Taco Bell returns to Japan: First look at new restaurant opening in Shibuya on April 21st

Taco Bell is returning to Japan.

Its first new branch will open in Shibuya in the Dogenzaka area on April 21st.

Of course, Taco Bell has been a mainstay of U.S. military bases in Japan for years, but these are off-limits to regular Japanese civilians.

Taco Bell previously attempted to enter the Japanese market in the 1980’s but like many other foreign fast food outlets, it failed and left. It suffered similar initial issues in the UK and South Korean markets, but management is now much confident in its expansion plans.

Overseas fast food chains don’t always have it easy. While McDonald’s (in Japan since 1971) and KFC have established a strong market locally, Wendy’s has already left and come back once under a new franchise partner in 2012. Burger King also withdrew, citing defeat in a price war with McDonald’s, though returned in 2007.

New image and details about the branch have been announced, which is being operated by franchise partner Asrapport Dining.

It will seat 104 diners and serve the Mexican cuisine menu that has made it a household name stateside. It will be open 10:00-23:00.

Japan-only menu items will include taco rice and shrimp & avocado burrito.

Taco Bell’s re-entry into Japan is part of a ten-year global campaign, where the chain plans to open 2,000 more branches outside the United States by 2022. So expect to see more Taco Bell restaurants popping up around Japan and other countries in the near future.