Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index edged down 1.28 points from Thursday to close the day at 40,912.37.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 14.29 points, or 0.49 percent, lower at 2,884.18.
Market watchers here noted the profit-taking trend in Tokyo after the Nikkei stock index and Topix index both hit all-time highs, which also triggered short-term overheating concerns.
Investors were also taking a wait-and-see attitude ahead of the release of the U.S. employment data in June, according to local analysts.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by issues related to marine transportation, transportation equipment and electric power and gas.
Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones by 1,314 to 303, with 28 issues remaining unchanged.
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