Japan: Japan's Nikkei 225 index fell 2.12% to close at 68,256.96 today, weighed down by declines in major semiconductor-related stocks amid losses in Samsung Electronics shares that pulled Korean KOSPI index lower.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the broader TOPIX index also lost 0.97% to close at 4,062.26, retreating after hitting a record intraday high of 4,137.62 earlier in the session.