Japan shares close near four-week lows

Japanese stocks closed lower on Tuesday, approaching four-week lows, and high-tech stocks led the declines, following in the footsteps of their US peers.

The Japanese Nikkei index closed down 1.81 percent to record 2,6334.98 points, its lowest level since March 16. The broader Topix index fell 1.38% to 1,863.63 points.

US stocks closed lower overnight as investors’ appetite for risk declined in a short week due to a public holiday, while rising bond yields weighed on leading stocks ahead of the release of inflation data.

The biggest loser was Fast Retailing, owner of clothing store chain Uniqlo, which fell 3.18 percent, and robot maker Fanuc fell 5.47 percent.

Sony Group shares fell 2.65 percent and Kines shares 3.45 percent.