The Nikkei Average fell sharply, with Advantest and SoftBank Group alone weighing on it by approximately ¥405. The morning closing level was ¥64,534.03, with semiconductor-related stocks sold against the backdrop of movements in U.S. stocks.
The Nikkei Average ended the morning session at ¥64,534.03, a sharp decline from the previous day. Selling led by semiconductor-related stocks intensified in response to movements in U.S. markets, and declines in major stocks including Advantest, Tokyo Electron, and SoftBank Group widened the Nikkei's loss. The contribution from the biggest decliners was substantial at midday, and the Nikkei at one point fell by more than ¥1,400.
Advantest made the largest negative contribution among Nikkei constituent stocks, reducing the index by approximately ¥209, followed by SoftBank Group with a contribution of approximately ¥196.6. Tokyo Electron, Fast Retailing, Ibiden, TDK, and Lasertec followed, adding to the overall decline. BayCurrent made the largest positive contribution, lifting the index by approximately ¥21, while KDDI and Terumo also advanced.
Trading was active, particularly in stocks with large contributions to the Nikkei, and sharp price movements stood out from the start of the morning session through the afternoon session. Estimated trading volume was approximately 917.96 million shares, according to reports. Further market activity could emerge depending on developments in U.S. markets and company-specific factors.