Foundation for Organizational Growth

This training marks the first step in MUSASHI JAPAN's ongoing human capital enhancement initiatives. The company plans to continue conducting training sessions to build systems that support manager development and improve the organization's overall service quality.

Overview of TAIMATSU Inc.

Established: November 2023

CEO: Wei-Han Wang

Headquarters: 22F, Tower X, Harumi Island Triton Square, 1-8-10 Harumi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

URL: https://www.tai-matsu.jp/

Email: help@tai-matsu.jp

TAIMATSU Inc. is a company redefining Japanese traditional craftsmanship. With a diverse team from around the world, the company pursues the potential of traditional crafts from an innovative perspective. From Japanese kitchen knives to sake and experiential facilities embodying the spirit of the samurai, the services and products it creates maximize the appeal of tradition and deliver it globally.

### Brands Operated

MUSASHI JAPAN (Japanese kitchen knives)

https://www.musashihamono.com/

YOKAI JAPAN (Sake and perfume)

https://yokaijapan.jp/

FUJI JAPAN (Traditional cultural experiences)

https://fujijapan.jp/

SAMURAI TAX (Tax-free shopping support services)

https://samurai-tax.com/

ITTO (Dining)

https://ittojapan.com/