Asian stock markets closed mixed Wednesday, in limited trading due to the Lunar New Year holiday.
The Nikkei index lost 17 points to finish at 11,473.
On Tuesday, the average lost nine points. Elsewhere, share prices were lower in Manila and Sydney.
Markets were higher in Bangkok, Bombay and Wellington. The markets in Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Singapore and Taipei were closed for the holiday.
In late afternoon Tokyo currency trading, the dollar was selling at 105.39 yen, up .14 yen from the same time Tuesday.