Japan stocks lower at close of trade; Nikkei 225 down 1.08%

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 closed down 1.08% (−662.29 points) as sector losses in Paper & Pulp, Transport and Communication weighed on the market. Decliners outnumbered advancers by roughly 2,444 to 1,201. Heavy individual moves included Terumo jumping 18.57%, Recruit +16.58% and Kioxia hitting an all-time high after a 15.75% rally, while Marui, Nikon and Subaru fell sharply (Marui to a 52-week low). Risk sentiment showed a modest rise in Nikkei options implied volatility. Outside equities, WTI and Brent crude rose over 1.4% while gold slipped and USD/JPY edged higher, reflecting mixed macro drivers. Overall market tone was bearish for the Nikkei after the close.