Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei stock average, closed at 36,203.22, down 378.54 points or 1.03 percent from Friday. According to the report of Xinhua news agency, Japanese markets were closed on Monday due to national holiday.
Meanwhile, the broader Topics index fell 15.38 points or 0.60 per cent to 2,555.76.
On the Tokyo stock market, US and Japanese long-term bond yields fell, leading insurance and bank stocks. Automakers and other exporters also slipped on worries about a stronger yen, brokers said.
Market watchers here noted that Fed policymakers may opt for an interest rate cut of half a percentage point rather than a quarter point at the end of their two-day policy meeting on Wednesday, which could push the US dollar to 140 yen. This could push it below the 2019-2017 line and put further pressure on Japanese stocks.
Meanwhile, the broader Topics index fell 15.38 points or 0.60 per cent to 2,555.76.
On the Tokyo stock market, US and Japanese long-term bond yields fell, leading insurance and bank stocks. Automakers and other exporters also slipped on worries about a stronger yen, brokers said.
Market watchers here noted that Fed policymakers may opt for an interest rate cut of half a percentage point rather than a quarter point at the end of their two-day policy meeting on Wednesday, which could push the US dollar to 140 yen. This could push it below the 2019-2017 line and put further pressure on Japanese stocks.