> What I am worried about is the disappearence of the small unique
> (ultra-cool) Japanese coffee shops - being replaced by Starbucks.
> Yuck!

First off, there were no Japanese coffee shops to be replaced (a really insignificant number) Coffee houses are a very new phenomena in Japan and what you are seeing is a springing up and not a supplantation. And unlike the Europeans who fight not to have malls erected in thier countries, the Japanese vehemently applaud the installation of the Kentucky-fried-Gap culture. 

mushmush