Nikkei futures, an indicator of the Tokyo market's pre-noon close, plunged against a backdrop of US semiconductor stocks falling for an 8th straight session. Higher oil prices were also a drag, and selling was expected to lead trading.
Reports that US semiconductor stocks have fallen for 8 straight sessions have spread, heightening investor caution.
Nikkei futures plunged in tandem with this move, affecting sentiment in the domestic market.
Higher crude oil prices are also seen as a burden on the market, with selling reportedly leading the way.
There are indications that future price movements and further developments could change depending on trends in the US market and crude oil prices.