The Nikkei stock index opened lower Wednesday, weighed down by technology shares after their U.S. counterparts dropped overnight.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 185.20 points, or 0.51 percent, from Tuesday to 35,880.66. The broader Topix index was up 0.02 point at 2,526.95.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by pharmaceutical, miscellaneous product and mining issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 147.32-35 yen compared with 147.56-66 yen in New York and 147.23-25 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0841-0845 and 159.71-80 yen against $1.0840-0850 and 160.02-12 yen in New York, and $1.0822-0823 and 159.34-38 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.
