Japanese stocks fell 1.4% in early trade, led by Murata Manufacturing (down 5.1%) and Toyota Motor (4.7% lower), as Middle East tensions persist. The Nikkei edged lower to 63445.53, reversing Friday’s sharp gains. The dollar weakened to 157.62 yen after U.S.-Japan yen intervention, down from 160.33.

Investors remain cautious amid uncertainty over the Iran conflict, with electronics and auto sectors under pressure. Market activity reflects heightened risk aversion in the absence of clarity on geopolitical developments. ([email protected]; @kosakunarioka).