Tokyo stocks closed lower on Tuesday, dragged down by a broad sell-off in heavyweight semiconductor-related shares.
The benchmark 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 1,480.73 points, or 2.12 percent, from Monday to 68,256.96.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 39.70 points, or 0.97 percent, lower at 4,062.26, breaking a six-session winning streak after hitting an intraday record high in the morning.
On the top-tier Prime Market, nonferrous metal, metal product, and machinery issues were notable decliners.
Heavyweight chip-linked stocks bore the brunt of the selling. Analysts noted that while chipmakers continue to benefit from tight supply and firmer chip prices, doubts are mounting over whether companies pouring massive sums into artificial intelligence infrastructure can sustain such costly spending over the long haul. The market may struggle to rebound until hyperscalers release their earnings reports.
Tokyo stocks fall as chip shares slump
Giant panda Mang Cancan celebrated his 3rd birthday on Monday with a special feast featuring various fruit and vegetable at Chongqing Zoo in southwest China.
Zookeepers prepared an elaborate birthday meal for the giant panda, including a pumpkin-carved cart and fruit hamper made of cantaloupe. The festivities were further enhanced with snow-and-ice decorations and a water-mist spray.
Despite the intense summer heat, numerous local residents and tourists made a special trip to the zoo to share birthday wishes to this beloved giant panda.
"I came to see Mang Xiaowu celebrating his birthday. He was eating watermelon and ice and looks very happy. Here I wish Mang Xiaowu a happy birthday," said a visitor.
Mang Cancan was born on July 6, 2023 at Chongqing Zoo, weighing 191 grams at birth.
As the fifth cub of his mother Mangzai, he is affectionately called Mang Xiaowu, meaning "Mang Little Five".
His official name, "Mang Cancan", was selected by over 13,000 citizens and netizens through a public vote when he was 100 days old, symbolizing beauty and brilliance in Chinese.
Giant panda Mang Cancan celebrates 3rd birthday in Chongqing
