The Seattle-based company, which reclaimed full control of its Japanese business in 2014 after ending a long-standing joint venture with Sazaby League, has not yet confirmed the plans. This development follows a similar strategic shift in China, where Starbucks sold control of its local operations to Boyu Capital in April for $4 billion.

CEO Brian Niccol is currently navigating a turnaround strategy aimed at stabilizing profit margins as operational costs outpace sales growth. While the company recorded its strongest quarterly sales performance in two and a half years this past April, the potential divestment in Japan suggests a broader effort to streamline international holdings and reallocate capital under the new leadership.