Tokyo Nikkei 225 down 2.45% at 41,190 points (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Tokyo , 12 Jul - Japanese shares closed sharply lower, retreating from a 3-day rally and sipping from all-time highs amid mixed Asian markets.

The Nikkei index closed down 2.45% at 41,190 points.

Japan's top currency diplomat Masato Kanda said today that authorities would take action as needed in the foreign exchange market, after the yen's spike overnight raised market speculation about currency intervention.

Tokyo shares rose in recent session as figures pointing to a weaker economy added to doubts over Japan's economic health, easing pressure on the Bank of Japan to increase interest rates.

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(RADIOCOR) 12-07-24 08:35:44 (0155) 5 NNNN