The Nikkei 225 Index slipped 0.09% to close at 53,700 on Tuesday, reversing earlier gains as oil prices rebounded on mounting concerns over supply disruptions in the Middle East. Iran has stepped up attacks on energy infrastructure in the region, while most countries have so far declined US President Donald Trump’s call to help safeguard commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The renewed rise in crude prices has heightened inflation concerns, leaving oil‑importing economies such as Japan particularly exposed to potential supply shocks. At the same time, the Bank of Japan is widely expected to leave its policy rate unchanged this week, reflecting increased uncertainty about how the conflict with Iran will affect the domestic economy.
Tech shares led the downturn, with notable losses in Kioxia Holdings (-4.4%), Fujikura (-4.0%), Lasertec (-5.2%), Advantest (-2.5%), and SoftBank Group (-1.8%).
