Japanese shares plummeted on Wednesday for the second straight trading day of decline as sentiment was undermined by a stronger yen and overnight losses on Wall Street.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average lost 424.06 points, or 2.93 per cent, to end at 14,033.45 while the broader-based Topix index was down 30.47 points, or 2.58 per cent, at 1152.01.
Export-linked stocks traded broadly lower as the yen rose against major currencies. A stronger yen makes Japanese goods less competitive overseas and erodes repatriated revenues.
The Tokyo stock market was closed on Monday and Tuesday for public holidays.
On the currency markets at 3 pm (0600 GMT), the dollar traded at ¥101.45-46, down from Friday’s 5 pm quote of ¥102.47-48.
The euro was quoted at ¥141.19-23, down from ¥141.96-97 late Friday, and at $1.3917-3919, up from $1.3853-3855.