The benchmark Nikkei stock index fell Wednesday as investors were temporarily spooked by North Korean missile tests over the Sea of Japan earlier in the morning. Stocks closed at 15,523.94, down 114.56 points from Tuesday.
But analysts and observers downplayed the tests, calling them an idle threat aimed at bringing the United States to the negotiating table and adding they would have no long-term impact on the economy.
The 225 Nikkei stock average seesawed throughout the day as some investors reacted to the latest diplomatic ruckus caused by North Korea's missile launches. Others took advantage of the dip in prices to snap up stocks.