Tokyo shares ended the morning session lower Wednesday as market sentiment was hurt by a stronger yen and losses in the U.S. and European markets.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 38.16 points, or 0.25 percent, from Tuesday to 15,276.25.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was down 5.34 points, or 0.42 percent, to 1, 270.36.
Decliners included brokerage and marine transport, and steel shares.