Tokyo stocks ended lower on Wednesday as rising crude oil prices reignited inflation worries.
The benchmark 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 1,437.91 points, or 2.11 percent, from Tuesday to 66,819.05.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 55.83 points, or 1.37 percent, lower at 4,006.43.
On the top-tier Prime Market, precision instruments, nonferrous metals, and machinery issues were notable decliners.
Oil prices jumped after reports of a fresh round of attacks exchanged by the United States and Iran.
Sentiment soured on concerns that escalating tensions in the Middle East would drive up energy costs and hurt corporate earnings, analysts said.
The prospect of an oil price spike weighed on automaker and airline shares, reversing their recent rebound on easing concerns over the oil market.
Tokyo stocks end lower as oil prices climb
China on Wednesday launched a national summer holiday cultural and tourism consumption campaign, with more than 450 million yuan (about 66 million U.S. dollars) worth of consumer vouchers to be distributed.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the campaign aims to improve the supply of seasonal tourism products and services and encourage people to enjoy travel during the summer holidays.
Running from early July to late August, the campaign is expected to feature more than 30,000 activities nationwide, catering to popular travel demands, such as summer getaways, coastal vacations, night tourism, cruise trips and study tours.
The ministry, along with other relevant agencies, will put a series of support measures in place, ranging from travel information guides to preferential financial policies.
A launching event was held in Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Qinghai Province on Wednesday.
This campaign comes as China has set a target of significantly enhancing people's access to and satisfaction with tourism by 2030, according to a new five-year tourism development plan issued on Tuesday.
China to issue 450 mln yuan in consumer vouchers for summer holidays
