The key Nikkei stock index closed below the 10,000 line Thursday for the first time in more than two months as concerns grew that the continued strength of the yen may hinder the economy's recovery.
The 225-issue Nikkei stock average lost 154.59 points, or 1.53 percent, to end at 9,978.64, finishing below 10,000 for the first time since July 24. The broader Topix index was down 13.72 points, or 1.51 percent, at 896.12, its lowest close since July 17.
Stocks fell almost across the board, led by securities, textile and banking issues. The air transport and mining sectors were the only gainers.
Tracking losses on Wall Street overnight, selling accelerated as the Bank of Japan's "tankan" business sentiment survey fanned jitters over the recent strength of the yen.