The Japanese stock market declined in early trading, and the tension in diplomatic relations increased uncertainty about Japan's economic outlook. The Nikkei Index fell 0.5% to 51,687.44 points. Electronics and finance stocks led the decline. Hitachi declined 1.5%, and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group declined 1.6%. Investors are closely watching the evolution of the geographic relationship and US economic data.

The Japanese stock market declined in early trading, and the tension in diplomatic relations increased uncertainty about Japan's economic outlook. The Nikkei Index fell 0.5% to 51,687.44 points. Electronics and finance stocks led the decline. Hitachi declined 1.5%, and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group declined 1.6%. Investors are closely watching the evolution of the geographic relationship and US economic data.