The Tokyo stock market plummeted to its lowest close in more than 16 years on Monday as the market fretted over high-tech earnings.
The 225-issue Nikkei average closed at 11,477.56, down 257.5 points from Friday's close.
The fall could prod the Bank of Japan into easing monetary policy further at a two-day board meeting that began Monday, an economist said.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.