Tokyo stocks fell slightly Thursday as investors held back from active trading amid a dearth of fresh buying incentives.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 44.14 points, or 0.29%, from Wednesday at 15,284.42.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock, according to Japan's (Kyodo) News Agency.
Exchange finished 2.53 points, or 0.20%, lower at 1,269.86.
Major decliners included steel, nonferrous metal and utility shares.