WARAKU is a Japanese restaurant chain started in Japan but based in Singapore.

Its restaurants - Waraku Japanese Casual Dining, Pasta de Waraku, Mr Curry, Waraku de Gohan and Cafe de Waraku - are for now confined to Asia, but it also has set its eyes on Europe and the United States.

A company spokesman says that Waraku has registered trademarks in the US and parts of Europe, along with China.

'Trademarks were registered in advance to pre-empt us moving into these countries and to prevent competitors and other parties from registering them just to hinder our entrance.'

For now, Waraku wants to concentrate on growing its existing markets in Asia.

'As much as we would hope to grow into as many countries as possible, we have to pace ourselves,' the spokesman says.

'We want to make sure every outlet is smooth running and successful. There is no point expanding if the restaurants are not given enough attention and support to make them succeed.'

Waraku currently has 14 outlets in Singapore, one in Malaysia, three in Hong Kong and two in Indonesia.

'This year, we are opening two more Pasta de Waraku outlets in Singapore, two more in Indonesia and one more Waraku in Hong Kong,' the spokesman says.

'We are also opening Cafe de Waraku, a new concept, in Singapore.'

Waraku also has registered offices in Hong Kong and Japan to provide support for the restaurant chain's entry into China - if it chooses to do so later.

This article was first published in The Business Times .