JAPAN

Starbucks, SAZABY Form Joint Venture: The Seattle-based coffee company said the venture, Starbucks Coffee Japan Ltd., will open its first coffee store in the spring in Tokyo and add 10 to 12 more over the next 18 months. It marks the Starbucks Coffee Co.’s first expansion outside of North America. Howard Behar, president of Starbucks International, said Japan is the world’s third-largest coffee consuming country. SAZABY Inc. is involved in the restaurant and food service business and also operates more than 180 stores offering a wide range of products. Starbucks is the leading retailer and roaster of specialty coffee in North America, with 685 retail stores.