InsideJapan News Network

Fast-food chain Wendy's/Arby's has confirmed that it plans to return to Japan despite leaving the market in 2009.

It is expected that the first Wendy's outlet will open in Tokyo before the end of the year, with the company planning to serve its traditional US menu as well as adding a number of new products.

The chain closed a total of 71 restaurants in 2009 after concluding a deal with franchisee Zensho Co, bringing to an end a 29-year history of operating in Japan.

However, the return to Japan is in association with food importer and distributor Higa Industries.

Higa oversaw the opening of 180 Domino Pizza outlets in the country before selling them at the start of 2010.

Wendy's/Arby's Group is currently the third largest fast-food restaurant chain in the US and has more than 10,000 restaurants in the US and 26 countries worldwide.

Written by Susan Ballion.