Yamato Holdings Co. said Wednesday it will launch door-to-door parcel delivery service in China in January, expanding beyond Japan for the first time.

Aiming to establish a presence in emerging Asian economies, Yamato also plans to start parcel deliveries in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore as well, the company said.

Yamato, Japan's largest home delivery service, will turn Shanghai Bus Logistics Co. into a subsidiary by buying a 65 percent stake in the distribution firm for about ¥3.5 billion.

Delivery charges will be lower than they are in Japan, the company said, adding that customers will be able to specify delivery times and request refrigerated delivery as in Japan.