The Nikkei share average gave up its early gains to close 0.34 per cent lower today on profit-taking in such index heavyweights as Tokyo Electron.
There were signs of foreigners selling more shares to cash in on recent gainers such as food stocks, while concerns about industrial output data due to be issued before the open tomorrow also curbed buying.
The Nikkei fell 55.08 points to 15,915.68. The index rose 1.77 per cent on Friday.
On the other hand, the broader TOPIX index rose 0.15 per cent to 1,616.17.
