Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 535.47 points, or 1.59 percent, from Wednesday to close the day at 33,140.47.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 23.40 points, or 1 percent, lower at 2,325.98.
Market watchers here pointed out that the recent sharp rises in stock prices have intensified the sense of caution among Tokyo investors, which contributed to the sell-off on Thursday.
In the Tokyo forex market, the yen appreciated against the U.S. dollar, which also prompted the selling of exporter issues.
Honda Motor lost 2.9 percent while Nissan Motor was down 3.0 percent. Toyota Motor plunged 4.0 percent following an announcement that it would recall 1 million vehicles in the United States over potential issues with a sensor for passenger seat airbags.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by transportation equipment, precision instruments and consumer credit issues.
Issues that fell outpaced those that advanced by 1,316 to 293, while 50 ended the day unchanged.
Latest comments