Tokyo stocks fell Friday morning on the increased prospect of further rate hikes in the United States and caution over developments in the Israel-Hamas war over the weekend.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 163.78 points, or 0.52 percent, from Thursday to 31,266.84. The broader Topix index was down 8.64 points, or 0.38 percent, at 2,255.52.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by insurance, machinery and electric appliance issues.