Japan's Nikkei ends lower as stronger yen drags ahead of US jobs

The Japanese currency strengthened back to the 145 levels per dollar after falling as far as 147.34 the previous day, although a halt in the yen's rise helped narrow equity losses in the Asian afternoon. Nikkei finished 0.3% lower at 37,951.8 after falling 1% in early trade, while the broader Topix fell 0.2% to 2,664.86.