The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 451.76 points, or 1.91 percent, from Dec. 30 to close the day at 23,204.86.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 23.87 points, or 1.39 percent, to finish at 1,697.49.
Marine transportation, transportation equipment, and air transportation-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.
Markets here had been closed since Tuesday for the New Year holidays.
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