Been There – Hokkaido
Starbucks Been There Hokkaido is a mug for Japan’s northernmost island, which has a rich history shaped by its indigenous Ainu people and later Japanese colonization. Originally called “Ezo,” Hokkaido was home to the Ainu for centuries before the Japanese government began its assimilation efforts in the 19th century. The Meiji Restoration marked a turning point when Hokkaido was officially named and developed as a frontier for agricultural expansion and defense. The island’s harsh climate and rugged terrain made settlement challenging, but the development of infrastructure and the influx of settlers transformed Hokkaido into a vital part of Japan’s national identity.… Read more
