The Nikkei 225 plunged 957 points to 64,908.65 as of 14:49. Major indexes remained weak following the release of US economic data and comments from monetary officials.
The Nikkei 225 reached 64,908.65, down sharply by 968.97 points.
Markets reacted to US economic data and comments from monetary officials, and declines in major stock indexes continued.
Developments in the Chinese market also had an impact, with the Shanghai Composite Index at 3,823.62 points, down 64.75 points.
Selling spread across the Japanese market following developments in the US market, and trading at times became subdued during market hours.