Tim Cook is on a business trip to Japan right now — and, as part of his travels, he paid a visit to the first Apple Store the company opened outside of the United States.
That store is located in Ginza, a trendy shopping district in Tokyo. “Our very first store outside of the US, Apple Ginza is always such a special place,” Cook tweeted. “Thanks for a wonderful visit!”
Our very first store outside of the US, Apple Ginza is always such a special place. Thanks for a wonderful visit! また近いうちに！?? pic.twitter.com/h1ZLMhIpA5
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 10, 2019
Apple Ginza opened in November 2003. It was Apple’s 73rd Apple Store overall. However, it was the first one not to be located in North America. The store opening was a big deal. Apple launched a special Grand Opening Sweepstakes for the first shoppers. One lucky winner at the time took home a 15-inch iMac with Combo Drive, a Canon DV camcorder, a digital camera and a printer.
The Japanese location was chosen due to Steve Jobs’ affinity for Japan. He visited the country many times over the years. Jobs’ decision to wear a “uniform” consisting of a black turtleneck and jeans supposedly sprang from Japanese roots. He started dressing that way after an inspirational conversation with Sony chairman Akio Morita.
Beyond Apple Stores: Tim Cook in Japan
During his December 2019 visit, Tim Cook has been, well, doing what he does during any international visit. That’s a combination of visiting developers, meeting young coders, and pressing the flesh with Apple suppliers. Cook landed on December 8. Since then, he’s made a number of promotional visits.
In one instance, he visited Keio University School of Medicine to discuss the medical uses of Apple Watch and CareKit. He also visited students from Rikkyo Primary School to promote Computer Science Education Week. In addition, he visited Seiko Advance, one of Apple’s “invaluable suppliers here in Japan.” Cook wrote that: “Thanks to their craftsmanship and attention to detail, the gorgeous colors of iPhone 11 Pro really come to life!”
