Dec 21 - American Eagle Outfitters Inc, which is expanding its international footprint, said it will open its first store in Japan in the first half of 2012.

Hat from American Eagle's Fall 2010 collection

The company will open its namesake and Aerie by American Eagle stores in partnership with Sumikin Bussan Corp, with the first shop slated to open in Tokyo's Harajuku shopping district.

Pittsburgh-based American Eagle opened its first non-North American stores in Dubai and Kuwait earlier this year, and it has been chasing an international strategy with store deals in China, Hong Kong and Israel.

The company, known for its casual styles, has been lagging peers like Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF.N) and Zumiez Inc in the domestic market, losing out on pricing and fashion.

The stock was down 9 cents at $14.67 on Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange.

(Reporting by Nivedita Bhattacharjee in Bangalore; Editing by S. John Tilak)