Tokyo shares closed the morning session lower on Thursday as market sentiment was dampened by U.S. shares losses on weak oil prices, and the investors kept cautious awaiting U.S. Federal Reserve chief's speech on Friday.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 42.19 points, or 0.25 percent, from Wednesday to 16,555.11.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange dropped 4.13 points, or 0.32 percent, to 1,302.58.

Decliners were led by nonferrous metal, oil and coal product and pharmaceutical issues.

Source : XINHUA