Tokyo stocks plunged Friday morning, led by declines in exporters as the yen firmed further against the U.S. dollar to hit a new three-and-a-half month high around the 135 line.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 546.24 points, or 1.94 percent, from Thursday to 27,679.84. The broader Topix index was down 40.50 points, or 2.04 percent, at 1,945.96.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by pharmaceutical, real estate and wholesale issues.