American clothing and accessories retailer Gap plans to open as many as 20 more Old Navy stores in Japan this year.

Old Navy opened its first store outside of North America in Tokyo in 2012. Based on initial response, the brand expects to open several Old Navy stores in the coming months. The brand will launch stores in key areas of Japan, including Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka and Yokohama.

“Our success in Japan shows us there is an appetite for more Old Navy stores in the country,” said Stefan Larsson, global president for Old Navy.

The first Old Navy store in Japan, which opened in the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza complex in Odaiba, has attracted a wide customer base and is performing well.

The Old Navy stores in Japan will feature the same shopping environment the brand is known for in North America. The store offers its signature men’s, women’s, children’s and babies’ clothing and accessories, selected to appeal to customers in Japan.

Japan is an important part of Gap’s growth strategy and is already home to around 140 Gap and about 35 Banana Republic stores.

Gap, which operates brands Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta and Intermix, booked a US$15.7 billion net sales in 2012.

The company also plans to open 35 Gap and outlet stores in China this year.