The benchmark Nikkei 225 index was down 0.69 percent, or 207.50 points, at 29,973.71 in early trade, while the broader Topix index slipped 0.60 percent, or 12.45 points, to 2,067.16
The benchmark Nikkei 225 index was down 0.67 percent or 185.37 points at 27,603.92 in early trade, while the broader Topix index slipped 0.61 percent or 11.96 points to 1,938.18
The latest figure, which mostly reflects the depth of the plunge at the same time last year during a virus state of emergency, did not prompt strong market reaction.