Tokyo shares close lower on strong yen, Brexit concerns

Tokyo shares plunged Wednesday, with the Nikkei index down over 3 percent for a moment, as the market confidence was discouraged by the stronger yen and renewed concern over Britain's decision to exit the European Union.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 290.34 points, or 1.85 percent, from Tuesday at 15,378.99.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange finished 22.44 points, or 1.79 percent, lower at 1,234.20.

Decliners were led by financial, rubber product and securities issues.

The day's turnover was about 2,230.4 billion yen (around 22.11 billion U.S. dollars).