Tokyo stocks fell Monday, with the benchmark Nikkei sinking over 800 points at one point as a sharp rise in coronavirus infections in Tokyo stoked fears that the metropolitan government may halt economic activities in the capital to prevent a further escalation of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar dropped against the yen into the lower 107 range due to major central banks increasing global dollar liquidity, adding extra pressure on export-related issues, dealers said.
The 225-issue Nikkei average ended down 304.46 points, or 1.57 percent, from Friday at 19,084.97. The broader Topix, which covers all first-section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, finished 23.95 points, or 1.64 percent, lower at 1,435.54.