The benchmark Nikkei 225 index was down 0.51 per cent or 132.48 points at 25,882.14 in early trade, while the broader Topix index slipped 0.49 per cent or 8.55 points to 1,726.11. — Reuters pic
“Even though the basic undercurrent is in the upward direction, a sense of overheating after recent rallies... is prompting position-adjustment by investors,” said Okasan Online Securities chief strategist Yoshihiro Ito. Automakers and airlines were lower on worries that economic activity may shrink after reports said the Tokyo government may raise its virus alert level and recommend shops close early.