Japanese stocks fell to close in the red, extending the sell-off in chip shares amid deepening investor concerns over returns on high levels of artificial intelligence spending ahead of earnings from US big tech firms.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 closed down 930.73 points, or 1.49%, at 61,434.19.
Oil prices gained after Iran resumed attacks on the US bases in the Middle East, ending a temporary truce and heightening concerns over future escalation, even as the US said it intercepted the attacks launched from Iran.
On the corporate side, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (TYO:7011) and ispace (TYO:9348) signed a contract for the launch of the new lander Ultra for a lunar landing mission scheduled for 2028, according to a Wednesday release.
Also, Komatsu (TYO:6301) posted a 5.4% year-over-year increase in profit attributable to owners of the parent to 96.2 billion yen for the three months ended June 30 from 91.2 billion yen.