UPDATE 1-Wal-Mart to close 30 underperforming stores in Japan, take charge
October 30, 2014 at 14:21 PM EDT
Oct 30 (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc said on Thursday it would close 30 underperforming stores in Japan, scaling back in what was once considered one of the retailer's most promising markets and highlighting the hurdles it faces to securing growth overseas.