At 9:15 a.m. local time, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average plummeted 917.34 points, or 4.42 percent, from Friday at 19,832.41.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, tumbled 61.28 points, or 4.16 percent, lower at 1,410.18.
All industry categories on the main section retreated into negative territory, with oil and coal product and electric appliance-linked issues leading notable decliners in the opening minutes after the morning bell.
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