Japan's Nikkei share average slipped on Wednesday as the yen strengthened against the dollar after downbeat US data, and investors locked in gains ahead of a Japanese holiday. 
The Nikkei closed down 0.2% at 16,735.12. The broader Topix finished down 0.2% at 1,314.83. 
The JPX-Nikkei Index 400 shed 0.2% to 11,833.82. 
Markets in Japan will be closed on Thursday for a public holiday, with some investors planning to take Friday off as well for a long weekend.